Atovaquone Coupons & Prices

If you're looking for an atovaquone coupon, it helps to know a few things first: atovaquone (brand name Mepron) is a generic antiprotozoal medication used to treat and prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia, and generic atovaquone is already available, but cash prices for it can still vary widely from one pharmacy to the next. Rx.com compares prices at more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide, so before you fill your prescription, enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you.

What Is Atovaquone and How Does It Work?

Atovaquone is an antiprotozoal medicine in the hydroxynaphthoquinone class. It works by interfering with the mitochondrial electron transport system inside certain protozoa, which stops them from producing the energy they need to survive. As an oral suspension sold under the brand name Mepron, it's FDA-approved for adults and adolescents (13 and older) to treat mild-to-moderate Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and to prevent PCP in patients who can't tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX).

Atovaquone is also commonly used off-label, usually combined with azithromycin, to treat babesiosis, a tick-borne parasitic infection. Note that atovaquone by itself is not the same product as the atovaquone/proguanil combination pill sold as Malarone, which is approved separately for malaria prevention and treatment.

Atovaquone Cost: Why Pharmacy Comparison Still Matters

Atovaquone is a generic medication, and a generic version of the oral suspension is available, but that doesn't mean every pharmacy charges the same price. Cash prices for generic drugs like atovaquone can vary significantly from one pharmacy to another depending on the store and your location, whether or not you have insurance. There is no manufacturer savings card for atovaquone itself.

Because atovaquone oral suspension is typically filled in specific quantities for a set course of treatment, it's worth checking prices at more than one pharmacy before you fill it. Rx.com searches pricing across 60,000+ pharmacies so you can see which one offers the best price in your area. Enter your ZIP code above to compare.

Atovaquone vs. Malarone and Other PCP/Babesiosis Options

Atovaquone (Mepron) is generally used for PCP specifically when a patient can't tolerate trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which is typically considered first-line. Other options a provider might consider for PCP prevention include dapsone or inhaled/IV pentamidine. For babesiosis, atovaquone is typically paired with azithromycin as combination therapy.

It's easy to confuse atovaquone with Malarone since they share the same active ingredient, but Malarone also contains proguanil and is a distinct product used for malaria, not PCP or babesiosis. Always confirm with your prescriber and pharmacist that you have the correct product for your condition.

Atovaquone Safety Information

Atovaquone does not carry an FDA boxed warning, but there are important safety points to know. It must be taken with food, ideally a fatty meal, because absorption drops sharply on an empty stomach and can lead to treatment failure. Reported side effects include rash, which can occasionally be severe (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome), as well as elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, and rare cases of fatal liver failure.

• Atovaquone is not effective for severe or late-stage PCP that requires IV therapy.
• Rifampin or rifabutin taken together with atovaquone can reduce its effectiveness.
• Use with caution if you have a GI condition that could impair absorption.

This is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether atovaquone is right for you and how to take it safely.