What if I Can’t Afford My Eczema Medication?

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1 What if I Can’t Afford My Eczema Medication?

Eczema can be treated in many different ways depending on how severe it is. Doctors might prescribe medications that you put on your skin, like creams or ointments. They might treat your eczema with pills or injections.

If you can’t afford your eczema medications, you have options. You can find financial help for eczema, including exploring alternative medications, and using patient assistance resources such as discount programs. Getting a better understanding of your health insurance coverage can help ensure you get the most out of your spending.

Find out other medication options for your eczema treatment

If you are concerned about not finding affordable eczema medication, start by talking to your doctor. Discuss all your treatment options. Use shared decision-making with your doctor to determine which medications suit your budget and lifestyle. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about generic options or what your insurance covers.

Shop around for affordable eczema medication options. Compare physical and online pharmacies.

Eczema medication prices can vary depending on where they are sold. Prices are negotiated between the sellers and the companies that make the medication. This means the cost might differ at a hospital, a pharmacy, or in a health plan. It’s the same with pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or online. They might have different prices because of their deals.

You can find the best deal and save money on your eczema medication by checking prices at multiple pharmacies, including online.

Consider generics for eczema medications

Generics are alternative medications that work just as well as brand-name drugs. They have the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, are equally as safe and effective, and cost less. Not all medicines have generics. However, it is worth discussing with your doctor and pharmacist if there is a generic alternative to the medication you’re prescribed.

Consider store brands for low-cost eczema medication

Shopping for store brands is another way to help save money on medication. Store brands are just like generic medications. They have the same active ingredients as the brand name versions but cost less. These medications are regulated by the same standards as name brands, so you can trust that they’re safe and effective.

Take advantage of loyalty cards

Check if your pharmacy has a loyalty card. Loyalty cards give you discounts on some medicines. You can also earn points or get special offers and coupons. These savings can help you save money on your medication over time.

Get eczema medication discount cards

Discount drug cards give you savings on prescription drugs. They are not insurance. The cards can be free or require registration and/or a fee. When considering a card with a fee, make sure to calculate the actual savings. You can get discount drug cards from state governments, drug companies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies.

Optum Perks offers a free prescription discount card. It allows you to find discounts on FDA-approved medications at more than 64,000 pharmacies nationwide. You can compare prices to get the lowest prescription cost. The card is free, it doesn’t require personal information, and can be used with hundreds of doctors and clinics.

Search for eczema medication coupons

Many drug companies offer patient assistance programs for their medications. If you do not see any coupons available on the drug company website, contact the company to find out if they offer a patient support program or discount.

GoodRX.com is a website that provides coupons and can help you compare medication costs.

Buy in bulk or use buying clubs (Sam’s Club or Costco)

Ask your pharmacy if they offer bulk purchasing options. This can help you save money by reducing the cost per dose or pill, compared to buying smaller quantities. Many pharmacies and retailers provide discounts or lower prices for larger amounts of medication. However, there may be restrictions or regulations on how much medication you can buy at once.

When purchasing in bulk, it’s important to consider expiration dates of the medication. You should also follow directions for proper storage.

Check non-profits for help

Several non-profit organizations offer eczema patient assistance programs to help lower prescription costs. Check in with them regularly to see if they are enrolling eczema patients. Openings may change throughout the year.

NeedyMeds links to drug companies offering patient assistance programs, coupons, and co-pay cards.

Check programs for uninsured

Below are two companies that help you access generic medications if you are uninsured, on a limited income, or do not have a medication plan.

Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company offers a limited number of generic medications, such as antihistamines, atopic dermatitis skin care products, Protopic®, and oral corticosteroids. The company works to cut many middlemen involved in the sale of prescription drugs. It buys medication directly from drug companies and sells it almost at cost.
Amazon Prime members can access a selection of generic medications for a flat fee of $5 per month through the Amazon Prime RxPass. Subscribers can have their prescribed medications on the RxPass list filled out as often as needed for one flat monthly fee. It’s helpful for those without insurance or when insurance doesn’t cover certain medications.

