How Much Is Phexx Without Insurance?
Phexx’s cost depends on your pharmacy and insurance status. Find out how much you could pay for this birth control gel without insurance and ways to save.
Phexx
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control
Phexx is a hormone-free prescription birth control used to help prevent pregnancy. It's a vaginal gel that contains three ingredients: lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate. Though it’s not a spermicide, you use it in the same way — by inserting it into the vagina before sex, as needed. Common side effects include vaginal burning, itching, and yeast infections.
What is Phexx?
What is Phexx used for?
- To prevent pregnancy
How Phexx works
Phexx is a vaginal pH regulator. It works by making the vagina more acidic during sex. This makes it harder for sperm to move and reach an egg, which lowers your risk of pregnancy.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Phexx |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Contraceptive |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Phexx essentials
Side effects of Phexx
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Vaginal burning (18%)
- Vaginal itching (15%)
- Vaginal yeast infection (9%)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) (9%)
- Vaginal discomfort (9%)
- Vaginal bacterial infection (8%)
- Vaginal discharge (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Genital discomfort
- Painful urination
- Vaginal pain
Phexx serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Bladder and kidney infection: pain or burning during urination, cloudy urine, pain in the pelvis, back pain
- Allergic reactions: burning or stinging, itching, redness, swelling, pain, rashes, sores
The following Phexx side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Genital yeast infection—redness, swelling, pain, or itchiness, odor, thick or lumpy discharge
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)—burning when passing urine, passing frequent small amounts of urine, bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower back or sides
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Vaginal irritation at application site
Get your GoodRx coupon
$463.46
GoodRx discount
$370.49
Pros and cons of Phexx
Pros
- A hormone-free birth control option
- Used only as needed right before (or up to 1 hour before) vaginal sex
- Can be used anytime, even during your period
Cons
- Must be prescribed by a healthcare professional
- Can cause vaginal burning, itching, or discomfort
- Doesn't work as well to prevent pregnancy as some other birth control methods
Pharmacist tips for Phexx
- Use Phexx right before or up to 1 hour before vaginal sex. Use a new applicator every time you have vaginal sex, even if it’s within the same hour.
- You can use Phexx at any time, including while you’re on your period.
- You can use Phexx if you have a vaginal infection. It’s also safe to use with vaginal medications like miconazole, metronidazole, and tioconazole.
- You can use Phexx with hormonal birth control, condoms, and diaphragms. Just don't use it with a vaginal ring.
- It’s okay to use Phexx after childbirth, an abortion, or a miscarriage once your OB-GYN says it’s safe to have vaginal sex.
- Phexx doesn’t protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about ways to protect yourself from these infections.
- Tell your prescriber if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) while using Phexx. Symptoms can include burning when you urinate, fever, or back pain.
- Phexx can cause vaginal burning, itching, or discomfort. These side effects can also happen to your partner, so let your prescriber know if they become bothersome.
- Pregnancy: Stop using Phexx if you become pregnant. It's only used to help prevent pregnancy.
How to use Phexx:
- Read the Instructions For Use before using Phexx to make sure you use it correctly.
- Remove the applicator and plunger from the foil package. Insert the plunger into the applicator and remove the pink cap.
- Gently insert the applicator into your vagina. Then, using your index finger, push the plunger all the way down. Remove the applicator and plunger, and throw them away.
Risks and warnings for Phexx
Phexx can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Urinary tract infections
- Risk factors: Repeated urinary tract infections (UTI) | Other urinary tract conditions
Phexx can raise your risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including bladder and kidney infections. Your risk is higher if you've had UTIs before or have other urinary tract conditions. Even though UTIs are common, they can be serious if left untreated.
Tell your prescriber if you have symptoms of a UTI, such as pain or burning when you urinate, cloudy urine, pelvic pain, or back pain. UTIs can become serious if they aren't treated, so you might need antibiotics.
Phexx dosage
The average cost for 1 box of twelve 5g applicators of 1.8%/1%/0.4% of Phexx is $370.49 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.06% off the average retail price of $463.46. 
Box
Box| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| twelve 5g applicators of 1.8%/1%/0.4% | 1 box | $370.49 | $370.49 |
How much does Phexx cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Phexx (brand)
$370.49
What are alternatives to Phexx?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Phexx. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Phexx
11 Nonhormonal Birth Control Options You Need to Know About
Nonhormonal birth control methods can help prevent pregnancy without some of the side effects that come with hormonal contraception. Review your options here.
How Effective is Phexx, the Non-Hormonal Birth Control Gel?
When used correctly, Phexx is 86% effective at preventing pregnancy. It works by using a natural spermicide to kill sperm before it enters the uterus.
Will Birth Control Pills Make Me Gain Weight? Probably Not
Do birth control pills actually cause weight gain? Many women hesitate to start the pill due to this risk, but research says it’s unlikely. Read on to learn more.
