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Desonide Coupon - Desonide 15g of 0.05% tube of cream

desonide

Generic Desonate
Used for Eczema, Psoriasis, Itching, Skin Allergy
Used for Eczema, Psoriasis, Itching, Skin Allergy

Desonide is a low-potency (lower strength) topical steroid medication that comes in many forms, such as foam, gel, and ointment. It's used on the skin to relieve inflammation and itching caused by various skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis (eczema). While adults and children 3 months and older can use desonide foam and gel to treat eczema, other topical steroid products can only be used in adults.

Last reviewed on February 27, 2023
basics-icon

What is Desonide?

What is Desonide used for?

  • Treatment of skin rashes and other skin irritation - cream, lotion, and ointment

  • Treatment of eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - foam and gel only

How Desonide works

Desonide is a topical corticosteroid. When it’s used on the skin, it has two actions:

  • It lowers the amount of inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, itching, and swelling. This helps to lower skin inflammation.

  • It lessens the immune response of your body, which can help with certain skin problems that are caused by a sensitive immune system (e.g., eczema).

When does Desonide start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDesOwen, DesRx, Verdeso
Drug Class Corticosteroid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$74.99(save 80.00%)
GoodRx discount
$15.00
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Desonide?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Verdeso topical foam
  • Upper respiratory infection (10%)
  • Cough (4%)
  • Skin burning (3%)
Desonide topical products
  • Stinging or burning sensation on skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Peeling of the skin
  • Dry or flakey skin
  • Redness on the skin
  • Hardening of skin - ointment only
  • Skin oiliness - ointment only

Other Side Effects

  • Thinning of skin
  • Changes in skin color
  • Acne
  • Inflamed hair follicles
When do Desonide possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Stinging or burning
Itchiness
Dry skin

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

flushing or redness of the skin

irritation

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

peeling of the skin

raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face

stinging and burning

unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

Blindness

blurred vision or other change in vision

decreased vision

eye pain

headache

loss of vision

nausea

redness and scaling around the mouth

tearing

thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Hoarseness

irritability

noisy breathing

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tightness in the chest

trouble with swallowing

voice changes

Incidence not known

Acne or pimples

burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters

burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair

lightening of normal skin color

lightening of treated areas of dark skin

reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Desonide

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as a lower-cost, generic medication for most formulations

Low strength topical steroids, so it has lower risk of side effects

Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and gel

Foam and gel forms can be used to treat eczema in children as young as 3 months old

thumbs-down

Cons

Not the strongest topical steroid, so it might not work well for more severe skin conditions

Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin thinning and changes in skin color

Can cause eye problems (e.g., glaucoma) if medication gets into the eye

Limits your body's ability to fight infections

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Desonide

pharmacist
  • Desonide skin products should only be used on the outside of your body on skin that's not broken. You shouldn’t use it on wounds or on damaged skin because this could cause you to absorb more medication. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears.

    • Wash your hands before and after using desonide to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. This is because desonide has been shown to raise the risk of certain eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts. If it does get into your eyes, wash your eyes with cold water and contact your provider if irritation doesn't go away.

      • Don't cover the treated area with a bandage after applying desonide unless directed by your provider. This can change how the medication gets absorbed and cause more side effects.

        • Desonide isn't meant to be used long-term, so ask your provider how long your treatment should last. Don't use desonide skin products for more than 2 weeks (4 weeks for gel and foam) since it can cause serious side effects. Let your provider know if you haven't had any improvement in your skin condition after this time.

          • Desonide isn't safe to use on the face, armpits, or groin. If you have symptoms in those areas, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.

            • If you're using other corticosteroid-containing products, check with your provider first before using desonide. Using multiple corticosteroids can raise your risk of side effects.

              • Make sure to shake desonide lotion well before using.

                • If you're using Verdeso foam, don't apply it near an open flame or while smoking. This product can catch on fire very easily since it contains alcohol. Avoid storing the bottle near heat.

                  • How to use Verdeso foam: Shake the bottle before use. Take off the cap, hold the bottle upside down, and press down on the dispenser. The foam will melt right away when in contact with skin, so make sure to apply the medication directly to the affected area. If you're applying desonide foam to your face, dispense the medication in your hand first then apply it to the face. This helps to avoid getting the medication into your eyes or mouth. You can rinse your hands with cold water and dry them before using to help.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Desonide

                    Is desonide the same as hydrocortisone?
                    Desonide isn't the same thing as hydrocortisone. Both medications are low-potency steroids used to treat skin inflammation, such as eczema. While desonide only comes in topical skin products, hydrocortisone also comes in many other forms for other purposes, including rectal suppositories for hemorrhoids. Finally, desonide currently requires a prescription from your provider, while hydrocortisone 1% is available over the counter (OTC). Talk to your provider to determine which topical steroid and potency is best for treating your skin condition.
                    How long should you use desonide?
                    Desonide is mainly for short-term use, so it's best to stop using this medication once your condition is under control. Using desonide for too long can lead to more side effects, such as changes in skin color or thinning of skin. If you don't see improvement after using desonide for the recommended amount of time (4 weeks for the foam or gel, 2 weeks for the cream, ointment, or lotion), talk to your provider.
                    Can I use desonide if I'm pregnant?
                    Discuss with your provider about the benefits and risks of using desonide if you're pregnant. There isn't enough information to know if desonide is safe to use during pregnancy. But animal studies showed that some topical steroids can cause serious harm to unborn babies when used by mothers during pregnancy. In addition, the more potent (strong) the topical steroid, the more likely it can cause harm. While desonide is low potency, there still might be a potential risk of serious side effects to unborn babies.
                    Can desonide cause acne?
                    Corticosteroids, like desonide, can cause acne, especially in the areas where you apply the medication. If you have a history of acne problems, talk to your provider before starting this medication or any other topical steroids. To minimize acne side effects, it's best to use the smallest amount of desonide for the shortest amount of time possible.
                    Can I use my leftover desonide for other skin problems?
                    Always check with your provider first before using desonide for a new skin problem. Your provider needs to examine your skin to make sure desonide is an appropriate medication to treat the symptoms and that these symptoms aren't caused by a more serious skin condition. In addition, topical steroids, such as desonide, have different potency (strength). Depending on how severe your condition is or where the affected area is, your provider might prescribe a different topical steroid for you. Don't share or use someone else's medication. Doing so can either raise the risk of side effects or might not work well for your condition, depending on the strength of the topical steroid.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Desonide?