Understand your insurance coverage

Check your insurance plan’s list of covered medications (formulary) to find the most affordable options. Medications are often categorized into different tiers with varying costs. Some might need prior authorization, meaning your doctor must get approval from your insurance before the drug is covered. You might also be required to try less expensive treatments first, a process known as step therapy. There could also be limits on how much is covered for certain medications.

Understand your insurance costs (copayment or coinsurance)

Check your monthly premiums to know how much you pay each month for your prescription drug plan. Take note of the amount for out-of-pocket costs for your medications before your insurance starts to pay. This is called the deductible. After meeting your deductible, you’ll either pay a fixed amount (copayment) or a percentage of the drug cost (coinsurance) for your medications.

Make sure you check if your plan has a coverage gap, known as the donut hole. This is when you may pay a higher share of drug costs after you have spent a certain amount on covered drugs.

Use the list below to contact drug companies and find out about their patient assistance programs and discounts. If you are still unable to afford the prescribed medication, talk with your doctor. It’s very important to take your medication as prescribed. Be sure to ask your doctor for help so you don’t go without taking your eczema medication.

Topical Eczema Medications

Opzelura®

Generic name: Ruxolitinib

Manufacturer: Incyte, https://incyte.com/

Patient assistance: https://www.opzeluraontrac.com/

Contact: 855-463-3463, medinfo@incyte.com

Copay Savings Program: If you have commercial prescription insurance, you might qualify for the copay savings program, where you could pay as little as $0 per tube for Opzelura.

Commercial Access Program: If your commercial prescription insurance denies coverage for Opzelura, you may qualify to receive a limited supply of Opzelura for free through the Commercial Access Program.

Patient Assistance Program: If you don’t have insurance or Medicare and can’t afford Opzelura, you might receive Opzelura at no cost via the patient assistance program.

No generics for Opzelura are currently available.

Calcineurin Inhibitors (Topicals)

Protopic® Ointment 0.1% and 0.03%

Generic name: Tacrolimus ointment

Manufacturer: Astellas (formally manufactured by LEO), https://www.astellas.com/us/

Contact: 1-800-727-7003, AstellasAnswers.com

Astellas Pharma Support Solutions: This resource helps patients prescribed an Astellas medication understand their insurance coverage and how to get their medicine paid for. It provides information on programs that can reduce the cost of Astellas medicines and offers support to people who do not have insurance.

1-800-477-6472 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–7:00 pm CT)

Tacrolimus Ointment:
Generic Version of Protopic Ointment 0.1% And 0.03%

Generic name: Tacrolimus ointment

Manufacturer: Padagis (formally manufactured by Perrigo), https://www.padagis.com/

Contact: Info@Padagis.com

Elidel®

Generic name: Pimecrolimus cream

Manufacturer: Bausch Health Companies Inc. (formally Valeant Pharmaceuticals, which was purchased by Bausch), https://www.bauschhealth.com/

Contact: 1-800-321-4576

Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program. This program helps eligible patients get certain products for free if they have money or insurance problems. Patients and their doctors need to fill out an application. If approved, they can get the products at no cost for up to one year. They can also reapply each year.

Find out if you are eligible here: https://www.bauschhealthpap.com/eligibility/

Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%: Generic Version of Elidel

Generic name: Pimecrolimus cream

Manufacturer: TEVA, https://www.tevausa.com/our-products/tevagenerics/teva-generics-catalog/vision-product-page/pimecrolimuscream1

Contact: 1-888-838-2872

Manufacturer: Glenmark Pharms Ltd., https://glenmarkpharma-us.com/pimecrolimus-cream-1/

Contact: 201-684-8000 (8:00 am–5:00 pm EST)

Topical PDE 4 Inhibitors

Eucrisa® (Crisaborole 2%)

https://www.eucrisa.com/

Generic name: Crisaborole

Manufacturer: Pfizer, https://www.pfizer.com/

Contact: 1-800-879-3477 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am- 7:00 pm EST)

Pfizer Dermatology Patient Access: The program offers financial assistance to eligible patients with commercial insurance for Eucrisa:

Patients with commercial insurance that covers Eucrisa: $10/Tube
Patients with commercial insurance that does not cover Eucrisa: $100/Tube
Copay Savings Card Sign could pay as little as $10 per tube. You need to sign up for eligibility. Sign-up here: https://www.eucrisa.com/eucrisa-information-sign-up

1-833-956-3376 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am- 8:00 pm EST)

Generics: No generics for Eucrisa are currently available.

