Beauty

[NycVixen]

I was just prescribed Finacea Gel 15% but my insurance won't cover it; it costs $280 out of pocket.   

I'd read great things about All Day Chemist and Tara Skincare but for Retin A.Has anyone bought the 15% or 20% Azelaic acid from Tara or ADC and had good results?

If anyone knows of another affordable option I would greatly appreciate it.

Many Thanks!!!

[JeanLouiseFinch]

@NycVixenGo to this site Discounted Prescriptions and plug in your info.  The site will supply you with the pharmacies in your area and the cost of your prescription.  I did really well using it for my Tretinoin prescription at CVS, which is also usually an expensive one.  You'll save a ton, going with the generic form.

[NycVixen]

Thanks @JeanLouiseFinch. Unfortunately, the lowest is $261.00. 

I found a product called AZ Clear from Australia that has 20% Azelaic acid and has good reviews. With shipping of a little under $30 for 3 25g tubes it's only a little over $53. 

My dermatologist it trying to find a coupon etc. to lower the cost. Tara skincare sells it but it's made in India and I'm apprehensive about that plus it costs $25 for a 15g tube of 20% Azelaic acid. The place I found takes PayPal so it's safer. I may go that route. Spending $300 ongoing is not tenable for me. 

Unfortunately, there is no generic for Finacea Gel 15%. In Australia it's sold OTC..  I'd rather get it in the US so if anyone has other options please let me know. 

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Have you asked your doctor if you can use something else that's more affordable?

[NycVixen]

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@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:

Have you asked your doctor if you can use something else that's more affordable?

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@JeanLouiseFinch I had a miscarriage in Feb and I'm going to try to conceive soon. I haven't gone back on my old meds after I stopped them when I got pregnant and I'm starting to really break out now. Finacea/Azelaic acid is one of the few acne medications safe to take during pregnancy. So, I'm in a bind.

[Carolm]

I have ordered Finacea from Australia on two separate occasions.  It has been exactly the same product as I received when I had prescription drug coverage and the savings is substantial.  I will continue purchasing from Australia until the product is available here in generic form.  Good luck to you.

[QVCPhobe]

the Finacea website has a coupon program.  You sign up and you can then print out a discount card.  I pay about $25.00.

[HappyDaze]

I would highly recommend you do NOT risk it by odering it from some overseas pharmacy since you are going to try to get pregnant and if you want to protect the unborn baby. You have no idea what all would be in the ones overseas and there have been exposés on TV regarding these pharmacies having products that contain unacceptable levels of lead and other risky things. Please don't risk it. Use the coupon prograram from the FInacea company that the poster before me mentioned and get the real deal from a trusted pharmacy.

[NycVixen]

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@Carolm wrote:

I have ordered Finacea from Australia on two separate occasions.  It has been exactly the same product as I received when I had prescription drug coverage and the savings is substantial.  I will continue purchasing from Australia until the product is available here in generic form.  Good luck to you.

@Carolm Thanks for your response. The research I've done points that it's the same medication except for the inactive base component. I'm still looking for an affordable US option. Are you using AZ Clear? The Aussie pharmacy that I found is Chemist Warehouse. In Australia 20% Azelaic Acid is sold OTC and AZ Clear is made by an established company. 

Please kindly advise which pharmacy and product you're using since you've had good results. That would be extremely helpful. 

The Finacea coupon program I believe was mentioned only applies if you're insured and only if it's covered I believe. Otherwise, The Finacea site is not offering much savings. Bayer offers low cost or free Finacea through a patient assistance program but the rep advised since I have insurance I'm not eligible.

[NycVixen]

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@HappyDaze wrote:

I would highly recommend you do NOT risk it by odering it from some overseas pharmacy since you are going to try to get pregnant and if you want to protect the unborn baby. You have no idea what all would be in the ones overseas and there have been exposés on TV regarding these pharmacies having products that contain unacceptable levels of lead and other rsky things. Please don't risk it. Use the coupon prograram from the FInacea company that the poster before me mentioned and get the real deal from a trusted pharmacy.

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@HappyDaze 

I'm definitely trying to get it in the U.S.  That's my plan. Hopefully my Derm can find a good discount as they advised they may be able to do. However, I lived abroad for a year  

in a developing country last year and had to take non US medication when I got sick way before I was pregnant many times and it was safe. This is primarily why my view on this has broadened. The U.S. Pharmaceutical companies are one of the most monopolized industries that keep prices   high and make access for medications very difficult. Once you see how inexpensive medication really can be while being safe and effective it's hard to just believe only US medication is the only option in this globalized world. Australia is a developed country so it's a much safer bet than India where I refuse to buy medication from or China. 

@QVCPhobePlease kindly elaborate how you're able to get Finacea in the U.S. at such a low cost. Thanks a lot. Are you using insurance with the discount coupon?