Natamycin Is Expensive — But There Are Ways to Lower the Cost

If you've been prescribed Natamycin (brand name Natacyn) for a fungal eye infection, you may have experienced sticker shock at the pharmacy. A single 15 mL bottle of Natacyn 5% ophthalmic suspension can cost $250 to $600 or more without insurance. For a medication you may need for two to three weeks of treatment, that's a significant financial burden.

The good news is that there are several strategies to reduce what you pay for Natamycin. In this guide, we'll break down the costs, walk through your savings options, and help you find the most affordable path to getting the treatment you need.

What Does Natamycin Cost Without Insurance?

Let's start with the baseline. Here's what you can expect to pay for Natamycin in 2026:

• Brand name (Natacyn 5%, 15 mL): $250 to $600 at most pharmacies
• Generic: Not available — there is no FDA-approved generic Natamycin in the United States
• Typical treatment course: Usually one bottle is sufficient for a 14-21 day course, though severe infections may require more

Prices vary significantly by pharmacy. Specialty pharmacies and hospital pharmacies may have different pricing than retail chains. This is one medication where it genuinely pays to shop around — and tools like Medfinder can help you compare.

What Does Natamycin Cost With Insurance?

If you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan's formulary:

• Preferred brand tier: Copays of $50 to $100
• Non-preferred or specialty tier: Copays of $100 to $200 or more
• Prior authorization: Many plans require prior authorization for Natacyn, which can delay filling by a day or two
• High-deductible plans: You may pay full price until your deductible is met

If your insurance denies coverage or places Natamycin on a high copay tier, ask your ophthalmologist to file an appeal. Since Natamycin is the only FDA-approved topical antifungal eye drop, there's a strong medical necessity argument for coverage.

Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons

Prescription discount cards can sometimes reduce the cost of Natamycin, though savings on this particular medication tend to be more modest than what you'd see with common generics. Here are cards worth checking:

• GoodRx — search for Natamycin at goodrx.com/natamycin to compare prices at pharmacies near you
• SingleCare — check singlecare.com for available discounts
• RxSaver — compare pricing at rxsaver.com
• BuzzRx — search at buzzrx.com
• Optum Perks — check pricing at perks.optum.com

Important tips for using discount cards with Natamycin:

• Prices shown on discount card websites are estimates — confirm the price at the pharmacy before filling
• Discount cards cannot be combined with insurance — use one or the other
• Compare the discount card price to your insurance copay; sometimes one is cheaper than the other
• Check multiple cards, as prices can vary significantly between programs

Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured or underinsured and struggling to afford Natamycin, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may help:

Alcon Patient Assistance

Alcon Laboratories, the manufacturer of Natacyn, may offer assistance to qualifying patients. Contact Alcon directly:

• Phone: 1-800-757-9195
• Eligibility typically requires proof of financial hardship and lack of adequate insurance coverage
• Your ophthalmologist's office may need to submit the application on your behalf

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds maintains a database of patient assistance programs, discount drug cards, and other resources. Search for Natamycin or Natacyn to see current options.

RxAssist

RxAssist is another comprehensive database of patient assistance programs. It can help you identify programs you may qualify for based on your income, insurance status, and medication.

RxHope

RxHope helps connect patients with manufacturer assistance programs. Search for Natamycin to check availability.

Other Ways to Save on Natamycin

Ask About Compounded Alternatives

If cost is a major barrier, talk to your ophthalmologist about compounded antifungal eye drops as a less expensive alternative. While these are not FDA-approved, they are widely used:

• Voriconazole 1% eye drops: $50 to $150 (compounded)
• Amphotericin B 0.15% eye drops: $40 to $120 (compounded)
• Fluconazole 0.2% eye drops: $30 to $80 (compounded)

These compounded options can save you $100 to $500 compared to brand Natacyn. However, the choice of antifungal should always be based on what's most effective for your specific infection — not just cost. Read more in our post on alternatives to Natamycin.

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Natamycin prices vary widely between pharmacies. Don't assume the first price you're quoted is the best one. Use Medfinder to find pharmacies with stock, then call to compare prices before filling.

Ask Your Doctor for Samples

Some ophthalmology offices receive sample bottles of Natacyn from Alcon. While samples won't cover a full treatment course, they can help you start treatment immediately while you work on finding the best price.

Check if a Hospital Pharmacy Is Cheaper

Hospital outpatient pharmacies sometimes offer lower prices on specialty medications compared to retail pharmacies, particularly for patients who are treated at that hospital system. If you were seen at a hospital-affiliated eye clinic, ask about their outpatient pharmacy pricing.

Use Your HSA or FSA

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Natamycin is an eligible expense. Using pre-tax dollars effectively reduces your cost by 20-30% depending on your tax bracket.

What About Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare Part D plans generally cover Natamycin, but placement on the formulary varies. Check with your specific plan. Prior authorization may be required.

Medicaid coverage varies by state. In most states, Natamycin is covered for qualifying patients, though prior authorization may apply. Contact your state Medicaid office for specific coverage details.

Final Thoughts

Natamycin is an expensive medication, but you shouldn't let cost prevent you from treating a fungal eye infection. Untreated fungal keratitis can lead to permanent vision loss, so getting treatment is critical.

Start by checking your insurance coverage and filing for prior authorization. Then compare prices using discount cards and Medfinder. If cost is still a barrier, explore patient assistance programs and ask your doctor about compounded alternatives.

For help locating a pharmacy with Natamycin in stock, visit Medfinder. And for more information about this medication, see our guides on what Natamycin is and Natamycin side effects.