Topical Therapeutic Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist

VTAMA®

https://www.vtama.com/

Generic name: Tapinarof

Manufacturer: Dermavant, https://dermavant.com/

Contact: 1-833-762-8268 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am-8:00 pm EST)

MYVTAMA Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $35.

347-532-5250 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am-7:00 pm EST)

Generics: No generics for VTAMA are currently available.

Topical Corticosteroids

Diprolene®

Generic name: Augmented betamethasone dipropionate ointment

Manufacturer: Organon, https://www.organon.com/

Support program: 844-674-3200, Service_Center@Organon.com

Generics: Multiple generics for betamethasone dipropionate topical available.

Diprosone® Cream: 0.05% W/W/Lotion: 0.05% W/W/Ointment: 0.05% W/W

Generic name: Betamethasone dipropionate

Manufacturer: Merck, https://www.merck.com/

Contact: 1-908-740-4000 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm EST)

Generic alternative: Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream, USP manufactured by TEVA, https://www.tevausa.com/our-products/tevagenerics/teva-generics-catalog/vision-product-page/betamethasonedipropionatecreamusp

Temovate® | Temovate E®

Generic name: Clobetasol topical

Manufactuerer: PharmaDerm a.Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc., https://www.us.sandoz.com/fougera/

Contact: 1-800-525-8747

Generics: Multiple generics for clobetasol topical are available.

Olux® | Olux-E® Foam

Generic name: Clobetasol propionate foam

Manufactuerer: Viatris, https://www.viatris.com/

Contact: 1-800-796-9526, customer.service@viatris.com

Generics: Generics for clobetasol foam are available.

Eumovate®

Generic name: Clobetasone butyrate

Manufacturer: GSK, https://www.gsk.com/

Contact: 888-825-5249 (Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, 8:30 am- 5:30 pm EST; Wednesday 8:30 am- 4:00 pm EST)

Generics: Generics for clobetasone ointment are available.

Vanos®

Generic name: Fluocinonide – cream; topical

Manufacturer: Bausch Health Companies Inc., https://www.bauschhealth.com/

(Formally Medicis via Valeant Pharmaceuticals, which was purchased by Bausch)

Contact: 1-800-321-4576

Bausch Health Patient Assistance Program: This program helps eligible patients get certain products for free if they have money or insurance problems. Patients and their doctors need to fill out an application. If approved, they can get the products at no cost for up to one year. They can also reapply each year.

Find out if you are eligible here: https://www.bauschhealthpap.com/eligibility/

Generics: Multiple generics for fluocinonide cream are available.

Cutivate® Cream/Ointment/Lotion

Generic name: Fluticasone propionate cream

Manufacturer: Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc., https://www.us.sandoz.com/fougera/

Contact: 1-800-525-8747

Generics: Multiple generics for fluticasone propionate cream are available.

Elocon® Ointment

Generic name: Mometasone furoate

Manufacturer: Merck, https://www.merck.com/

Contact: 1-908-740-4000 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am- 5:30 pm EST)

Generics: Generics for mometasone furoate are available.

Dermatop® Emollient Cream

Generic name: Prednicarbate topical

Manufacturer: Dermik Laboratories a business of Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC, https://www.sanofi.us/en

Contact: 1-800-981-2491

Generics: Generics for prednicarbate are available.

Triamcinolone topical

Generic name: Triamcinolone topical

Generics: Generics for triamcinolone are available.

The product trade name Kenalog was discontinued.

