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Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:02 pm  |
My dermatologist wrote a prescription for this gel to treat my acne and mild melasia from my pregnancy. Currently, I am breastfeeding so that limits my options severely. She seemed to suggest that this medicine might work for me but the results vary so much with each individual, she wasn't very enthusiastic about it. I tried her sample and it seems very nice.
Here's the problem: I went to pick up the prescription and it cost $86!!  Insurance is only paying for $20 of it! I didn't pick it up because I hesitate to pay that much money for something that I'm not sure will work. Is there anyone out there who has used this medicine? Is it worth the money?! |
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Wed Jul 26, 2006 6:55 am |
I think your derm was probably right on in prescribing Finacea to you because it's supposed to be safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I really like Finacea and when I used it, it seemed to keep my skin clear and is very effective at reducing red areas and irritation. I remember when I first started using it my problems were dimished within a few days. I had forgotten about it and will make it a point to start using it again.
It's also prescribed to my husband for rosacea but he says it's too itchy for him and alot of ppl using it complain about this. He prefers Metrogel.
I like how my derm give me a about 10-15 good size samples of anything she prescribes to me so I can see if it is beneficial before filling the script even though my insurance covers all except $5. Maybe you can mention samples first next time and explain the insurance situation to him/her. |
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Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:22 am |
I'm going to call my insurance company about this today. If that is the only topical that the doctor can prescribe for me, why do I have to be penalized for it?? Such is life! I breastfeed my kids so that they are healthier (with less doctor visits!) so I end up saving the insurance company money too. Ya THINK I could get rewarded a bit for this, ya know!
Has anyone else used this? I did a search on this site and I haven't been able to find much on it. Of course, I am soooo unsavvy with the computer.... |
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Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:31 am |
| ellyp wrote: |
I'm going to call my insurance company about this today. If that is the only topical that the doctor can prescribe for me, why do I have to be penalized for it?? Such is life! I breastfeed my kids so that they are healthier (with less doctor visits!) so I end up saving the insurance company money too. Ya THINK I could get rewarded a bit for this, ya know!
Has anyone else used this? I did a search on this site and I haven't been able to find much on it. Of course, I am soooo unsavvy with the computer.... |
Try out this link then do a search for Finacea on the skin care topics. Lots of great info there. You might have to choose to be a member first though to search. Good luck!
http://www.makeupalley.com/board/default.asp?BoardID=6 |
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Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:38 am |
| Thanks, phredd! I have tried that link before but I find it frustrating trying to get much info from it. When I am holding my fussy baby and I can't type, I will give it a whirl again. It will be a good reading activity! This is the first time I've ever participated or researched any forums so it's definitely a learning experience... |
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Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:33 am |
I can totally sympathize with your insurance company frustrations. I have been using retin-a on and off for 10 yrs. When I turned 25, the insurance wouldn't pay for it anymore. Their theory is that Retin-a can also be used for cosmetic reasons (wrinkle reduction and sunspots) so when you are over 25, they stop paying for it, even if your doctor says it is being used only for acne. I have been buying it from canada for $30 a tube compared to $100 + here.
Recently, I switched to tazorac. I was pleasantly surprised that the insurance covered this. More than likely they cover it because tazorac was originally approved for use on psoriasis then later approved for acne. Also, it is not officially approved for rejuevenation. |
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Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:11 pm |
Elly - if you don't mind me asking, what insurance do you have?
I'm also in the US and I have just purchased the finacea cream version from ADC. I would like to try the gel and I trying to figure out how much my copay would be if I got it through my insurance. If it is too high, I will order online from an Austrailian site
Thanks! |
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~Hope |
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Thu Sep 17, 2009 4:45 pm |
| HopeIsNotEnough wrote: |
the finacea cream version from ADC.
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Finacea only comes in gel, although it seems more like cream/gel. |
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Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:11 pm |
| ellyp wrote: |
My dermatologist wrote a prescription for this gel to treat my acne and mild melasia from my pregnancy. Currently, I am breastfeeding so that limits my options severely. She seemed to suggest that this medicine might work for me but the results vary so much with each individual, she wasn't very enthusiastic about it. I tried her sample and it seems very nice.
Here's the problem: I went to pick up the prescription and it cost $86!! Insurance is only paying for $20 of it! I didn't pick it up because I hesitate to pay that much money for something that I'm not sure will work. Is there anyone out there who has used this medicine? Is it worth the money?! |
You can order Finacea gel (non-generic) fromwww.epharmacy.com.au. It is an online pharmacy in Australia. Prescription is not needed for this product in Australia. Go and check out the price and you can do a "dummy" order which will give you a shipping charge when you Check out.. As long as you don't put in your credit card details, you will not be charged. I estimate it would not cost you more than USD30 with shipping from Australia included. |
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Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:23 am |
There was also a great thread on Finacea here on Eds a few months back that is worth reading.
Inhousepharmacy carries the generic finacea as well. |
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Joined the 50 club several years back, blonde w/ fair/sensitive skin, Texas humidity and prone to rosacea, light breakouts and sunburns, combo skin type, starting to see sundamage and fine lines |
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Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:01 am |
| GirlieGirl wrote: |
| HopeIsNotEnough wrote: |
the finacea cream version from ADC.