                    Desonide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Changes in hormone levels

                    • Risk factors: Using other topical steroids at the same time | Applying desonide for a long period of time | Applying too much desonide on your skin | Covering applied area with a bandage | Younger age

                      If you absorb too much topical steroid through the skin, it can interrupt your body's ability to make stress hormones and affect many bodily functions. For example, it can raise your blood sugar levels or cause your skin to bruise more easily. This is rare with desonide because it's a low-potency corticosteroid. But your risk is higher if you apply desonide for a long time or apply it over larger areas of skin. To prevent changes in hormone levels, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of desonide that works well for you for the shortest amount of time. If you need to use desonide for a longer period of time or over a larger skin area, your provider might ask you to do some lab work to test whether or not your body is still able to produce the proper amount of stress hormones. Don't use desonide for longer than 2 weeks (or 4 weeks for foam and gel) unless directed by your provider.

                      In addition, if you suddenly stop using desonide after having done so for a long time and over a large skin area, you might experience topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Some symptoms of TSW include itchy, burning, or flakey skin. If you think you might be experiencing TSW, talk with your provider and they can suggest possible treatment options for you. Don't suddenly stop using desonide without talking to your provider first.

                      risk-warning

                      New or worsened skin infection

                      Desonide can lower your body's ability to fight infections, including infections on your skin. It is especially important to treat skin infections with an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial if you are using desonide. The longer you are using this medication, the higher your risk of this problem is. If you notice redness, pain, swelling, or pus where you are applying desonide, stop using it and talk to your healthcare provider right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Skin irritation

                      • Risk factors: Using a higher dose of desonide over a longer period of time

                        Using desonide longer than directed by your provider can raise your risk of different skin reactions, including skin thinning, stretch marks, spider veins, burning, itching, irritation, dry skin, inflamed hair follicles, changes in skin color, or rash. To prevent severe skin reactions from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of desonide to treat your symptoms for the shortest amount of time. Let your provider know right away if you notice any new or worsening skin problems.

                        dosage

                        Desonide dosage forms

                        The average cost for 1 tube of 15g of 0.05% of Desonide is $15.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 80% off the average retail price of $74.99.
                        tube of cream
                        Tube of cream
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        15g of 0.05%1 tube$15.00$15.00
                        60g of 0.05%1 tube$28.90$28.90

                        Typical dosing for Desonide

                        • Desonide 0.05% topical lotion, cream, and ointment: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) 2 to 4 times daily. Don't use for longer than 2 weeks at a time, or as directed by your provider.

                        • Desonide 0.05% topical gel and Verdeso (desonide 0.05%) foam: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) 2 times daily. Don't use for longer than 4 weeks at a time, or as directed by your provider.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Desonide and other drugs

                        Desonide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Desonide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                        How much does Desonide cost?

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                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Desonide?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Desonide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Desonide
                        Used for:
                        • Treatment of skin rashes and other skin irritation - cream, lotion, and ointment

                        • Treatment of eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - foam and gel only

                        $15.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Used for:
                        • Skin inflammation

                        • Skin rashes

                        • Eczema

                        • Psoriasis

                        • Insect bites

                        • Poison ivy or oak

                        • Skin allergies

                        • Dry scalp

                        • Genital or rectal irritation

                        $6.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Used for:
                        • Inflammatory and itchy skin conditions

                        $24.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Desonide images

                        Desowen Coupon - Desowen 60g of 0.05% tube of cream
                        tube (60g) 0.05% of Desowen creamDesowen Coupon - Desowen 60g of 0.05% tube of cream
                        Desonide Coupon - Desonide 15g of 0.05% tube of cream
                        tube (15g) 0.05% of desonide creamDesonide Coupon - Desonide 15g of 0.05% tube of cream
                        Desonide Coupon - Desonide 60g of 0.05% tube of cream
                        tube (60g) 0.05% of desonide creamDesonide Coupon - Desonide 60g of 0.05% tube of cream

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). DESONIDE - desonide lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Almirall, LLC. (2021). VERDESO - desonide aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Cintex Services, LLC. (2020). DESONIDE - desonide gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        View All References (5)

                        National Eye Institute. (2023). Glaucoma.

                        National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2022). Atopic dermatitis.

                        Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2022). DESONIDE - desonide cream DESONIDE - desonide ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Trookman, N.S., et al. (2011). Randomized Controlled Trial of Desonide Hydrogel 0.05% versus Desonide Ointment 0.05% in the Treatment of Mild-to-moderate Atopic Dermatitis. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

                        Uva, L., et al. (2012). Mechanisms of action of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis. International Journal of Endocrinology.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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