How Much Is Doxycycline Without Insurance?
Learn how much doxycycline costs without insurance and how to save with GoodRx. The price depends on the dose, the form, and the location of your pharmacy.
doxycycline DR
Used for Rosacea
Used for Rosacea
Doxycycline (Oracea) is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat rosacea in adults. It specifically helps with the pimple-like bumps caused by rosacea. Doxycycline (Oracea) comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth once daily in the morning. Side effects can include common cold symptoms and diarrhea.
What is Doxycycline (Oracea)?
What is Doxycycline (Oracea) used for?
How Doxycycline (Oracea) works
Doxycycline (Oracea) is a tetracycline antibiotic. The way it works to treat rosacea isn't fully understood. But it's thought calm down inflammation in the skin.
When does Doxycycline (Oracea) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Oracea |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Tetracycline antibiotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Doxycycline (Oracea)
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
- Common cold symptoms (5%)
- Diarrhea (5%)
- Sinus inflammation (3%)
- High blood pressure (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Stuffy nose
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fungal infection
Doxycycline (Oracea) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Infectious diarrhea (Clostridium difficile-related diarrhea: severe or watery diarrhea, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, stomach cramps, nausea, fever
- High pressure around the brain: headache, dizziness, blurred vision, vision changes, blind spots
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling of the face or tongue
- Serious skin reaction: round, red, violet, or brown skin patch; blistering
More on Doxycycline (Oracea) side effects
The following Doxycycline (Oracea) 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:
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chills
clay-colored stools
dark urine
decreased appetite
diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
feeling of discomfort
headache
hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
hives or welts, itching, or rash
increased thirst
indigestion
inflammation of the joints
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet
pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
redness and soreness of the eyes
redness of the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach cramps
stomach pain or tenderness
swelling of the feet or lower legs
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight loss
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
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:
Incidence not known
Back, leg, or stomach pains
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
chest pain, discomfort, or burning
cracks in the skin
decrease in vision
difficulty breathing
discoloration of the thyroid glands
double vision
general body swelling
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
loss of heat from the body
lower back or side pain
nosebleeds
pain or burning in the throat
pain with swallowing
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
red, swollen skin
redness or other discoloration of the skin
redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
severe nausea
severe stomach pain
severe sunburn
tooth discoloration
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting blood
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 of Doxycycline (Oracea)
Pros
- Taken once a day
- Helps reduce the pimple-like bumps and redness from rosacea
- Can be used when topical rosacea treatments aren’t enough
Cons
- Must be taken on an empty stomach
- Can sometimes cause diarrhea
- Not approved for children
Pharmacist tips for Doxycycline (Oracea)
- Take doxycycline (Oracea) on an empty stomach in the morning. Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. This helps your body absorb the medication properly.
- Take doxycycline (Oracea) with a full glass of water. This helps keep the medication from irritating or hurting your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach).
- Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before starting a new over-the-counter heartburn medication. This includes antacids with calcium, magnesium, or aluminum. It also includes bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These products can make it harder for your body to absorb doxycycline (Oracea). Your care team can tell you how to take them safely with doxycycline (Oracea).
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take. Doxycycline (Oracea) can interact with certain medications and supplements. For example, it can raise the risk of bleeding if you take a blood thinner. Iron supplements can also affect how well your body absorbs doxycycline (Oracea). Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together.
- Limit your time in the sun and stay away from tanning beds while taking doxycycline (Oracea). The medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause you to burn more easily. Use sunscreen and wear clothes that cover your skin when you're outside.
- Mild diarrhea can happen while taking doxycycline (Oracea) and often gets better on its own. Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated if diarrhea happens. Get medical help right away if you have severe watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever. These could be signs of serious infectious diarrhea that needs medical care.
- If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant: Tell your prescriber. Doxycycline (Oracea) can affect an unborn baby's developing bones and teeth, especially during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Your prescriber can talk with you about the risks.
- If you plan to breastfeed: Don't breastfeed while taking doxycycline (Oracea) and for 5 days after your last dose. Doxycycline can pass into breast milk, but it's not clear how much. There's a potential for serious side effects, so talk to your prescriber about the risks.
Risks and warnings for Doxycycline (Oracea)
Doxycycline (Oracea) 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.
Diarrhea from Clostridiodes difficile infection
Antibiotics, such as doxycycline (Oracea), can change the normal bacteria in your gut. This can let harmful bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) grow too much and cause a serious infection. This infection can lead to severe diarrhea, even up to 2 months after you stop the antibiotic.
It's important to know the difference between mild diarrhea from doxycycline (Oracea) and serious diarrhea from C. diff. Signs of a C. diff infection include fever, nausea, severe or watery diarrhea, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, or bloody stool. Get medical help right away if you have any signs of this infectious diarrhea. This can be a medical emergency and should get treated as soon as possible.
High pressure around the brain
- Risk factors: People who can get pregnant and are considered overweight | People who can get pregnant and have history of high pressure in the brain | Also taking isotretinoin
Tetracyclines like doxycycline (Oracea) have been linked to having high pressure around the brain. This is called intracranial hypertension. Your risk might be higher risk if you can become pregnant and are considered overweight or have had this problem before. Avoid taking doxycycline (Oracea) with the acne medication isotretinoin, since it can also cause this problem.
