Cost of Prescription Retinol?

Updated on June 09, 2015
N.R. asks from Chicago, IL
6 answers

Hi ladies - I am coming up on the big 5-0 and finally decided to see a dermatologist about retinol cream. She gave me an over the counter formula first to get my skin used to it (stronger than drug store brand but gentler than rx brand) and that was a whopping $178 though I found it far less on Amazon. What can I expect to pay for a prescription brand? I've heard that over 40 insurance does NOT cover any of the cost, even if it's for acne as they suspect it's really for wrinkles! I'd love to know what I'm getting into $$ wise. Thank you!

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

There is no fountain of youth.
How your skin ages is partially genetic (see how your Mom and other relatives have aged) and partially environmental.
You can't do anything about your genetics.
As far as environment goes - use a good sunscreen (and a wide brim hat), never use a tanning bed, drink plenty of water, if you smoke - stop, and eat a well balanced diet.

As far as cost goes, I found this:

"Insurance coverage of a prescription retinoid, like Retin-A, varies by plan, and a 20-gram tube will cost about $75. But generic tretinoin costs about $40—not bad for a product guaranteed (by decades of science) to work. (For now, only tretinoin is available in a generic version.) Some drugstore retinol products are even less expensive. Look for ones with 0.1 percent retinol packaged in aluminum tubes (to protect the formula from air and light); we like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep WrinkleNight Cream ($22)."

3 moms found this helpful

D.D.

answers from Boston on

No most insurance companies will cover retinal if its for acne. Your doctor will have to provide that as the diagnosis and then get preapproval for retinol. Of course if she does that then its fraud which can land her in hot water and your insurance company will ask you to pay back all the money they've spent on your medication.

2 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

If it will be a repeat RX, some health insurance programs give a discount I'd you order online in 3 month supply at a time.

When I was on HRT I paid about $200 for 3 months supply and a 1 month supply at my pharmacy was as much as the online method.

I've never used retinol so I don't know any pricing on that. I agree to check with your RX plan and ask your pharmacist.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

I would suggest that you contact your health insurance provider and ask them.

1 mom found this helpful

T.R.

answers from Milwaukee on

N., I don't have experience with that particular drug, but I know oftentimes insurance that does not cover birth control will do so when it is used for a medical reason.

In those cases, the doctor must provide a diagnosis to the insurance company, & get prior approval. You might want to check with your individual plan to see if they have any type of provision for your case. Best of luck! T.

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K.K.

answers from Springfield on

You can get an idea online at something like Goodrx.com ( I have no idea how accurate). Absolutely check with insurance though.

1 mom found this helpful
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