Has anybody seen the changes in the cost of medications lately? In case you have not noticed, they have soared completely out of control. For example, a bottle of 100 doxycycline capsules used to cost about $4. Today that same bottle is well over $100. Patients are faced with high copayments for their medications, which is leading to problems of affordability.
Physicians need to play their part too. All to often I see physicians prescribing expensive medications when a suitable generic alternative is available at a fraction of the cost.
Here are my simple recommendations:
Over-the-counter topical medications:
- Differin Gel 1% — In 2017 this went over the counter. It is great for unclogging pores. There is no reason to get tretinoin (Retin A) or any other topical retinoid before using this for several months. The average cost is $18
- Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% – 5% gel–this is great at killing the bacteria that causes acne. in fact, there is nothing better. This medication will bleach clothes and sheets so be careful. The average cost is about $5-10.
- Benzoyl Peroxide 10% wash–this works well for acne on the back, chest, and shoulders. Use this once or twice day to these areas in the shower. Use towels that you do not like as they will get discolored.
- Salicylic Acid–there are many preparations for this which helps to unclog the pores. It does not work nearly as well as Differin, but it can be used in addition to it.
- Glycolic Acid–there are many preparation for this which also helps to unclog the pores. Some preparation combine this with salicylic acid. The two together work very well, but still not as well as Differin gel.
Always ask your doctor if one of these above options will be suitable, as they will be FAR cheaper than prescription medications.
Those with deep seated cysts will require oral medications, which are available by prescription only.
Always request generic medications. You can always price them out on goodrx.com and get coupons with that site. For medications that are not covered, try to find one that is covered. In most cases, this insurance carrier is telling you that there is a cheaper alternative that can be prescribed. If you are paying for the medication or have a high copay for it, shop around.