The pressure usually gets better after you stop doxycycline (Oracea). But it can stay high for several weeks. In some cases, it might cause some permanent problems. Call your prescriber right away if you have headaches or vision changes, such as blurry vision, double vision, or vision loss. You'll need an eye exam right away if you have vision changes.
Sensitivity to sunlight
Tetracyclines like doxycycline (Oracea) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This means you might get a sunburn more easily. Protect your skin by wearing sun-protective clothing and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you're outside. Avoid tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light while taking doxycycline (Oracea). Tell your care team if your skin becomes red or looks sunburned.
Autoimmune problems
Tetracyclines such as doxycycline (Oracea) have been linked to the development of autoimmune problems. These problems happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks parts of your body. Tell your care team if you have fever, rash, joint pain, or if you feel generally unwell while taking this medication. They can examine you to see what might be going on.
Changes in skin or tissue color
Doxycycline (Oracea) can cause changes in the color of your skin and other parts of your body. This can include your nails, eyes, or inside of your mouth. Tell your care team if you notice any unusual color changes while taking doxycycline (Oracea).
Risk of kidney or liver problems in certain people
- Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking doxycycline (Oracea) long term
If you have kidney problems, doxycycline (Oracea) can build up in your body and cause serious problems. Taking the antibiotic for a long time can also raise the risk of liver problems. If you have kidney problems, your prescriber might give you a lower dose or have you take it less often to help keep you safe.
Effects on developing teeth and bones during pregnancy
- Risk factors: Taking during the second half of pregnancy | Taking doxycycline (Oracea) for a long time | Taking several short courses of doxycycline (Oracea)
Doxycycline (Oracea) can affect developing teeth and bones. Taking it during the second half of pregnancy can affect an unborn baby's bones and teeth. It can slow bone growth and permanently stain developing teeth yellow, gray, or brown. It can also cause problems with tooth enamel.
Because of these risks, talk to your prescriber if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell them right away if you become pregnant while taking doxycycline (Oracea). Doxycycline (Oracea) isn't approved for use in children.
Doxycycline (Oracea) dosage
The average cost for 30 capsules of 40mg of of Doxycycline (Oracea) is $102.38 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 85.26% off the average retail price of $694.50. 
Capsule
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40mg of | 30 capsules | $102.38 | $3.41 |
Typical dosage for Doxycycline (Oracea)
The typical dose is 40 mg by mouth once daily in the morning on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
Interactions between Doxycycline (Oracea) and other drugs
Doxycycline (Oracea) 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 Doxycycline (Oracea). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Doxycycline (Oracea) interactions
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. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Ascorbic Acid
- Bacampicillin
- Bexarotene
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Cloxacillin
- Desogestrel
- Dicloxacillin
- Dienogest
- Drospirenone
- Estradiol
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Ethynodiol
- Etretinate
- Gestodene
- Isotretinoin
- Levonorgestrel
- Mestranol
- Methicillin
- Methotrexate
- Methoxyflurane
- Nafcillin
- Nomegestrol
- Norethindrone
- Norgestimate
- Norgestrel
- Oxacillin
- Penicillin G
- Penicillin G Benzathine
- Penicillin G Procaine
- Penicillin V
- Piperacillin
- Pivampicillin
- Porfimer
- Sultamicillin
- Temocillin
- Tretinoin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Aluminum Phosphate
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Calcium
- Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
- Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
- Iron
- Magaldrate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Magnesium Oxide
- Magnesium Trisilicate
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
How much does Doxycycline (Oracea) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Doxycycline (Oracea) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Doxycycline (Oracea) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to other tetracycline antibiotics, such as minocycline or tetracycline
What are alternatives to Doxycycline (Oracea)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Doxycycline (Oracea). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Doxycycline (Oracea)
7 Doxycycline Side Effects You Should Know About
Read on to learn about the common and rare side effects of doxycycline and how to manage them.
Doxycycline Hyclate vs. Monohydrate: A Clear, Simple Guide to Their Differences
Doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate are different forms of the same antibiotic. But is one better? Read about the differences in side effects and more.
How Long Does Doxycycline Take to Work? Plus, 6 More Doxycycline FAQs
Doxycycline can begin working within a couple of days, though it can take 1 to 2 weeks to fully clear an infection. Read more about doxycycline, here.
Doxycycline Alternatives: Other Treatment Options and Additional Ways to Save
Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic that treats a wide range of infections, but are there alternatives? Learn more here.
6 Doxycycline Interactions You Should Know About
Doxycycline may interact with antacids and penicillin antibiotics like amoxicillin. See more common doxycycline interactions and tips for avoiding them here.
Which Antibiotics Are Less Likely to Cause Diarrhea From C. diff?
Diarrhea is a side effect of most antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea because they kill certain types of bacteria in your GI tract. This may lead to serious diarrhea caused by a Clostridium difficile infection. Learn more here.
Doxycycline (Oracea) images
