The Cost of Rosacea Medications Without Insurance

Rosacea affects approximately 16 million people according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Rosacea causes the skin’s barrier to be compromised, causing symptoms such as dryness, redness, itchiness, increased sensitivity, and even painful cystic acne lesions.
Fortunately, many prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available to treat the symptoms of rosacea.
Here is what to know about the cost of rosacea medications without insurance.
How much do rosacea medications cost without insurance?
The cost of rosacea medications without insurance varies, depending upon the type of medication. [RxSaver coupons][1] can help save money on prescription rosacea medications. The [RxSaver card][2] may help save money on over-the-counter rosacea medications.
The cost of azelaic acid, without insurance, starts at $99.92 for 15 % and 1 tube, using an RxSaver coupon.
| Medication | Lowest Price for Common Dosages* |
|---|---|
| [Azelaic Acid][3] (generic for Finacea) | $99.92 |
| [Clindamycin][4] (generic for Cleocin) | $12.26 |
| [Erythromycin][5] | $12.29 |
| [Metronidazole][6] (generic for MetroCream) | $4.97 |
| [Ivermectin][7] | $15.20 |
[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/blog/how-to-use-rxsaver-card-on-over-the-counter-medications
[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/azelaic-acid/coupons
[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/clindamycin-hcl/coupons
[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/erythromycin/coupons
[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/metronidazole/coupons
[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/ivermectin/coupons
Can you buy rosacea medications over the counter?
You cannot buy prescription-strength rosacea medication over the counter. However, several products that contain lower amounts of azelaic acid, may be purchased over-the-counter.
These products typically contain no more than 10% azelaic acid. Prescription-strength azelaic acid topicals will contain 15-20% azelaic acid.
When do you need rosacea medication?
When rosacea bothers you, it’s time to visit a dermatologist, who can recommend the best medication to treat it. Rosacea may cause redness that bothers you. It may also cause swelling or breakouts. It may cause pain. So the best time to start rosacea medicine is when a dermatologist recommends it because it is bothering you.
In addition to recommending a specific medication for rosacea, your dermatologist can also help:
- Identify triggers that cause rosacea flare ups
- Design a plan for sun protection
- Prevent rosacea from getting worse
- Recommend skin care products that are best for rosacea
How do rosacea medications work?
Rosacea medications work in a variety of ways depending upon the type of medication you are prescribed. Some medications target a skin mite, some reduce inflammation, some stop the growth of bacteria, and some achieve several of these goals.
Dicarboxylic Acids for Rosacea Treatment
Azelaic acid 15% and Finacea 15% are dicarboxylic acids. They are antibacterial agents that can also target inflammation responsible for pimples and redness. These are great for maintenance. They come in cream and foam formulations and work to keep the skin calm if used daily.
Topical Antibiotics for Rosacea Treatment
Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin (Cleocin) and erythromycin are both antibacterial agents that kill bacteria responsible for skin infections. They also calm inflammatory responses in the skin. Topical antibiotics are available as solutions, creams, lotions, gels, and even pads.
Metronidazole is used to help calm the redness, swelling, and pimples caused by rosacea. It is great for maintenance therapy and available in a cream, lotion, or gel version.
Ivermectin for Rosacea Treatment
Ivermectin 1% cream focuses explicitly on the Demodex mite. Rosacea patients typically have a higher number of these mites within the skin, which are known to trigger rosacea flares. Ivermectin also works on inflammatory lesions.
Prescription Cleansers for Rosacea Treatment
Sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur cleanser is an antiseptic that helps stop the growth of certain bacteria on the skin.
Always Check RxSaver Before Filling Your Prescription
Before filling a prescription for rosacea medication, or any other type of medication, be sure to check RxSaver. RxSaver offers prescription drug coupons for more than 6,000 prescription medications. RxSaver is free to all to use. It is designed to be used without insurance. However, you can use RxSaver in place of your insurance, if the coupon price beats your insurance copay.
Azelaic acid: 15 % / 1 tube
Clindamycin: 300 mg / 30 capsules
Erythromycin: 5 mg/gram / 1 tube
Metronidazole: 500 mg / 30 tablets
Ivermectin: 3 mg / 8 tablets
Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/21/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.

RxSaver Editors
RxSaver Editors are wellness enthusiasts who help you learn how you can save the most on prescription medication costs and other health-related topics.
Jennifer Liang, PharmD
Chia Feng (Jenn) Liang, PharmD, is a pharmacist who earned her Pharm D. from St. John's University in Queens, NY. She remains in active practice serving as a local pharmacist for Walgreens. She has acted as the first point of care to the community and helped patients understand and manage chronic and acute conditions. She has educated patients on the role and importance of medication and adherence to improve health outcomes.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.


