Cipro HC ear drops are expensive. Learn how to save on Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in 2026 with coupons, the new generic, discount cards, and patient assistance.
If you've been prescribed Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone (Cipro HC Otic) ear drops and checked the price, you might be in for some sticker shock. Brand-name Cipro HC can cost $350 to $480 for a single 10 mL bottle without insurance. That's a lot to pay for a week's worth of ear drops.
The good news? There are now more ways to save than ever before, thanks to the launch of the first generic in December 2025. In this guide, we'll walk through every option for reducing your out-of-pocket cost in 2026.
Here's what you might pay at a typical retail pharmacy in 2026 without any insurance or discount:
The generic represents a savings of 60% to 80% compared to the brand. Always ask your pharmacist for the generic version — it's the same medication (ciprofloxacin 0.2% / hydrocortisone 1%) at a fraction of the cost.
The single biggest cost-saving development for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone patients is the first-ever generic, approved by the FDA in December 2025 and manufactured by Cosette Pharmaceuticals.
Key facts about the generic:
If your pharmacy doesn't have the generic yet, ask them to order it — or use Medfinder to find a pharmacy that stocks it.
Even if you have insurance, a discount card can sometimes beat your copay. And if you're uninsured, they're essential. Here are the top options:
GoodRx shows prices at pharmacies near you and offers free coupons. For brand Cipro HC, prices start around $351 with a GoodRx coupon. Generic pricing is still being established on the platform but should be significantly lower.
SingleCare offers coupons that can bring brand Cipro HC down to around $130 at select pharmacies. Check singlecare.com for current pricing.
RxSaver compares prices across nearby pharmacies. It's another free tool that can help you find the lowest price for both brand and generic Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.
Additional programs worth checking:
Pro tip: Always compare prices across multiple discount cards. Prices can vary significantly between programs and between pharmacies, even for the same medication.
If you're uninsured or underinsured and struggling to afford your medication, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may help:
Since Cipro HC is a Novartis product, the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (PAF) may provide the brand medication at no cost to qualifying patients. Eligibility typically requires:
Contact Novartis PAF directly or visit their website to check eligibility and apply.
NeedyMeds is a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, discount drug cards, and disease-based assistance funds. Search for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone to see all available programs.
RxAssist maintains a directory of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs and other resources for affordable medications.
RxHope helps connect patients with manufacturer-sponsored assistance programs through a simple online application process.
If Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone is still too expensive, even as a generic, talk to your doctor about more affordable alternatives:
For a full comparison of alternatives, visit our guide on alternatives to Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.
If you have insurance, call your plan's pharmacy benefit number (on the back of your insurance card) and ask:
Many insurance plans are adding the generic to their preferred tier in 2026, which could mean copays as low as $10 to $30.
Prices for the same medication can vary dramatically between pharmacies — sometimes by $100 or more. Always check at least 3-4 pharmacies before filling your prescription. Tools like Medfinder, GoodRx, and SingleCare make this comparison easy.
If your ear infection isn't urgent, a mail-order pharmacy through your insurance plan may offer lower costs — especially for brand-name medications. Some plans offer 90-day supplies at reduced copays (though a 7-day course of ear drops typically doesn't warrant a 90-day supply, the overall cost structure may still be favorable).
Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone doesn't have to break the bank. The launch of the first generic in December 2025 has already made this medication significantly more affordable, and prices should continue to decrease throughout 2026 as the generic becomes more widely available.
Start by asking your pharmacist for the generic. Then compare prices using discount cards. And if cost is still a barrier, talk to your doctor about equally effective alternatives that may be easier on your wallet.
For help finding Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in stock at a pharmacy near you, visit Medfinder.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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