Key takeaways:
Psoriasis treatments range from affordable topical medications and oral options to higher-cost biologics. The type you take depends on how severe your psoriasis is.
Many effective treatments, including generics and biosimilars, can lower costs without compromising results.
Savings strategies such as GoodRx coupons, manufacturer copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Save on related medications
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation, scaling, and discomfort. There’s no cure, but a wide range of treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Psoriasis treatment options are typically grouped into three categories: topical medications, oral pills, and injectable biologics. Costs can vary widely across these groups, from relatively inexpensive creams to specialty medications that can cost thousands of dollars per month.
But there are ways to save. Understanding your options can help you find an effective treatment that fits your budget.
How to save on psoriasis medications
There are several ways to lower the cost of psoriasis treatment, whether you’re using topical creams or specialty biologics.
Use GoodRx coupons. These can help you save on many prescription medications, especially generics. GoodRx also offers exclusive discounts on certain brand-name and biologic medications for psoriasis.
Ask for generic or lower-cost alternatives. Older medications like methotrexate and many topical steroids are available as lower-cost generics.
Consider biosimilars for biologics. These alternatives are often lower cost and work similarly to reference (brand-name) biologics. There are also unbranded versions of biologics available that can help you save.
Use manufacturer copay cards. Many brand-name medications and biologics offer savings programs for those with commercial insurance.
Apply for patient assistance programs (PAPs). These programs are offered through manufacturers and independent organizations. They may provide medications at low or no cost if you qualify.
Topical treatments
Topical medications are usually the first treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis. They’re applied directly to the skin and often the most affordable option, especially when generics are available.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are the most commonly prescribed psoriasis treatments. They work by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching. These medications come in a range of strengths, from mild (like hydrocortisone) to very potent (like clobetasol), and forms, such as creams, ointments, and foams. Here’s how to save on some of the more common options.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Clobetasol 0.025% (Impoyz) cream | Yes | As low as $2409.70 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (100 g tube) |
Clobetasol 0.05% cream | Yes | As low as $22.45 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (60 g tube) |
Clobetasol 0.05% ointment | Yes | As low as $22.45 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (60 g tube) |
Clobetasol 0.05% (Clobex) shampoo | Yes | As low as $30.00 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (118 mL bottle) |
Clobetasol 0.05% solution | Yes | As low as $18.00 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (50 mL bottle) |
Clobetasol 0.05% (Tovet) foam | Yes | As low as $26.00 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (1 can) Save on brand-name Tovet with a rebate card |
Triamcinolone 0.1% (Triderm) cream | Yes | As low as $16.92 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (454 g jar) |
Triamcinolone 0.1% ointment | Yes | As low as $21.87 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (454 g jar) |
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% (Locoid) cream | Yes | As low as $21.02 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (15 g tube) |
Hydrocortisone 2.5% cream | Yes | As low as $13.53 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (30 g tube) |
Vitamin D analogues
Vitamin D analogues help slow the rapid skin cell growth that causes psoriasis plaques. They’re often used for long-term management. They may be combined with topical steroids to improve effectiveness while limiting side effects.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Calcipotriene (Dovonex) cream | Yes | As low as $55.00 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (60 g tube) |
Calcipotriene (Dovonex) ointment | Yes | As low as $77.29 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (60 g tube) |
Calcipotriene (Sorilux) foam | Yes | As low as about $400 at certain pharmacies for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (1 can) |
Calcitriol (Vectical) ointment | Yes | As low as about $160 at certain pharmacies for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (100 g tube) |
Topical retinoids
Topical retinoids, such as tazarotene (Tazorac), are vitamin A-based medications that help normalize skin cell growth and reduce inflammation and scaling. They’re often used alongside topical steroids to improve results and minimize irritation.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Tazarotene 0.1% (Tazorac) cream | Yes | As low as $40.00 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (30 g tube) As low as $125 if your commercial insurance doesn’t cover brand-name Tazorac with a copay card |
Tazarotene 0.1% (Tazorac) gel | As low as $113.18 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (30 g tube) |
Calcineurin inhibitors
Topical calcineurin inhibitors reduce inflammation by targeting the immune response in the skin. They’re not FDA approved specifically for psoriasis. But they’re commonly used off-label for sensitive areas, such as the face, groin, or skin folds, where steroids may not be ideal.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Tacrolimus (Protopic) | Yes | As low as $53.00 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (60 g tube) |
Pimecrolimus (Elidel) | Yes | As low as $70.00 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (30 g tube) |
Nonsteroidal topicals
Newer nonsteroidal topical medications are now available for psoriasis. They work in different ways to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Tapinarof (Vtama) | No | As low as $0 for Vtama with a copay card |
Roflumilast (Zoryve) cream and foam | No | As low as $0 for Zoryve with a copay card |
Combination products
Combination products contain a corticosteroid and another active ingredient, such as a vitamin D analogue. These medications can be more effective than either ingredient alone and may simplify treatment by reducing the number of products you need to apply.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Betamethasone / calcipotriene (Taclonex) suspension | Yes | As low as $77.29 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (60 g bottle) |
Betamethasone / calcipotriene (Enstilar) foam | No | As low as $30 for Enstilar with a copay card |
Betamethasone / calcipotriene (Wynzora) cream | No | As low as $250 with an exclusive GoodRx discount As low as $0 for Wynzora with a copay card |
Halobetasol / tazarotene (Duobrii) lotion | No | As low as $25 for Duobrii if it’s covered by commercial insurance or $65 if it isn’t covered with a copay card |
Oral medications
Oral medications are typically used for moderate-to-severe psoriasis or when topicals aren’t enough. These medications work throughout the body to reduce inflammation. Some have broader effects, while others target specific substances in the body.
