Understanding Meropenem: A Critical-Use Antibiotic
Meropenem is a potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the carbapenem family of medications [1.7.4]. It is administered intravenously to treat a wide variety of severe bacterial infections [1.2.4]. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, which ultimately leads to bacterial death [1.7.2]. Meropenem is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, making it a vital tool in hospital settings [1.7.2].
Healthcare professionals prescribe meropenem for complicated and severe infections that other antibiotics may not be able to treat, such as:
- Complicated intra-abdominal infections [1.7.5]
- Complicated skin and skin structure infections [1.7.5]
- Bacterial meningitis in adults and children over 3 months old [1.7.5]
- Nosocomial pneumonia (hospital-acquired pneumonia) [1.2.4]
The World Health Organization classifies meropenem as critically important for human medicine [1.2.4]. Due to its power, it is often reserved as a last-line defense to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
Pfizer's Meropenem: Brand Name and Availability
Pfizer markets meropenem under the brand name Merrem® I.V. [1.2.1]. The company acquired the rights to Merrem from AstraZeneca in 2016 [1.3.3]. However, it is important to note that a search result from September 2025 on Drugs.com indicates that Pfizer's branded 1GM/VIAL and 500MG/VIAL formulations of Merrem have been discontinued [1.2.2, 1.3.4]. Despite this, Pfizer still lists Merrem I.V. as a product on its website [1.2.1]. The market also includes numerous generic versions of meropenem from other manufacturers, which significantly impacts pricing and availability [1.3.2].
What is the Price of Meropenem Injection in Pfizer?
Determining an exact price for Pfizer's meropenem is challenging, as costs are highly variable. The price for the brand name Merrem can range from approximately $16 to over $60 per vial, depending on the supplier and quantity purchased [1.4.1, 1.4.4]. Generic meropenem is substantially more affordable, with prices as low as $7.03 per 1g vial at some U.S. pharmacies [1.5.1]. A 10-vial package from Pfizer was listed by one wholesaler for $351.43 [1.4.2].
The final cost to a patient or a hospital is influenced by a complex web of factors.
Key Factors Influencing Meropenem's Price
- Brand vs. Generic: Generic versions are significantly cheaper than the brand name, Merrem [1.5.2].
- Insurance Coverage: A patient's out-of-pocket cost is determined by their insurance plan's formulary, deductible, and co-payment structure. Prior authorization may be required [1.10.2].
- Geographic Location and Pharmacy: Prices fluctuate between different countries, states, and even local pharmacies [1.6.1, 1.5.1]. A Walgreens in one area might charge $7.03 for a vial, while a CVS could charge $31.02 [1.5.1].
- Hospital and Clinic Markups: As meropenem is typically administered in a hospital or clinic setting, the institution's purchasing contracts and billing practices are a major component of the total cost [1.6.2].
- Patient Assistance Programs: Pfizer offers programs like Pfizer RxPathways, which can provide medications for free or at a reduced cost to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients who meet certain income requirements [1.10.1, 1.10.5].
- Research and Development (R&D) Costs: The high cost of developing and testing new antibiotics is factored into the launch price of brand-name drugs [1.6.4].
Comparison: Meropenem vs. Other Common Antibiotics
Meropenem's role as a broad-spectrum, last-resort antibiotic places it in a different category than many common antibiotics. Here’s a comparison table to provide context.
| Feature | Meropenem (Carbapenem) | Ertapenem (Carbapenem) | Vancomycin (Glycopeptide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Very broad-spectrum, including Pseudomonas [1.7.4] | Broad-spectrum, but does not cover Pseudomonas effectively [1.9.5] | Primarily targets Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA [1.5.2] |
| Primary Use | Severe, multi-drug resistant hospital-acquired infections, meningitis [1.7.2] | Community-acquired infections, surgical prophylaxis [1.9.5] | C. difficile infections (oral), severe Gram-positive infections (IV) [1.5.2] |
| Administration | IV infusion, typically every 8 hours [1.7.5] | IV infusion, typically once daily [1.9.5] | IV infusion or oral capsule [1.5.2] |
| Relative Cost | High, with generic options available [1.4.5, 1.9.5] | High, with generic options available [1.9.5] | Varies, with generic options available [1.5.2] |
Navigating Costs and Seeking Assistance
Given the high potential cost, patients and providers should explore several avenues to manage expenses. The most effective strategy is opting for a generic version of meropenem whenever possible. Additionally, patients can inquire about hospital financial aid programs. For those who may qualify, the Pfizer RxPathways program is a critical resource [1.10.3]. It helps connect eligible patients with assistance programs that offer co-pay help and free or discounted medicines [1.10.4]. Eligibility generally depends on insurance status and income level, often set at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level [1.10.5].
Conclusion
While Pfizer's brand-name meropenem, Merrem, can be costly, the price landscape for this critical antibiotic is dominated by the availability of more affordable generic alternatives. The answer to 'What is the price of meropenem injection in Pfizer?' is not a single number but a wide range influenced by insurance, pharmacy choice, and healthcare setting. Its effectiveness against severe, multi-drug resistant infections justifies its essential role in modern medicine, but navigating its cost requires careful consideration of all available pricing and assistance options.
