The cheapest place to buy Xifaxan is often through a Canadian pharmacy that offers both brand-name Xifaxan and generic rifaximin. In the U.S., Xifaxan can be very expensive, especially for patients without insurance or with high deductibles.

Options to compare for the cheapest Xifaxan price

Patients looking to lower their Xifaxan costs often compare the following options:

• U.S. retail pharmacies (cash price): Convenient, but often the most expensive option. Cash prices for Xifaxan 550 mg can exceed several thousand dollars for a one-month supply.

• U.S. retail pharmacies with insurance: For patients with strong prescription coverage, insurance may lower the cost of Xifaxan. However, plans may require high copays, especially for brand-name medications.

• Manufacturer savings programs: Copay cards and savings programs may reduce out-of-pocket costs for some patients with commercial insurance. These programs are usually not available to patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-sponsored plans, and they may have eligibility requirements.

• Canadian pharmacy, brand-name Xifaxan: Provides the same medication and dosage strength at a significantly lower price than typical U.S. cash prices, making it an option for patients whose insurance coverage is limited or does not apply. 

• Canadian pharmacy, generic rifaximin: Offers the same active ingredient as brand-name Xifaxan at a much lower cost. Generic rifaximin is available in Canada but not yet available in the United States, giving patients an additional lower-cost option.

How to buy Xifaxan (rifaximin) online from a Canadian pharmacy

Patients with a valid prescription can order Xifaxan or generic rifaximin through RxConnected by following these steps:

• Go to RxConnected and search for Xifaxan or rifaximin using the search bar.
• Choose your prescribed dosage and select the quantity you need, then click Add to Cart and proceed to checkout. 
• Sign in to your existing account or create a new one. If you prefer to order by phone, you may call 1-877-385-5040.
• Upload your valid prescription during checkout or request that RxConnected contact your doctor or pharmacy on your behalf.
• Review and confirm your order details, then submit your order.
• Once approved, your medication is shipped directly to your home.

What to verify before buying Xifaxan online

Before ordering Xifaxan online, patients should confirm that the pharmacy:

• Is a member of organizations such as the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA), which sets strict safety guidelines 
• Uses licensed pharmacies and regulated suppliers
• Has a prescription requirement
• Explains their shipping timeline
• Has customer support available 

Websites that sell Xifaxan without a prescription should be avoided.

When a Canadian pharmacy like RxConnected makes sense

RxConnected may be a practical option for patients who:

• Are paying full cash price at U.S. pharmacies
• Have high deductibles or limited insurance coverage
• Are not eligible for manufacturer savings programs
• Want access to generic rifaximin, which is not available in the U.S.

At U.S. retail pharmacies, 60 tablets of Xifaxan 550 mg can cost an estimated $3,584.40, or roughly $59.74 per tablet. Through a Canadian pharmacy like RxConnected, the same strength of brand-name Xifaxan costs about $11.20 per tablet, and generic rifaximin costs about $1.70 per tablet, representing substantial savings for patients paying out of pocket.

Xifaxan 550 mg price

U.S. retail prices based on estimate and are for reference only.

Rifaximin 550 mg generic price in Canada

U.S. retail prices based on estimate and are for reference only. Generic rifaximin is available in Canada but not in the U.S. until at least 2029.

Why is Xifaxan so expensive in the U.S.?

Xifaxan is expensive in the United States for several reasons. It is a brand-name medication with no generic version currently available in the U.S., which limits price competition. Generic rifaximin is not expected to be available in the U.S. until at least 2029 due to patent protections.

In addition, U.S. drug pricing is influenced by manufacturer pricing, insurance negotiations, and pharmacy markups, which can result in very high cash prices for patients without coverage.

Some commercially insured patients may qualify for the Xifaxan Savings Card, which can lower out-of-pocket costs at participating U.S. pharmacies. However, this program does not apply to patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance.

Xifaxan generic vs brand 

Generic rifaximin is already available in Canada and contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Xifaxan. In the United States, however, a generic version cannot be dispensed until current patent protections expire, which is not expected to happen until 2029.

Because of this difference in availability, many Americans look to Canadian pharmacies for lower pricing. With a valid prescription, patients in the U.S. can order generic rifaximin through a Canadian pharmacy and pay far less per tablet than they would for brand-name Xifaxan at U.S. retail pharmacies.

Xifaxan is the brand name for rifaximin, a prescription antibiotic used to treat certain intestinal conditions. Unlike many antibiotics, rifaximin works almost entirely within the gastrointestinal tract. It passes through the stomach and into the intestines, with minimal absorption into the bloodstream, so its effects are limited to the gut rather than the rest of the body.

Xifaxan is approved to treat travelers’ diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli in adults and children aged 12 years and older. It is also used to reduce the risk of recurrent overt hepatic encephalopathy in adults with liver disease and to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea in adults. When prescribed for IBS with diarrhea, treatment may be combined with dietary changes recommended by a healthcare provider.

Because Xifaxan acts locally in the intestines, it is not effective for infections outside the gastrointestinal tract. It should not be used for diarrhea accompanied by fever or blood in the stool, or for diarrhea caused by bacteria other than E. coli.

To understand how Xifaxan works and the conditions it treats, visit our detailed Xifaxan article.

Xifaxan Dosages

Xifaxan is taken orally and may be used with or without food. The exact dose and length of treatment depend on the condition being treated, and it should always be used as directed by your doctor.

• Travelers’ diarrhea: 200 mg taken by mouth three times daily for 3 days.
• Hepatic encephalopathy: 550 mg taken by mouth twice daily, as directed by your doctor.
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): 550 mg taken by mouth three times daily for 14 days. If symptoms return, the treatment course may be repeated up to two times.

