Affordability Check
How to afford ZINPLAVA
Generic name: bezlotoxumab
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get ZINPLAVA — 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 ZINPLAVA and its cost
What is this medication? Zinplava, known generically as bezlotoxumab, is a prescription human monoclonal antibody designed to reduce the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection, which is often referred to as C. diff. This medication is used in adults and pediatric patients one year of age or older who are already receiving antibacterial drug treatment for a C. diff infection and are considered to be at high risk for the infection returning. It is administered by a healthcare professional as a single intravenous infusion.
This medication works differently than a standard antibiotic because it does not kill the bacteria itself. Instead, it targets and neutralizes toxin B produced by the C. diff bacteria, which is responsible for the inflammation and damage to the colon. By providing these antibodies to the body, Zinplava helps prevent the infection from recurring while the patient completes their course of antibacterial therapy. It is not intended to treat the active infection on its own and must be used alongside the prescribed antibiotic treatment.
ZINPLAVA 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 ZINPLAVA?
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 ZINPLAVA?
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 ZINPLAVA?
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 C. diff 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 ZINPLAVA
Full ZINPLAVA drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for C. diff 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