What if I Can’t Afford My Medication for Chronic Hives?

People with chronic hives (also called chronic urticaria, or chronic spontaneous urticaria when the cause is unknown) often need daily medicine to manage itching, swelling, and flare-ups. Symptoms can include raised bumps, itching, and swelling. Some people get hives as a skin reaction from infections, allergies, heat, cold or pressure. No matter the cause, getting the right treatment can help you feel better.

There are many ways to treat hives symptoms, from over-the-counter antihistamines to prescription biologics. Talk with your doctor – or a specialist such as an allergist or dermatologist – to find out the right treatment for you. If paying for medicine is hard, there are ways to save money and still get relief.

This guide reviews your medication options. It explains lower-cost options and how to talk with your doctor about what you can afford.

A person in a blue shirt is outdoors, grimacing and touching their upper arm with their right hand, as if experiencing discomfort. The background is blurred, suggesting a sunny day with greenery.

Types of hives and why treatment matters

Your doctor can diagnose hives by evaluating your skin and your symptoms. An accurate diagnosis can help you and your doctor understand what medicine you may need. Some medicines provide relief fast. Others help control hives over time. Your doctor can help identify the best treatment for your skin condition, as well as more affordable options.

Types of hives:

  • Acute hives: These start suddenly and last less than 6 weeks. They may be caused by an allergic reaction or an infection.
  • Chronic inducible hives: These last for more than 6 weeks and can be linked to physical triggers like cold, heat, water or pressure.
  • Chronic spontaneous urticaria: This type has no clear cause and also lasts 6 weeks or longer.
    See a doctor if your hives last more than six weeks, keep coming back, or are very itchy or uncomfortable.

Are there affordable meds for hives?

For many people with hives, antihistamines are usually enough to relieve symptoms. Many are available over the counter and very affordable.

When shopping, look for:

  • Generic medications: These are the same as brand-name medicines but cost less. For example, instead of Zyrtec, look for a package that says cetirizine.
  • Store brands: These also use the same active ingredients as brand-name products.
  • Coupons: Many brands offer coupons or online savings. Check for coupons in newspapers and magazines or online.
  • Membership-based online websites: Amazon Prime RxPass and Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company offer cost saving for medications (usually generics).
  • Savings programs: Advanced medications such as biologics or BTK inhibitors are available only by prescription. Many of these drugmakers offer co-pay help. Check websites online for patient assistance programs.

Compare prices at pharmacies or online prescription discount services such as GoodRx, Singlecare, Medical Assistance Tool, Amazon Pharmacy, WebMDRx, and NeedyMeds.

Over-the-counter medication for hives

Antihistamines are the first-line treatment for hives because they help treat itchiness and painful swelling. These medicines block histamine, a chemical in the body that causes itching and swelling.

Antihistamines are often the lowest-cost option and a good place to start. There are two types: first-generation (sedating) and second-generation (non- or less-sedating). Healthcare providers usually recommend the non-sedating medicines because they have fewer side effects.

Some people with chronic hives may need a higher dose. This should only be taken under the supervision of your doctor.

Second-generation antihistamines (non- or less-sedating)

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

  • Generic name: Fexofenadine HCl
  • Manufacturer: Opella
  • Contact: 866-844-2798 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am- 6:00 pm ET)
  • Coupons: Check the Allergra website for coupons and offers.

Claritin®
https://www.claritin.com/

Xyzal®
https://www.xyzal.com/

  • Generic name: Levocetirizine dihydrochloride
  • Manufacturer: Opella
  • Contact: 866-844-2798 (Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm ET)
  • Coupons: Sign up for coupons.

Zyrtec®
https://www.zyrtec.com/products

  • Generic name: Cetirizine
  • Manufacturer: Kenvue
  • Contact: 800-343-7805 (Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET)
  • No coupons currently available on website (Nov. 2025)

First-generation antihistamines (sedating)

Benadryl®
https://www.benadryl.com/

  • Generic name: Diphenhydramine
  • Manufacturer: Kenvue
  • Contact: 877-717-2824 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am- 5:30 pm ET)
  • Coupons: Sign up on their online form to receive coupons.

Prescription drugs for hives

If you have hives most days and they last 6 weeks or more, you likely have chronic hives. Your doctor may prescribe stronger or more advanced medicines. These may include higher-dose antihistamines, biologics (an injection taken in a doctor’s office or as an at-home treatment), or a pill called a BTK inhibitor.

For symptoms with severe swelling, your doctor may prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids (such as prednisone). Also called oral steroids, these are prescribed for short-term use. Long-term use comes with a risk of severe side effects.

Biologics for hives

Biologics treat the underlying cause of hives. They target a specific chemical and cell known to cause hives, stopping hives before they can start. They work to calm the immune system and reduce itching and swelling on affected skin.

Biologics are used when antihistamines do not control chronic spontaneous urticaria. These medications can be expensive, so it is important to know about savings programs.

A biosimilar is available for chronic hives treatment. It is a copy of a biologic brand-name drug, with only minor differences. Biosimilars provide the same benefit as biologics and are intended to be more affordable.