Amcinonide topical

Generic name: Amcinonide topical

Generics: Generics for amcinonide are available.

The product trade name Cyclocort was discontinued.

Biologic Treatments

Dupixent®

https://www.dupixent.com/atopicdermatitis/

Generic name: Dupilumab

Manufacturer: Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, https://www.sanofi.us/en and https://www.regeneron.com/

Contact: Sanofi: 1-800-981-2491, Regeneron: 1-844-734-6643, medical.information@regeneron.com

DUPIXENT MyWay Copay Card: Eligible patients with commercial insurance might pay as little as $0 per fill of DUPIXENT. The program has an annual limit of $13,000.

DUPIXENT MyWay®: 1-844-387-4936

Generics: No generics for Dupixent are currently available.

Adbry®

Generic name: Tralokinumab-ldrm

Manufacturer: LEO Pharma Inc., https://www.leo-pharma.us/

Contact: 877-494-4536, Online-Form: https://leo-pharma.us/additional-contact-us

Adbry® Advocate™ Program:

Adbry® Rapid Access™ Program: If you have commercial health insurance, you may be able to receive your first dose of Adbry for free within 48 hours. Call 844-692-3279 to see if you apply.

Adbry® Bridge Care™ Program: If you have commercial insurance that does not yet cover Adbry, you may be able to receive Adbry for free for up to 2 years (or until Adbry is covered by your health insurance plan). Call 844-692-3279 to see if you apply.

Adbry® Patient Assistance Program: If you have financial need and have limited or no prescription coverage, you may be able to receive Adbry at no cost. Call 844-692-3279 to see if you apply.

Adbry® Copay Program: If you have commercial health insurance, you may be able to pay as little as a $0* copay each time you fill Adbry. You do not need to be enrolled in Adbry® Advocate™ to get the Adbry digital copay card. Sign-up here: https://portal.trialcard.com/leo/adbry/

Generics: No generics for Adbry are currently available.

JAK Inhibitors

Cibinqo®

https://www.cibinqo.com/

Generic name: Abrocitinib

Manufacturer: Pfizer, https://www.pfizer.com/

Contact: 1-800-879-3477 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am-7:00 pm EST)

Copay Savings Card: Eligible, commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per month with the copay card. Sign-up here: https://cibinqo.com/savings-and-support-sign-up

Pfizer Dermatology Patient Access: This program helps eligible patients with commercial insurance get Cibinqo for up to 2 years at no cost. If you have government insurance or no insurance, Pfizer will guide you through Medicare Extra Help or Medicaid. If denied, they will check if you qualify for the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program to get Cibinqo for free.

Enroll here: https://www.pfizerdermatologypatientaccess.com/patients/enrollment or call 1-833-956-3376 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am- 8:00 pm EST).

Generics: No generics for Cibinqo are currently available.

Rinvoq®

https://www.rinvoq.com/atopic-dermatitis

Generic name: Upadacitinib

Manufacturer: Abbvie, https://www.abbvie.com/

Contact: 1-800-222-6885, https://www.abbvie.com/contactus.html

Rinvoq Complete Savings Card: Eligible patients can pay as little as $0 a month for their prescription with commercial insurance. Sign-up here: https://www.rinvoq.com/resources/save-on-rinvoq-costs

myAbbVie Assist: Provides AbbVie medicine to qualifying patients who are uninsured, unemployed, or recently lost insurance coverage. Rinvoq may be available at no additional cost.

Learn more at: AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist

For insurance questions: 1-800-274-6867

Generics: No generics for Rinvoq are currently available.

Oral or injectable corticosteroids

Rayos®

https://www.rayosrx.com/

Generic name: Prednisone

Manufacturer: Horizon, https://www.horizontherapeutics.com/

Contact: Amgen: 805-447-1000 (Amgen acquired Horizon Therapeutics in 2023)

RAYOS co-pay card: Patients with commercial insurance will pay $0 for approved prescriptions but might have a small co-pay if the prescription is not approved. Use the RAYOS co-pay card at your pharmacy to save money. Ask your doctor for a RAYOS co-pay card.

