Affordability Check
How to afford Imipenem and Cilastatin
Generic name: Imipenem and Cilastatin
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Imipenem and Cilastatin — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.
Pick an option above to see your specific path.
Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.
About Imipenem and Cilastatin and its cost
What is this medication? Imipenem and cilastatin is a combination antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of serious infections caused by bacteria. Imipenem belongs to the carbapenem class of antibiotics and works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls, which ultimately leads to their death. Cilastatin is included in the formulation not to fight bacteria itself, but to protect the imipenem from being broken down by enzymes in the kidneys. This ensures that the antibiotic remains active in the body for a longer period and reaches effective concentrations to treat the infection.
Doctors typically prescribe this medication for complex conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and skin or soft tissue infections. It is also effective against infections of the bones, joints, and female reproductive organs. Because it is a potent treatment, it is usually reserved for severe infections or those caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. The medication is administered through an injection into a muscle or an infusion into a vein, often in a hospital or clinical setting under medical supervision.
Imipenem and Cilastatin is made by Merck. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.
Common questions
What's the cheapest way to afford Imipenem and Cilastatin?
It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.
Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Imipenem and Cilastatin?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Merck has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Imipenem and Cilastatin?
Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.
How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?
Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.
What if I have a high-deductible plan?
For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.
Are there charity grants for Bacterial Infection?
Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.
More about Imipenem and Cilastatin
Full Imipenem and Cilastatin drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Bacterial Infection
Drugs, grants, and assistance for this condition
Guide to Patient Assistance Programs
How PAPs work, who qualifies, typical wait times
If your insurance denied coverage
5-level appeal playbook — Medicare has a 60% win rate at Level 3