Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is a prescription antiviral medication for influenza (the flu), manufactured by Genentech (a member of the Roche Group) under license from Shionogi & Co. It was FDA-approved in October 2018 and is indicated for:
Xofluza is the first and only single-dose oral flu treatment — patients take one dose and they're done. It is also the first cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor, representing a new class of antiviral with a mechanism distinct from oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
Medfinder can help you find pharmacies with Xofluza in stock.
Xofluza works through a novel mechanism of action as a cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) inhibitor. It targets the polymerase acidic (PA) protein of the influenza virus, which is essential for viral mRNA synthesis.
By inhibiting the CEN enzyme, Xofluza blocks the virus at a very early stage of replication — before it can make copies of its genetic material. This is fundamentally different from oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which blocks neuraminidase and prevents viral release from already-infected cells.
Because Xofluza acts earlier in the viral lifecycle, it can reduce viral shedding faster than oseltamivir, potentially reducing the period during which a patient is infectious to others. Clinical studies showed Xofluza reduced the time to alleviation of symptoms and significantly decreased viral titers within 24 hours of dosing.
Xofluza has demonstrated efficacy against both influenza A and B viruses, including strains with oseltamivir resistance.
Xofluza is available in the following formulations:
Xofluza is taken as a single oral dose — just one time. This is its key advantage over oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which requires twice-daily dosing for 5 days. Xofluza is approved for patients ages 5 and older for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza.
Important: Do not take Xofluza with dairy products, calcium-fortified beverages, antacids, or laxatives containing polyvalent cations (calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc), as these can reduce absorption.
Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is a single-dose prescription flu treatment, and we've assigned a findability score of 58 out of 100. While the medication is manufactured in adequate supply, its seasonal demand pattern, brand-only pricing, and pharmacy stocking practices create real-world availability challenges — especially during peak flu season.
Unlike oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which is available as a cheap generic, Xofluza has no generic version and costs $161–$219 at retail. Many pharmacies, particularly independents, carry limited or no stock of Xofluza because generic oseltamivir is far more commonly prescribed and stocked.
Xofluza demand is highly seasonal — concentrated during flu season (October–March) with essentially zero demand otherwise. Pharmacies may not restock after initial inventory sells out mid-season. During severe flu seasons like 2024–25, spot shortages have been reported at pharmacies across multiple states.
In October 2025, Genentech launched a Direct-to-Patient (DTP) program through Alto Pharmacy, Amazon Pharmacy, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, offering a $50 cash pay option — 70% below list price. This same-day delivery and mail-order option helps bypass local pharmacy stocking issues.
Xofluza must be taken within 48 hours of symptom onset to be effective, making availability time-critical. Patients who know they want Xofluza should ask their provider to prescribe it immediately upon diagnosis and use the DTP program or larger chain pharmacies for best availability.
Medfinder can help you quickly locate pharmacies with Xofluza in stock near you.
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Xofluza is not a controlled substance. Any licensed prescriber can prescribe it, including PCPs, urgent care physicians, pediatricians (for ages 5+), NPs, and PAs. Many telehealth services offer same-day flu consultations and can prescribe Xofluza.
Speed is essential — Xofluza must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with Xofluza in stock.
No, Xofluza is not a controlled substance. No special prescribing requirements apply. The main barriers to access are pharmacy stocking (many pharmacies don't carry it), cost (brand-only pricing), and the 48-hour treatment window that makes finding it urgently time-sensitive.
Genentech's Direct-to-Patient program offers same-day delivery in select markets and a $50 cash pay option at participating pharmacies.
Side effects are generally mild and similar in frequency to placebo in clinical trials. Because Xofluza is a single-dose medication, side effects are typically brief.
Treatment-emergent viral resistance (PA/I38X substitutions) has been observed, particularly in children under 5 (40% incidence) — which is why Xofluza is not indicated for this age group. In patients 5 years and older, resistance rates are lower but can occur.
Oseltamivir (generic Tamiflu) is the most practical alternative — widely stocked, inexpensive, and effective. Xofluza's single-dose convenience is its key advantage.
Medfinder helps find antiviral availability near you.
Xofluza has minimal drug-drug interactions compared to many other medications, making it generally safe to combine with most prescription drugs.
Xofluza offers a genuinely differentiated flu treatment experience — one dose, one time, done. Its novel mechanism of action, faster viral clearance, and convenience make it an attractive option, especially for patients who may struggle with multi-day treatment compliance.
The main challenges are cost and pharmacy stocking. Genentech's 2025 Direct-to-Patient program with the $50 cash pay option through Alto Pharmacy, Amazon Pharmacy, and Cost Plus Drugs has significantly improved affordability and access. The manufacturer coupon ($35 copay with up to $70 off) further helps insured patients.
For time-critical flu treatment, Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with Xofluza in stock. Search for availability near you.
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