Key takeaways:
Considering cost when prescribing treatments for psoriasis is important, because even the most effective ones will not help if patients can't access or afford them.
Generics and biosimilars may lower costs while providing comparable effectiveness and safety in many cases.
Savings strategies such as GoodRx coupons, manufacturer copay cards, and patient assistance programs can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Costs for psoriasis treatments vary widely, from relatively inexpensive creams to specialty medications that can cost thousands of dollars per month. Discussing affordability before prescribing can help patients avoid delays or interruptions in treatment.
Here we’ll compare prices for common psoriasis medications and explain ways your patients may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
How to save on psoriasis medications
There are several ways to lower the cost of psoriasis treatment, whether it involves topical creams or specialty biologics. Consider the following options:
GoodRx coupons: These can help patients save on many prescription medications, especially generics. GoodRx also offers exclusive discounts on certain brand-name and biologic medications for psoriasis.
Generic or lower-cost alternatives: Older medications like methotrexate and many topical steroids are available as lower-cost generics.
Biosimilars for biologics: These alternatives are often lower cost and work similarly to reference (brand-name) biologics. Some biologics also have unbranded versions that may cost less.
Manufacturer copay cards: Many brand-name medications and biologics offer savings programs for those with commercial insurance. These are typically not available to people covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other government plans.
Patient assistance programs (PAPs): These programs are offered through manufacturers and independent organizations. They may provide medications at low or no cost for those who qualify.
Topical treatments
Topical medications are usually the first treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis. They’re often the most affordable option, especially when generics are available.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are among the most commonly prescribed psoriasis treatments and are available in various strengths and forms.
Here’s how to save on some of the more common topical steroid 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 $22.56 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (60 g tube) |
Clobetasol 0.05% ointment | Yes | As low as $22.56 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 $15.56 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (454 g jar) |
Triamcinolone 0.1% ointment | Yes | As low as $20.55 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 $12.15 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (30 g tube) |
Vitamin D analogues
Vitamin D analogues can play a role in long-term psoriasis management because they don’t carry the same risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged topical steroid use.
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 $76.99 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 retinoid tazarotene (Tazorac) is another steroid-sparing, topical option. It’s available in generic form.
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 | Yes | As low as $110.76 for the generic version with a free GoodRx coupon (30 g tube) |
Calcineurin inhibitors
Topical calcineurin inhibitors are not FDA approved specifically for psoriasis, but they’re commonly used off-label for sensitive areas. They’re also available as generics.
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) |
Newer nonsteroidal topicals
These topical medications help reduce inflammation: Tapinarof (Vtama) is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, and roflumilast (Zoryve) is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor.
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
Common combination products contain a corticosteroid and another active ingredient, which can be more effective than either ingredient alone and also simplify treatment.
Medication | Generic availability | How to save |
|---|---|---|
Betamethasone / calcipotriene (Taclonex) suspension | Yes | As low as $76.99 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 |
Systemic medications
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends systemic, oral medications for moderate-to-severe psoriasis or when topicals aren’t enough.
Methotrexate 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 $17.04 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 $82.93 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
Many biologics are approved for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, but they are often among the most expensive options and may be available only through specialty pharmacies.
Some biologics have biosimilars, which may be available at a lower price.
TNF inhibitors
Most TNF inhibitors are self-administered with a prefilled syringe or injection pen. However, IV infusions like infliximab may be a better option for some.
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) • As low as $0 for infliximab-dyyb (Inflectra) • As low as $5 for infliximab-abda (Renflexis) | |
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
IL-12/23 inhibitor
Ustekinumab (Stelara) is the only IL-12/23 inhibitor for psoriasis. 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) • As low as $0 for ustekinumab-aauz (Otulfi) • As low as $0 for ustekinumab-ttwe (Pyzchiva) • As low as $0 for ustekinumab-aekn (Selarsdi) • As low as $0 for ustekinumab-stba (Steqeyma) • As low as $0 for ustekinumab-auub (Wezlana) • As low as $0 for ustekinumab-kfce (Yesintek) |
IL-17 inhibitors
Almost all IL-17 inhibitors come in prefilled syringes, and most also have a pen option, while 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
Most IL-23 inhibitors are available as subcutaneous injections with prefilled syringes or injection pens. Risankizumab (Skyrizi) and guselkumab (Tremfya) are also available as IV infusions.
The first oral IL-23 inhibitor, Icotyde (icotrokinra), was approved in March 2026.
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 |
Icotyde (icotrokinra) | No | As low as $0 with a copay card |
The bottom line
Psoriasis treatments range from low-cost topical and oral medications to high-cost biologics. When appropriate, prescribing a generic, biosimilar, or other lower-cost option may reduce a patient’s out-of-pocket costs. GoodRx coupons, manufacturer copay cards, and patient assistance programs may also help, although eligibility and savings vary. Knowing how to help patients reduce costs can help them get the most out of their treatment plans.
Why trust our experts?
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