Trying to sort out how much Mebeverine price you’ll actually pay can feel like a maze. The drug’s cost varies wildly depending on whether you pick a brand pack, a generic version, a government subsidy, or an online pharmacy. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step walk through the pricing landscape, plus real‑world numbers for Australia in 2025.
What is Mebeverine?
Mebeverine is a spasmolytic medication used to relax the muscles of the gut, easing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and other functional bowel disorders. It’s classified as a antispasmodic and is taken orally, usually in 135 mg tablets twice a day. The drug works locally on the intestinal smooth muscle without significant systemic side‑effects, which is why doctors often prefer it for chronic abdominal pain.
Why does the price vary?
The price you see on a pharmacy shelf isn’t a single number. Several factors push it up or down:
Brand vs. generic: The original brand, sold under the name Colofac, carries a premium because of the manufacturer’s marketing and packaging costs. Generic versions, which are chemically identical, are usually 30‑60 % cheaper.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): In Australia, medicines listed on the PBS are subsidised for eligible patients. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme covers a portion of the cost, but only for patients with a valid prescription and a holding authority.
Retail channel: Brick‑and‑mortar pharmacies often have higher overheads than online pharmacies. You’ll commonly see a 10‑25 % discount when you order the same pack from a well‑rated web pharmacy.
Pack size and bulk buying: Buying a 60‑tablet supply versus the standard 28‑tablet bottle can shave off a few dollars per tablet.
Health insurance rebates: Some private health funds offer additional rebates on prescription medicines, further lowering out‑of‑pocket costs.
How the PBS influences your out‑of‑pocket cost
If you’re eligible for the PBS, the government pays the bulk of the price and you only cover the patient contribution, known as the PBS co‑payment. As of July 2025, the standard co‑payment for a 28‑tablet pack of generic mebeverine is AU$4.60, compared with around AU$22 for the same pack without any subsidy.
To claim a PBS subsidy you’ll need:
A prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
A valid Medicare card.
The prescription filled at a pharmacy that participates in the PBS (nearly all do).
Patients without a PBS eligibility-such as temporary visa holders or those not yet enrolled in Medicare-must pay the full retail price.
Where to buy Mebeverine in Australia
There are three main channels:
Local pharmacy: Convenient, you can pick up the medicine the same day. Prices are transparent, but you pay the highest retail cost unless you have a PBS claim.
Online pharmacy (Australian‑based): You can upload a scanned prescription, and the medication arrives by post. Reputable sites verify doctors’ signatures and often list the PBS‑eligible price.
International online pharmacies: Some Australians order from overseas sellers for lower list prices. This can be risky-quality control and legality vary, and customs duties may apply.
Top Australian online pharmacies - price comparison (2025)
Mebeverine price comparison across major Australian online pharmacies
Pharmacy
Brand (Colofac) 28‑tablet
Generic 28‑tablet
PBS Co‑payment
Delivery time
Extra fees
Pharmacy Direct
AU$24.99
AU$12.49
AU$4.60 (if PBS‑eligible)
2‑3 business days
None
HealthHub Online
AU$23.80
AU$11.80
AU$4.60 (PBS)
1‑2 business days
AU$2.00 for express
Medicines Australia
AU$25.50
AU$13.00
AU$4.60 (PBS)
3‑5 business days
None
The table shows that buying generic mebeverine online can cut the price in half compared with the brand pack you’d pick up at a physical pharmacy. If you’re PBS‑eligible, the out‑of‑pocket cost drops to under five dollars regardless of where you order.
How to save even more on Mebeverine
Combine prescriptions: If you have other PBS‑listed meds, many pharmacies offer a “combined dispense” discount that reduces handling fees.
Use bulk packs: Some online retailers sell 60‑tablet packs for about 10 % less per tablet than buying two 28‑tablet packs.
Check health fund rebates: Call your private health insurer to confirm whether they provide a modest rebate on prescription medicines. The rebate is often a flat AU$5 per claim.
Look for coupon codes: Reputable Australian e‑pharmacies occasionally release promo codes for first‑time customers-typically a 5 % discount on the order total.
Consider alternatives: For mild IBS symptoms, doctors sometimes recommend hyoscine butylbromide or peppermint oil capsules, which can be cheaper and are also PBS‑listed.
Common pitfalls to avoid
When you’re hunting for the best deal, keep an eye out for these red flags:
Unverified sellers: Websites that don’t ask for a prescription may be selling counterfeit medication.
Hidden shipping costs: Some low‑price listings add high express‑delivery fees at checkout.
Expiry dates: Cheap bulk packs can sometimes be close to their expiry-always check the date before you accept delivery.
Incorrect dosage forms: Mebeverine is sold only as 135 mg tablets. Capsules or liquid forms are usually a different drug entirely.
Quick checklist - getting the lowest legitimate price
Verify you have a valid PBS claim (Medicare card + doctor’s prescription).
Compare brand vs. generic - generic is usually 30‑60 % cheaper.
Visit at least two Australian online pharmacies and note delivery fees.
Consider bulk packs if you need a long‑term supply.
Check for health‑fund rebates or coupon codes before checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mebeverine covered by the PBS?
Yes. Both the brand Colofac and generic mebeverine are listed on the PBS, so eligible patients only pay the standard co‑payment (about AU$4.60 for a 28‑tablet pack in 2025).
Can I get Mebeverine without a prescription?
No. Mebeverine is a prescription‑only medication in Australia. Any reputable pharmacy-online or offline-will require a valid prescription before dispensing.
Is the generic version as effective as the brand?
The generic contains the same active ingredient (135 mg mebeverine hydrochloride) and must meet the same bio‑equivalence standards, so clinical effectiveness is equivalent.
What other medicines can I use for IBS symptoms?
Common alternatives include hyoscine butylbromide, peppermint oil capsules, and low‑dose antispasmodics like dicycloverine. Always discuss alternatives with your GP.
How long does delivery take from an Australian online pharmacy?
Standard delivery is usually 2‑3 business days. Express options are available for an extra AU$2‑5 and can get the medication to you within 1 day.
By understanding the pricing drivers and checking a few reliable sources, you can keep your out‑of‑pocket spend on mebeverine as low as possible while staying safe and compliant.
Mebeverine is still pricey for most patients, even the generic version carries a hefty tag. The PBS co‑payment helps a bit, but many still feel the cost is unfair.
1 Comments
Shannon Stoneburgh
24 October, 2025Mebeverine is still pricey for most patients, even the generic version carries a hefty tag. The PBS co‑payment helps a bit, but many still feel the cost is unfair.