If you’re looking at treatment options for psoriasis, you may want to learn more about calcipotriene (Sorilux, Dovonex).
Calcipotriene is a generic prescription drug used to treat plaque psoriasis or scalp psoriasis in adults. It may also be suitable for some children aged 12 years and older.
Calcipotriene belongs to a group of drugs called vitamin D analogs. Calcipotriene is the active drug ingredient in this medication. It is available in the following forms:
- cream
- foam
- ointment
- solution
Keep reading for details on calcipotriene and cost and how to save money on prescriptions.
Note: For more details on calcipotriene, see this in-depth article.
The price you pay for calcipotriene can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.
To find out how much you’ll pay for calcipotriene, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about calcipotriene and cost.
How does the price for calcipotriene 0.005% cream compare with that for the 0.005% ointment?
Many different factors may affect the cost of calcipotriene ointment or cream. This includes your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use. In some cases, your insurance may prefer the cream or the ointment. In this case, one may be much cheaper for you than the other.
If you’re interested in learning about the specific price difference between the calcipotriene 0.005% cream and ointment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the price of combination drugs containing calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate?
The cost of a combination drug with calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate may vary based on many factors, including:
- the form of medication you’re using
- foam
- cream
- ointment
- suspension
- the pharmacy you’re using
- your insurance coverage
- whether you’re getting the brand-name form or the generic form
If you would like to know what the specific cost of a combination drug containing calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate would be, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How much does calcipotriene cost with insurance?
The cost of calcipotriene may depend on many factors, including:
- the form of the drug you’re using
- foam
- cream
- ointment
- solution
- the pharmacy you’re using
- your insurance coverage
- whether you’re getting the brand-name form or the generic form
If you have questions about the cost of calcipotriene with your specific insurance, talk with your insurance provider.
The generic drug calcipotriene comes as the brand-name versions Sorilux and Dovonex. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.)
To find out how the costs of Sorilux, Dovonex, and calcipotriene compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If your doctor has prescribed you calcipotriene and you’re interested in using Sorilux or Dovonex instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider since it may only cover one drug or the other.
If you take calcipotriene long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:
- Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of calcipotriene if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of calcipotriene. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
- Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for calcipotriene. And you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you need help covering the cost of calcipotriene or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:
These sites provide insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.
If you have questions about how you can pay for calcipotriene, you may also want to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you still have questions about the cost of calcipotriene, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with them to learn your actual cost.
Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:
- Will the form of calcipotriene that I am using (foam, ointment, cream, solution) affect my cost?
- What other treatment options do I have if I can’t afford calcipotriene?
- Is a specific form of calcipotriene cheaper for me through my insurance?
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.