Methotrexate tablets and cyclosporine are older immunosuppressants with lower-cost generics. Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) and icotrokinra (Icotyde) are newer, brand-only medications. The FDA has approved a generic version of apremilast (Otezla), but it won’t be available until 2028.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Methotrexate tablets (Trexall) and oral liquid (Jylamvo) | Yes (tablets) | As low as $10.92 for generic methotrexate tablets with a free GoodRx coupon As low as $5 for brand-name Jylamvo with a copay card |
Cyclosporine modified (Gengraf, Neoral) | Yes | As low as $44.70 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon As low as $0 for brand-name Neoral with a copay card Neoral’s manufacturer also offers a free 30-day trial for your first prescription. |
Yes | As low as $89.19 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon | |
Apremilast (Otezla, Otezla XR) | No | As low as $3,354 with an exclusive GoodRx discount for Otezla 30 mg As low as $0 with a copay card |
Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
Icotrokinra (Icotyde) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
Biologics
Biologics are complex medications used for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. They target specific parts of the immune system and are often very effective. But they are also among the most expensive options and may only be available through specialty pharmacies.
Unlike other medications on this list, biologics don’t have generics. Instead, they have highly similar versions called biosimilars, which may be available at a lower price.
TNF inhibitors
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors block TNF-alpha, a protein that plays a major role in inflammation. By reducing TNF activity, these medications help calm the overactive immune system that leads to psoriasis symptoms.
Most TNF inhibitors come in prefilled syringes or injection pens that you can administer subcutaneously (under the skin) at home. Some may be given as an infusion by a healthcare professional. The form you’re prescribed can affect your overall cost.
Medication | Biosimilar availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Adalimumab (Humira) | As low as $0 for brand-name Humira with a copay card Exclusive GoodRx discounts on Humira biosimilars: As low as $550 for adalimumab-adbm (unbranded Cyltezo) As low as $415.20 for adalimumab-afzb (Abrilada) As low as $299 for adalimumab-atto (Amjevita) Each of the 10 Humira biosimilars (and unbranded options) may also have its own copay card and PAP | |
Etanercept (Enbrel) | Approved, but not available until 2029 | As low as $3,354 with an exclusive GoodRx discount As low as $0 with a copay card |
Infliximab (Remicade) | As low as $5 per brand-name Remicade infusion with a copay card Copay cards for Remicade biosimilars: • As low as $0 for infliximab-axxq (Avsola) | |
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
IL-12/23 inhibitors
IL-12/23 inhibitors block both interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-23, proteins that drive inflammation in psoriasis. There’s only one option in this class: ustekinumab (Stelara). It comes in a single-dose prefilled syringe and vial for at-home use and as an IV infusion administered by a healthcare professional.
Medication | Biosimilar availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Ustekinumab (Stelara) | Yes | As low as $5 for brand-name or unbranded Stelara with a copay card Copay cards for Stelara biosimilars: • As low as $0 for ustekinumab-srlf (Imuldosa) |
IL-17 inhibitors
IL-17 inhibitors block IL-17, a key inflammatory protein involved in psoriasis. IL-17 plays a direct role in triggering skin cell overproduction and inflammation. Almost all IL-17 inhibitors come in prefilled syringes; most also have a pen option. Secukinumab (Cosentyx) can also be administered as an IV infusion.
Medication | Biosimilar availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
Ixekizumab (Taltz) | No | As low as $5 if your commercial insurance covers Taltz, or $25 if it does not with a copay card |
Brodalumab (Siliq) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
Bimekizumab (Bimzelx) | No | As low as $5 with a copay card |
IL-23 inhibitors
IL-23 inhibitors target IL-23, a protein that helps activate and maintain inflammatory immune cells involved in psoriasis. By blocking IL-23, these medications reduce inflammation and help clear plaques.
All IL-23 inhibitors are available as subcutaneous injections, typically given using prefilled syringes or injection pens. Risankizumab (Skyrizi) also has an on-body injection option. Some IL-23 inhibitors, such as Skyrizi and guselkumab (Tremfya), are also available as IV infusions.
Medication | Biosimilar availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Guselkumab (Tremfya) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
Tildrakizumab (Ilumya) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
Risankizumab (Skyrizi) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
The bottom line
Psoriasis treatments range from low-cost topical medications and oral options to higher-cost biologics. But there are many ways to make treatment more affordable. Starting with lower-cost options, using generics or biosimilars when available, and taking advantage of savings tools like GoodRx coupons and copay cards can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Your healthcare team can help you navigate savings opportunities and treatment options.
Why trust our experts?
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