Dupixent® (dupilumab)
https://www.dupixent.com/chronic-spontaneous-urticaria/

  • Generic name: Dupilumab, No biosimilars (generics) for Dupixent are currently available.
  • Manufacturer: Sanofi and Regeneron
  • Contact: 844-387-4936, option 1 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm EST), Sanofi: 800-981-2491, Regeneron: 844-734-6643, medical.information@regeneron.com

Copay and savings help:

  • DUPIXENT MyWay Copay Card: People with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per prescription.
  • DUPIXENT MyWay Patient Assistance Program: This may help if you do not have health insurance or if your insurance plan does not cover Dupixent. You must meet the income and eligibility rules.

Xolair® (omalizumab)
https://www.xolair.com/chronic-spontaneous-urticaria.html

  • Generic name: Omalizumab
  • Manufacturer: Genentech and Novartis
  • Contact: 866-496-5247 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET)

Copay and savings help:

  • Xolair Copay Program: People with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0. The program covers up to $15,000 per year.
  • Genentech Patient Foundation: This may help if you do not have health insurance or if your insurance carrier does not provide adequate coverage. You must meet eligibility rules.

Omlyclo®
Biosimilar to omalizumab

BTK inhibitor for hives

A BTK inhibitor is a prescription medicine used for chronic spontaneous urticaria. They are taken by mouth (as tablets), making them an option for people who want an oral treatment instead of injections. BTK inhibitors work by blocking Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a key signaling pathway in immune cells such as mast cells. By interrupting this signal, the medicine helps reduce the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause hives and itching.

Some BTK inhibitors are also used in cancer treatment, but the dose, treatment goals and patient populations are different when they are used for chronic hives. In CSU, BTK inhibitors are designed to calm overactive immune responses rather than treat cancer.

Rhapsido®
https://www.rhapsido.com/

  • Generic name: Remibrutinib
  • Manufacturer: Novartis
  • Contact: 877-427-7436, (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET)

Copay and savings help

  • Co-Pay Plus: Eligible patients with private insurance may pay as little as $0. The benefit renews every year.
  • Novartis Patient Support: Visit the website or call 800-277-2254 to learn about eligibility for patient support services.

If you are having trouble paying for your hives medicine, talk with your doctor. Many affordable options are available, including generics, savings cards, online pharmacies, and patient assistance programs from drug companies. You do not have to manage chronic hives alone.

Questions and answers (Q&A) on affording medication for hives

This Q&A is based on the most common questions we receive about chronic hives, chronic urticaria, chronic idiopathic urticaria, chronic spontaneous urticaria and acute urticaria.

The best medication to treat hives depends on your level of severity and what causes symptoms. Many people start with a daily non-sedating antihistamine because it can help with itching and swelling. Your doctor may also look for triggers to help choose the best treatment for you.

If your hives are severe or last 6 weeks or more, or don’t respond to antihistamines, you may need a stronger medication. Your doctor may recommend a biologic or BTK inhibitor and can help you choose what is right for you.

Zyrtec® is the brand name for cetirizine. It is a common antihistamine and is often used to treat hives. It is available as an inexpensive generic. Some people may need higher dosing. This should be discussed with a doctor.

Most people treat hives with non-sedating antihistamines. These include such as cetirizine (Zyrtec®), levocetirizine (Xyzal®), loratadine (Claritin®) or fexofenadine (Allegra®).

Yes, managing your hives effectively may require some lifestyle adjustments. These include:

  • Applying gentle skin care, like a fragrance-free lotion or an anti-itch cream.
  • Taking cool showers or using cool packs, which can relieve itching; avoiding hot showers
  • Wearing loose and soft clothing, not tight clothes.
  • Avoiding scratching (if you can), as this can worsen hives symptoms.
  • Avoiding your triggers (if you know them), such as heat, stress, or pressure on the skin.

If your antihistamines are not working, speak with your doctor. Your doctor may increase the dose, add a second antihistamine, or consider more advanced treatments. These may include biologic medications taken as an injection or a BTK inhibitor taken as a pill.

Yes. Some prescription antihistamines are low-cost. If you are prescribed a biologic or a BTK inhibitor, drug companies offer savings cards, co-pay help and patient assistance programs. These programs can help make prescription treatment easier to afford.

Doctors may use prescription antihistamines to reduce hives when:

  • You still have hives after using regular over-the-counter antihistamines.
  • You need a stronger dose.
  • You need extra help with itching or sleep.

Your doctor may also recommend prescription antihistamines along with other medicines like biologics or BTK inhibitors.

Can’t afford your medication?

Allergy & Asthma Network has a series of digital guides to help people find ways to afford medication for asthma, allergies and related conditions.

What If I Can’t Afford My Epinephrine Medication? What If I Can’t Afford My Allergy Medications?
What If I Can’t Afford My Asthma Medication? What If I Can’t Afford My Eczema Medication?
What If I Can’t Afford My Chronic Hives Medications?

Reviewed by:
Dennis Williams, PharmD, BCPS, AE-C, is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. He practices at UNC Medical Center with the pulmonary medicine medical service. He has served as a member of the National Asthma Education Program Coordinating Committee and the National Asthma Educator Certification Board. He also serves on Allergy & Asthma Network’s Board of Directors.