Dermatology Medications: Comparing Costs and Ways to Save
Dermatology prescriptions include topical creams, ointments, and other skin treatments. Costs vary widely: many topical generics are inexpensive, but some branded dermatology products and specialty treatments can be surprisingly costly, and the tube size dispensed affects the total price.
Comparing pharmacy prices, confirming whether a generic exists, and checking the quantity or tube size are the main cost levers. For expensive branded products, manufacturer copay programs may help eligible patients. Each medication below links to a page with current pricing.
Dermatology medications (15)
Each medication links to its own page with live cash and discount prices. Prices vary by pharmacy, location, quantity, and eligibility.
- AccutaneSave 79%
Isotretinoin · 40 mg
from $128.00
- Retin-ASave 74%
Tretinoin · 0.025%
from $38.00
- ElidelSave 19%
Pimecrolimus · 1%
from $389.00
- Cortizone-10
Hydrocortisone Topical · 1%
Live prices on detail page
- DesOwen
Desonide · 0.05%
Live prices on detail page
- Differin
Adapalene · 0.1%
Live prices on detail page
- Diprolene
Betamethasone · 0.05%
Live prices on detail page
- Dovonex
Calcipotriene · 0.005%
Live prices on detail page
- Elimite
Permethrin · 5%
Live prices on detail page
- Finacea
Azelaic Acid · 15%
Live prices on detail page
- PanOxyl
Benzoyl Peroxide · 5%
Live prices on detail page
- Protopic
Tacrolimus Topical · 0.1%
Live prices on detail page
- Selsun
Selenium Sulfide · 2.5%
Live prices on detail page
- Tazorac
Tazarotene · 0.1%
Live prices on detail page
- Vanos
Fluocinonide · 0.05%
Live prices on detail page
Frequently asked questions
Why do prices for the same medication vary so much between pharmacies?
Cash prices are set by each pharmacy, not by a single national list, so the same drug and quantity can cost very different amounts across the street from each other. Discount-card prices, manufacturer arrangements, and a pharmacy's own contracts all move the final number. Comparing a few pharmacies before you fill is the simplest way to avoid overpaying.
Why did my topical cream cost so much for a small tube?
Some branded dermatology products carry high prices even in small quantities, and the tube size dispensed drives the total. Ask whether a generic or different size lowers the cost, and compare pharmacies. The clinical choice of product is up to your prescriber.
Could a generic version lower my cost?
When an FDA-approved generic exists, it usually costs far less than the brand while containing the same active ingredient. Whether a generic is appropriate for you is a clinical decision — ask your doctor or pharmacist. This page is about cost comparison only, not which medication you should take.
Related savings guides
- Generic vs Brand-Name Medications: Cost Differences Explained
How generic and brand-name medications differ in cost and FDA approval, with data on typical savings and what to ask your pharmacist.
- How to Compare Prescription Prices Near You
A step-by-step guide to comparing prescription drug prices at pharmacies near you, including what info to gather and questions to ask.
- How Manufacturer Copay Cards Work (and Their Limits)
Manufacturer copay cards can lower what you pay for a brand-name drug, but they have real limits. Learn who can use them and where they fall short.
This page is for cost and savings education only. It is not medical advice and makes no claims about which medication is right for you or how well any drug works. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medications and coverage. Prices vary by pharmacy, location, quantity, and eligibility.
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