Why Is Tacrolimus Ointment So Expensive?

Skin Care

by MedsEngage

June 26, 2024

If you had consulted a dermatologist for your itchy, skin rash, probably you would have been prescribed a tacrolimus ointment. Looking at the price tag of a small tube of tacrolimus topical, you might be thinking why pay a big amount for such a small quantity of medication and will it be worth it? Well, your dermatologist has prescribed you this medicine for your atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema condition so you cannot avoid buying it if you need relief.

So, if you are wondering why is tacrolimus ointment so expensive or if it is possible to buy tacrolimus ointment at a low price, this post is just for you. Here you can get some important details about tacrolimus ointment.

You can learn about the cost of tacrolimus ointment and get answers to the most frequently asked question: why is tacrolimus ointment so expensive? As you finish reading this post, you can even learn about options and offers available on the purchase of tacrolimus ointment that can help you save your pocket expenses.

Tacrolimus ointment is available for purchase with many online and offline pharmacies at competitive prices. If you wish to order an online Tacrolimus ointment, you must select a reputable and valid online drug store. Our online drug store, My Canadian Pharmacy, can be your right choice to get tacrolimus ointment at a discounted price!

What is Tacrolimus Ointment?

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Tacrolimus ointment is a prescription topical, a non-steroid medication, given by dermatologists for short-term use on the skin affected with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis or eczema. This ointment is safe for use by adults and even children aged 2 years older but not for those with weak or compromised immune systems.

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor, a class of drugs that works to block calcineurin. Calcineurin is a protein that helps activate our immune system. As eczema symptoms are immune system response, tacrolimus ointment benefits in treating eczema by blocking calcineurin and the immune system response. Unfortunately, tacrolimus ointment is costly. Read on to learn more about why tacrolimus ointment is so expensive.

Tacrolimus Ointment Side Effects:

Some of the Commonly Reported Side Effects are:

Acne breakout
Skin redness or crusting around the hair follicles
Mild burning or stinging sensation and slightly itchy skin
Flu-like symptoms or cold, stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing
Headache or muscle pain
More sensitivity to extreme temperatures
Stomach upset.

Some of the Serious Side Effects include:

Intense pain, burning, stinging, or itching
A change in the size or color of a mole
A new or worsened skin conditions like warts, skin blistering, oozing,
A viral skin infection
Allergic skin reaction.

Is Tacrolimus Generic?

Yes, Tacrolimus ointment is a generic topical medicine, as safe and effective as its brand-name counterpart. By generic, it means tacrolimus ointment is an exact copy of the active ingredient (tacrolimus) present in brand-name topicals like Protopic, Nuju Cream, and Nuju Solution.

As tacrolimus topical is generic, it should be less costly than brand-name topicals and that stands true. Brand-name drugs are way more expensive than tacrolimus ointment. Hence, why is Tacrolimus ointment so expensive?

Tacrolimus Cost With and Without Insurance:

Many factors decide the cost of Tacrolimus Ointment without Insurance. These include:

The chosen pharmacy
The unique treatment plan (the strength of dose and quantity of supply)
Duration of treatment
The availability of a financial assistance/savings program for Tacrolimus.

Cost of Tacrolimus Ointment with Insurance:

With insurance aid, the purchaser of Tacrolimus ointment would have to pay less from pocket. Having insurance coverage is the best for patients experiencing financial hardships. The buyers of Tacrolimus can contact the chosen pharmacy and their insurance providers to figure out whether and how much insurance claim is possible on the purchase of Tacrolimus.

The price of Tacrolimus ointment with insurance depends upon the terms of the healthcare insurance plan the patient has. The copay cost varies among the patients.

Why is Tacrolimus Ointment So Expensive? In general, Tacrolimus ointment is priced much higher without insurance than with insurance or any financial aid. The customers holding no prescription drug insurance will have to pay the amount quoted by the seller depending upon the quantity of their purchase.

Even if there is no insurance to claim for the cost of the purchase of Tacrolimus ointment, you still have the option to avoid paying for exorbitant prices of Tacrolimus ointment to get eczema relief.

If you still have questions about why is Tacrolimus Ointment So Expensive, scroll down and read out the next section.

Why is Tacrolimus So Expensive?

Tacrolimus is generic but still Expensive due to the following reasons:

Research and Development (R&D) Costs: Even for generic drugs, companies invest considerable resources in research and development. This includes optimizing the manufacturing process and conducting necessary clinical trials. This also contributes to the higher price of Tacrolimus.

Complicated manufacturing: It has been found that manufacturing generic Tacrolimus is not simple. The ointment needs to be made in small batches with the help of several pieces of high-end, specialized equipment.

Drug distribution: Manufacturers need to source supplies to manufacture tacrolimus ointment. The expenses in the drug making and distribution get passed to customers, the end user of the drug.

Regulatory and Compliance Costs: It include maintaining quality control, conducting stability studies, and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices. These involve significant costs that contribute to the overall expense of producing Tacrolimus.

Market Exclusivity and Limited Competition: Tacrolimus is generic, but the market for this medication might still have limited competition. This allows existing manufacturers to keep prices higher.

FAQs:

How long does it take for Tacrolimus Ointment to absorb?

Tacrolimus ointments remain on the skin’s surface for an extended time, this prevents the affected areas from drying out. This ointment is not rapidly absorbed through the skin, ensuring a prolonged presence on the surface. This extended surface retention contributes to their effectiveness in managing skin conditions.

Can Tacrolimus Ointment be used in the Mouth?

No, tacrolimus ointment is only meant for external use, not for use inside the mouth, nose, or eyes. It should be applied in a thin layer on the affected skin surface.

Can you Drink Alcohol while using Tacrolimus Ointment?

You should avoid alcohol intake while using tacrolimus ointment as alcohol can make the skin flushed or red and feel hot, especially if tacrolimus is applied on the facial skin.

Does Tacrolimus Ointment Stop Itching?

Yes, tacrolimus ointment can help minimize inflammatory skin reactions and treat symptoms of mild to moderate eczema such as itching, inflammation, and redness.

What is similar to Tacrolimus Ointment?

After learning Why is Tacrolimus so Expensive, you might be thinking about whether you can buy cheaper alternatives to tacrolimus for your condition. Some common, similar topicals to Tacrolimus Ointment that are worth considering include Rinvoq, Azathioprine (Imuran), Sirolimus (Rapamune), Everolimus (Zortress), and Topicort Cream.