Comprehensive medication guide to Xofluza including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$35–$75 copay with manufacturer coupon (up to $70 off); varies widely by plan
Estimated Cash Pricing
$161–$219 retail; $50 cash pay option available through Genentech Direct-to-Patient program at select pharmacies
Medfinder Findability Score
58/100
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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).
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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.
20 mg tablets (dose pack of two for 40 mg dose)
40 mg tablets (single tablet) — tablet
80 mg tablets (single tablet for patients ≥80 kg) — tablet
40 mg/20 mL (2 mg/mL) oral suspension for patients who cannot swallow tablets — suspension
Patients 20 kg to 40 mg as a single dose
Patients ≥80 kg
80 mg as a single dose
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.
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.
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Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) — Generic available
The most commonly prescribed flu antiviral. Taken twice daily for 5 days. Generic costs as low as $20–$40. Much more widely stocked than Xofluza.
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Inhaled antiviral. Less commonly used due to inhalation requirement.
Peramivir (Rapivab)
Single-dose IV antiviral. Used in hospital settings.
For patients outside the 48-hour treatment window or with mild symptoms, symptomatic management with rest, fluids, acetaminophen/ibuprofen, and monitoring is the standard approach.
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Polyvalent cation-containing products
moderateAntacids, laxatives, supplements, or foods containing calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, or zinc can significantly reduce Xofluza absorption. Avoid dairy products and calcium-fortified beverages around dosing time.
Live attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist)
moderateXofluza may inhibit viral replication of the live vaccine. Do not administer FluMist within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after Xofluza.
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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