What is Fluocinonide Used For & Why is it So Expensive?
speciality medications
Fluocinonide cream can provide fast relief for people who are suffering from inflammatory skin conditions.
That is – if they happen to have an extra $60.00 to spare. While, in the moment, it can certainly feel like reducing the swelling and itching associated with eczema and psoriasis is priceless, that’s a lot of money.
American patients shouldn't have to pay that much for brand-name Lidex Cream or generic fluocinonide.
Good news: If you buy through a safe online and Canadian internet pharmacy website and international drugstore, you don’t have to. Here, we’ll provide key information about both fluocinonide and the best ways to save up to 70% on this skin relief medication. We’ll start with a brief overview. Why would you need Lidex Cream in the first place?
What is Fluocinoncide Used For?
Lidex Cream (generic fluocinonide) is a type of steroid medication that can effectively reduce the painful symptoms of skin dermatoses.
“Skin dermatoses” represents a wide range of possible conditions. Eczema and psoriasis are good examples, but if you have itchy, red, or inflamed skin for a number of reasons, Lidex Cream can be a game-changer.
When your skin is inflamed, it’s important to avoid scratching the skin. You don’t want to break the skin barrier because that increases the risk of infection. But when your skin is itching to the point of feeling painful, abstaining from scratching at all can seem impossible. Lidex Cream (or generic fluocinonide) moisturizes affected skin without feeling too heavy or greasy. It doesn’t cure these conditions, but it provides the instant relief you need to avoid exacerbating your situation.
How Does Fluocinoncide Work?
Lidex Cream absorbs directly into your skin cells moments after it’s applied.
Once in your cells, the active ingredient – fluocinonide, a corticosteroid – suppresses your immune system. This can sound scary, but in the case of skin dermatoses, your immune system is overacting and needs to calm down.
Fluocinoncide accomplishes this by blocking a specific set of enzymes that produce a material called “prostaglandins.” Prostaglandins are the ones to blame for your red, inflamed, and itchy skin. Fewer prostaglandins, less itching.
But Does Fluocinonide Work?
For most people, it does. We have some anecdotal and indirect evidence to support this; sales of Lidex Cream and its generic equivalents are good, and people use the cream and report good results.
That’s not the only data we have to go off, however. There have been many studies about fluocinonide over the years to help formally demonstrate its efficacy.
For example:
- One 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that fluocinonide was able to help adults with atopic dermatitis reduce the severity of their skin’s redness, itching, and swelling.
- A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology found that adults with psoriasis could take fluocinonide to reduce their symptoms (which include redness, itching, and scaly skin).
Based on these studies, it’s clear that fluocinonide can be an effective way for patients to treat a variety of skin disorders – particularly those that deal with itchy, swollen, reddened, or even scaly skin.
In the world of pharmaceuticals, that can be both a blessing and a curse. The most effective drugs are among those priced the highest.
How Expensive Is Fluocinonide?
Fluocinonide can be a costly medication. We’ve seen generic fluocinonide cream priced at $60.00 for a 30g supply, or about $2.00 per gram.
In America, it’s hard to find brand-name Lidex Cream since the generic is more available. This means that if you do find the branded medication, you’ll likely have to pay a hefty amount of money.
We have another option for you to consider.
You can buy a 100g supply of brand-name Lidex Cream through NorthWestPharmacy.com for only about $88.00.
If the generic works for you, you could also consider buying a 60g tube of fluocinonide through our online pharmacy for around $38.00, or $0.60 per gram – up to 70% in savings.
Why is Fluocinonide So Expensive in America?
Fluocinonide is expensive for a few reasons.
- It’s a strong steroid – one of the strongest topical steroids available on the market. This makes it a great match for people who need fast, effective, and durable relief. It also makes it an inherently expensive option in most American pharmacies.
- Fluocinonide is a prescription medication. Prescription medications usually cost more than OTC (or over-the-counter) alternatives. This is partially because of the extensive testing that needs to be done for prescription medications to get approved.
- Making fluocinonide costs a lot of money. Between the raw materials and the specialized, multi-step manufacturing process, the companies that make fluocinonide and Lidex Cream do require a fair amount of resources to make the drug.
- There’s a high demand for fluocinonide. Fluocinonide is effective and strong, and no one likes dealing with rashy, red, and itchy skin for a moment longer than they have to. This results in a demanding market for fluocinonide, which may drive up its price.
If price is a barrier for you, or even if you’d just prefer to save a little on either the brand-name or generic form of this drug, you have options.
Ways to Get Fluocinonide For Less
Wondering how you can save on this skin-relieving cream?
Here are a few methods to consider:
If the generic medication works for you, consider switching to generic on a regular basis. While branded Lidex Cream and generic fluocinonide are not exactly the same, they are generally considered therapeutically equivalent.
The generic can sometimes be easier to find and more affordable, which can ease your stress levels (and your wallet).
However, since they’re not exactly the same treatment, some people do have a better experience with one version over the other. You need to feel empowered to choose either generic or branded meds to find the treatment that works best for you.