Generics: Generics for Rayos are available.

Pediapred®

Generic name: Prednisolone sodium phosphate

Manufacturer: Royal Pharmaceuticals, http://www.royal-pharmaceuticals.com/

Contact: 732-292-2661, dberger@granardrx.com

Generics: Generics for Pediapred are available.

Millipred® Tablets

Generic name: Prednisolone

Manufacturer: Avalo Therapeutics

Contact: 610-254-4201, 410-522-8707, https://www.avalotx.com/about/contact

Generics: Ask your doctor for the best recommended generic alternative.

Medrol®

Generic name: Methylprednisolone (oral)

Manufacturer: Pfizer, https://www.pfizer.com/

Contact: 1-800-879-3477 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am- 7:00 pm EST)

Generics: Generics for Medrol are available.

Depo-Medrol®

Generic name: Methylprednisolone acetate (injection)

Manufacturer: Pfizer, https://www.pfizer.com/

Contact: 1-800-879-3477 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am- 7:00 pm EST)

Generics: Generics for Depo-Medrol are available.

TaperDex™

Generic name: Dexamethasone (oral)

Manufacturer: Xspire Pharma, Llc https://xspirerx.com/

Contact: (601) 990-9497, customerservice@xspirerx.com

Generics: Generics for Taperdexl are available.

Over-the-Counter Treatments (Antihistamines)

Allegra®

https://www.allegra.com/en-us

Generic name: Fexofenadine HCl

Manufacturer: Sanofi https://www.sanofi.com/en

Contact: 1-866-844-2798 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am- 6:00 pm EST)

Coupons: Find printable coupons directly on the website at https://www.allegra.com/en-us/allergy-medicine-coupons

Generics: Generics for Allegra (Fexofenadine HCl) are available.

Benadryl®

https://www.benadryl.com/

Generic name: Diphenhydramine

Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., https://www.jnj.com/

Contact: 1-877-717-2824 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am- 5:30 pm EST)

Coupons: Sign up on their online form to receive free printable coupons, or have deals and discounts directly to your email inbox: https://www.benadryl.com/save-on-benadryl

Generics: Generics for Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) are available.

Claritin®

https://www.claritin.com/

Generic name: Loratadine

Manufacturer: Bayer, https://www.bayer.com/en/us/bayer-united-states-of-america

Contact: 800-252-7484 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am- 8:00 pm EST)

Sign up to Save: Create an account to access monthly coupons. Each person is limited to 2 coupon prints per month and must return each month for new coupons: https://www.claritin.com/coupons

Generics: Generics for Claritin (Loratadine) are available.

Xyzal®

https://www.xyzal.com/

Generic name: Flevocetirizine dihydrochloride

Manufacturer: Sanofi, https://www.sanofi.com/en

Contact: 1-866-844-2798 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am- 6:00 pm EST)

Coupons: Find printable coupons directly on the website: https://www.xyzal.com/en-us/savings

Generics: Generics for Xyzal (Flevocetirizine dihydrochloride) are available.

Zyrtec®

https://www.zyrtec.com/products

Generic name: Cetirizine

Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., https://www.jnj.com/

Contact: 1-877-717-2824 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am-5:30 pm EST)

Save $5.00: Sign up for coupons: https://www.zyrtec.com/savings

Generics: Generics for Zyrtec (Cetirizine) are available.

Corticosteroids

Cortizone-10

https://www.cortizone10.com/en-us

Generic name: Hydrocortisone

Manufacturer: Sanofi, https://www.sanofi.com/en

Contact: 1-866-844-2798 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am-6:00 pm EST)

Coupons: Find printable coupons directly on the website: https://www.cortizone10.com/en-us/coupons

Generics: Generics for hydrocortisone are available.

Can't afford your medication?

The Allergy & Asthma Network has a series on helping to afford medication for asthma, allergies, and related conditions. More will be coming as they become available.