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Finacea only comes in gel, although it seems more like cream/gel. |
Sorry I confused you by using the 'finacea' interchangeably. What I order from ADC is actually the generic of Azelex (called aziderm) and is the 20% cream. Thanks for your response to me on the other thread too... I am going to try the finacea gel next and figure out which works better for my skin =) |
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~Hope |
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Wed Sep 23, 2009 4:38 pm |
I hear you on the insurance issues. Unfortunately they consider melasma and acne to be cosmetic issues, not really health/medical related issues. I think they give these teens a break because sometimes it can be so bad for them with associated depression etc. Unfortunately for me I have had worse acne as an adult then I ever had as a teen. I cannot believe I am still dealing with this stuff in my 40's. Acne plus wrinkles, go figure . . . I do not have bad acne but my chin is constantly broken out, not a good look.
I have used finacea and it helped with breakouts, also it made my skin look 'clearer" overall, more even skin tone and the funny thing is the blackheads would just come to the surface and be much easier to extract. I plan on going back on it now that it is getting colder. I avoid the finacea and retin-a in the summer months. You might consider trying it even if you have to pay for it. The 45 gram tube lasted me all last winter and I have a lot left. So maybe it is less expensive then you think when you picture it that way.
Good luck ! |
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Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:47 am |
Thread bump!
Went to my derm yesterday for my annual mole check and she decided to put me back on Finacea. We had tried Oracea a few years back but I don't like taking long term antibiotics even at a low dose and it really didn't work.
She took me off of the Retin-A that my plastic surgeon recommended after my bleph checking appt.
She thinks that my skin is just too sensitive and it is making my rosacea flare back up and she also said that Retin-A can cause more broken caps (which I have had several derms tell me that in the past).
So we will be back on it for a while and see if it can calm my skin back down and make the tiny bumps go away.
It is quite expensive and the insurance does not cover it. I did have a coupon which took 10.00 dollars off the 175.00 woo hoo!
So, is anybody out there still using this and what has your results been so far?
It has been a while since I have used it so I can't remember if it is okay to use a lotion or cream with it and if it dries out your skin.
I am going to call back my derm and see what they say as well at her office. |
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Joined the 50 club several years back, blonde w/ fair/sensitive skin, Texas humidity and prone to rosacea, light breakouts and sunburns, combo skin type, starting to see sundamage and fine lines |
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Wed Mar 07, 2012 3:46 pm |
I've used Finacea Gel off and on for a while. I think it does have a calming effect on the skin so I have no problem with it at all.
In Australia it's available OTC and is relatively inexpensive. I would definitely look at purchasing it on the web.
BTW Annie - we seem to have similar skin issues (redness, sebaceous hyperplasia and prone to breakouts. For the last three months I've incorporated Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair into my routine. My skin has never been better - my lumps are the flattest they've ever been and my skin, in general, looks smooth and healthy. About the same time I also started using the DPL LED instead of the AALS, so that could be contributing as well.
But for the first time in ages I'm happy with my skincare! |
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Born 1950. There's a new cream on the market that gets rid of wrinkles - you smear it on the mirror!! |
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Wed Mar 07, 2012 5:59 pm |
| Keliu wrote: |
| For the last three months I've incorporated Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair into my routine. |
One of the best products I have ever used (and I am shocked to say that!!). Great to hear you have had good luck with it.
I agree, AnnieR, look into epharmacy (Australia). The finacea gel is way less expensive from that place (and they ship lightening quick). |
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Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:03 pm |
| rileygirl wrote: |
| Keliu wrote: |
| For the last three months I've incorporated Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair into my routine. |
One of the best products I have ever used (and I am shocked to say that!!). Great to hear you have had good luck with it.
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Thanks to you riley I have recommended it to a few people who were having some skin issues, and all have thanked me and you profusely all loved what it did for their skin. (Never mentioned you by name of course).  |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:14 pm |
| DarkMoon wrote: |
| rileygirl wrote: |
| Keliu wrote: |
| For the last three months I've incorporated Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair into my routine. |
One of the best products I have ever used (and I am shocked to say that!!). Great to hear you have had good luck with it.
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Thanks to you riley I have recommended it to a few people who were having some skin issues, and all have thanked me and you profusely all loved what it did for their skin. (Never mentioned you by name of course). |
It was Riley's recommendation that got me to try it - that and the fact that the 100ml bottle was on special when I was coming back through Duty Free.
You know I never rave about anything - ever. But, so far, I'm impressed with what this is doing for my skin in terms of calming and soothing. There's been no vanishing of wrinkles, no plumping, no looking ten years younger - but my skin has far less problems and just looks healthy. I think I've found something to stick with! |
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Born 1950. There's a new cream on the market that gets rid of wrinkles - you smear it on the mirror!! |
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Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:19 am |
Dang it, just one more thing to add to my wish list girls!
I have a beauty wish list going right now, procedures, fillers, maintenance, serums, etc. I am trying to knock them off slowly but surely to keep DH from going into cardiac arrest. I had just gotten so busy and put off a lot, so now it really seems looming!  Needing a good overhaul!
Well, at least the Finacea tube is large and should last for a while! Hubby went to pick it up and although it seemed expensive he didn't say a word. I, on the other hand, kind of took a step back. Had I known, I just would have ordered it online maybe.
He did ask the pharmacy if there was a generic (which I am assuming Azaleic Acid from inhouse is). They said yes but that the compounding was different and it was more irritating to the skin, more alcohol maybe? I will check into when it comes time and see.
So far, I am remembering why I used it (and loved it) and WHY I didn't refill the RX! |
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Joined the 50 club several years back, blonde w/ fair/sensitive skin, Texas humidity and prone to rosacea, light breakouts and sunburns, combo skin type, starting to see sundamage and fine lines |
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