Opt for a fluocinonide alternative. Fluocinonide is a relatively strong corticosteroid cream. There might be other medications, such as hydrocortisone or Cortate Cream, that are lower-strength (and cheaper) that could work for you – especially if your skin condition is relatively mild.
Do your research and see where you can find the lowest-cost Lidex Cream. Different pharmacies may have different pricing for the same drugs. Take some time to explore the various pharmacies in your area to see where you can find the lowest prices.
This can be a lot easier if you price-match through an online pharmacy with transparent pricing information, such as prescription medication pages with the prices clearly at the top!
Using Fluocinonide Effectively: A Buyer’s Guide
Once you buy your fluocinonide, you’ll want to make sure you’re using it safely and efficiently. Over the years, we’ve collected a few tips to help you accomplish that goal.
What to Know Before Taking Fluocinonide
If you’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. Taking Lidex Cream may not prohibited for you, but your doctor will want to assess your unique situation to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Similarly, if you are taking other medications, your doctor will need to know that. Fluocinonide may interact with other drugs. Your doctor will be aware of fluocinonide’s interactions and be able to steer you away from potentially unsafe situations.
If Lidex Cream doesn’t seem to be the right option, your doctor will recommend alternatives to ease your itching without impacting your health.
Using Lidex Cream or Fluocinonide Safely
Here are a few rules of thumb to follow to make sure you’re having the best possible experience with Lidex Cream:
- Follow your doctor’s directions. Your doctor will give you specific instructions detailing how long you should use Lidex, and how much you should use. There are reasons for these recommendations. (For example, taking Lidex Cream for longer than instructed can thin your skin and cause breakage.) If you’re tempted to stop following instructions, think about why. Do you need something stronger? Do you need a longer-term solution? Ask your doctor – they’ll be able to help.
- Don’t cover the treated area. (Unless, of course, your doctor tells you to.) Doing so can increase your risk of suffering side effects with Lidex Cream.
- Don’t use Lidex Cream on young children. Lidex Cream is for people 12 years and up; researchers have not yet conclusively demonstrated that Lidex Cream is safe for children younger than 12.
Possible Side Effects of Lidex Cream
Lidex Cream can provide quick relief from itchy skin. In some cases, that may not be all it does. Watch out for the following skin side effects after you start applying Lidex Cream:
- Dry or peeling skin at the application site
- An itching or burning sensation at the application site
- Any other irritation at the application site
If you do experience these or other side effects, stop using Lidex Cream and talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to help you figure out a safer way to use your Lidex Cream, or, possibly, suggest an alternative.
A Quick Fluocinonide FAQ
Got a question? We’ve got answers. Here’s a curation of some common questions about fluocinonide or Lidex Cream that we’ve answered over the years.
What is Fluocinonide Used For?
Fluocinonide is a type of medication that can reduce itching, swelling, and redness associated with various inflammatory skin conditions (including treating eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis).
What’s the Best Way to Apply Fluocinonide Cream?
Here’s a quick rundown to remember:
- Wash the affected area, then dry it thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer of fluocinonide cream.
- Gently rub the area until all the skin is absorbed.
- Do not cover the affected area (unless directed to specifically).
Should I Use Fluocinonide for Longer Than Prescribed?
If at all possible, you should avoid using fluocinonide for longer than prescribed. Doing so can actually harm your skin, or even cause it to break entirely. This will take longer to heal than your original skin ailment and could lead to infection.
Should I Use Fluocinonide on Open Wounds or Infected Skin?
Fluocinonide is only for use on intact skin, and it shouldn’t be used with infected skin.
Not only is this not the right use for fluocinonide, it could actually make the problem worse or lead to increased side effects. For example, if you apply fluocinonide on an open wound, your blood will absorb more of the drug (something to avoid, when possible).
If your skin is damaged or infected, talk to your doctor to find the best possible treatment.
Wondering Why Fluocinonide Is So Expensive? (We Can Help)
If you’re suffering from eczema or psoriasis, you need relief – fast. There’s really no alternative. When your skin is irritated and inflamed, it’s not a question of willpower overcoming your need to scratch your skin.
It’s usually more a question of how long you’ll be able to avoid scratching before you get the relief you need to live your life. Since scratching is bad for your condition, you need to get relief as fast as possible.
In America, that can be a problem. Lidex Cream (or generic fluocinonide) can be priced far out of many people’s budgets.
We have a solution for you. Buying Lidex Cream through our online Canadian pharmacy website and international drugstore can help you save significantly on this medication (and others) to help you manage your condition.
Browse online pharmacy aisles, select the medication you need, and check out through a secure payment portal. Once your doctor prescribes Lidex Cream, have them send your prescription to the safe, reputable online Canadian pharmacy website of your choice.
Shortly, your medication will be shipped directly to your front door.
Curious about what the team at NorthWestPharmacy.com can offer you? Check out our consistently-high ratings, or contact our seven-day-a-week customer service team by filling out this form or calling us at 1-866-539-5330. You can also chat with our pharmacists or place your order over the phone.
If you’re looking for low costs on Lidex Cream, you’re in the right place. We look forward to supporting you and your best skin health.