It is important to complete the entire course of Xifaxan as prescribed, even if symptoms begin to improve before the medication is finished. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within 24-48 hours of starting treatment, contact your doctor.

Xifaxan side effects

For travelers’ diarrhea, the most frequently reported side effect is headache.

For hepatic encephalopathy, patients may experience:

• Swelling in the limbs (peripheral edema)
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Urinary tract infections
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anemia
• Itching
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)

For irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), possible side effects include:

• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT)
• Nausea

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate care if you experience:

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, swollen or red skin, blisters or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
• Signs of a severe skin disorder like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, such as blistering or peeling skin, fever, red or irritated eyes, or painful sores in the mouth, nose, or eyes
• Unusual swelling in the arms, legs, or abdomen
• Trouble breathing
• Depression or mood changes
• High fever
• Severe or ongoing diarrhea 

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you are experiencing ongoing or bothersome symptoms, contact your doctor.

For an overview of possible side effects and how to manage them, see our Xifaxan side effects article.

Cautions

• Avoid taking Xifaxan if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to rifaximin or any of the ingredients in the medication.

• Xifaxan should not be used by children under 12, unless recommended by a doctor.

• If you're using warfarin, your healthcare provider may need to check your INR and prothrombin time more frequently, as adjustments to your dose might be necessary.

• Share a complete list of everything you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies, to avoid possible interactions.

• Provide your doctor with a full overview of your medical background.

• If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding, consult your doctor before starting Xifaxan. Use during pregnancy should only occur if clearly necessary and under medical supervision.

• Xifaxan can interfere with how live bacterial vaccines (like the typhoid vaccine) work, so notify your healthcare provider if you're due for any vaccinations.

How much does Xifaxan cost without insurance?

Without insurance, Xifaxan can be very expensive at U.S. retail pharmacies. A typical 60-tablet supply of Xifaxan 550 mg costs about $3,584.40, or roughly $59.74 per tablet, when paying cash.

Through RxConnected, pricing is significantly lower. Brand-name Xifaxan 550 mg costs $11.20 per tablet, and generic rifaximin costs $1.70 per tablet. Patients paying out of pocket often save substantially by ordering from a Canadian pharmacy rather than paying U.S. retail prices.

Why is Xifaxan so expensive?

Xifaxan is expensive in the United States mainly because there is no generic version currently available there. Patent protections prevent U.S. pharmacies from dispensing generic rifaximin until at least 2029, limiting competition and keeping prices high.

In addition, U.S. drug pricing structures involve manufacturer pricing, insurance negotiations, and pharmacy markups, all of which can result in very high cash prices for patients without insurance or with high deductibles.

Is there a generic for Xifaxan?

Yes. The generic version of Xifaxan is called rifaximin.

Generic rifaximin is available in Canada and contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Xifaxan. In the United States, generic rifaximin is not yet available due to patent protections and is not expected to be approved until at least 2029. Because of this, many Americans choose to order generic rifaximin from Canada to lower their medication costs.

Is Xifaxan available over the counter?

No. Xifaxan is a prescription-only medication.

A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required to purchase Xifaxan or generic rifaximin, whether obtained from the U.S. or a Canadian pharmacy, such as RxConnected. Any website offering Xifaxan without a prescription should be avoided.

What is rifaximin used for?

Rifaximin is an antibiotic that works mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. It is used to treat specific intestinal conditions, including travelers’ diarrhea caused by certain strains of Escherichia coli, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea in adults, and to reduce the risk of recurrent overt hepatic encephalopathy in adults with liver disease.

How long does shipping take, and what do I need to order?

Most RxConnected orders are processed and shipped within 48 to 72 hours after your prescription is received and approved. Once shipped, delivery to U.S. addresses typically takes 8 to 14 business days, depending on your location. Orders are sent by regular airmail and delivered by the United States Postal Service directly to your door.

RxConnected charges a flat shipping fee of $14.95 for standard-size packages shipped within the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. If you live outside the U.S., shipping rates and ordering requirements can be discussed with the CareTeam before placing an order.

To place an order, you need:

• A valid prescription for Xifaxan or rifaximin from a licensed healthcare provider
• The prescribed strength and quantity
• Your current shipping address

Can I buy Xifaxan from Canada, and is it legal and safe?

Many Americans order Xifaxan or generic rifaximin from Canada for personal use with a valid prescription. While U.S. rules around medication importation can be complex, ordering a limited supply for personal use is common among patients seeking lower medication costs.

Safety depends on choosing a reputable pharmacy. RxConnected is affiliated with the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA), an organization that sets strict safety, verification, and pharmacy practice standards for its members.

Brand-name Xifaxan and generic rifaximin dispensed through Canadian pharmacies contain the same active ingredient and are produced under regulatory oversight. Patients should avoid any website that does not require a prescription, does not disclose pharmacy licensing information, or offers prescription antibiotics without medical review.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Xifaxan?

Yes. The generic version of Xifaxan is called rifaximin. Generic rifaximin contains the same active ingredient and works the same way as brand-name Xifaxan.

Generic rifaximin is available through Canadian pharmacies and costs significantly less per tablet than brand-name Xifaxan sold at U.S. retail pharmacies. For patients paying out of pocket, ordering generic rifaximin from Canada is often the most affordable option.

Do Xifaxan and alcohol interact?

Xifaxan is not known to have a direct interaction with alcohol. However, healthcare providers may recommend limiting or avoiding alcohol while taking rifaximin.

Alcohol can increase the likelihood of certain side effects, such as nausea, headache, or dizziness, which some patients experience during treatment. Patients who have questions about alcohol use while taking Xifaxan should talk to their doctor for personalized advice.