How much does Desonide cost?

Pricing for Desonide varies by insurance plan, dose, and pharmacy. Our database does not show a fixed cost because prices change faster than we can verify. For current pharmacy prices, check your insurance's formulary tier (in the prior-authorization section), use the GoodRx or Cost Plus Drugs deep links on this page, or ask your pharmacist to run a test claim. If a copay card is listed, it usually drops the out-of-pocket significantly for commercial insurance.

Does Desonide need prior authorization?

Desonide appears on 2 payer formularies in our database. PA requirements vary by payer — see the prior-authorization table on this page for specifics. In general, specialty and brand-name drugs are more likely to require PA than generic equivalents.

Is there a copay card or patient assistance program for Desonide?

We haven't verified an active copay card or PAP for Desonide in our current data. Check NeedyMeds or RxAssist for independent directories, or submit what you find via our "Report a broken link" form.

What is Desonide used to treat?

Desonide (generic: Desonide) is indicated for Eczema. Click any condition name on this page for more detail.

Desonide

Generic: Desonide

Verified·Apr 23, 2026

Manufacturer: Galderma
NDC: 16714-729
RxCUI: 197572
Route: TOPICAL
ICD-10 indication: L30.9

Affordability Check

How much will you actually pay for Desonide?

In 30 seconds, see every legitimate way to afford Desonide — Medicare copay, manufacturer copay card, Patient Assistance Program, grants, or cash.

Check my options →

About Desonide

What is this medication?

Desonide is a low-potency topical corticosteroid that is primarily used to treat a variety of skin conditions involving inflammation and itching. It functions by suppressing the immune response in the skin, which helps to alleviate symptoms like redness, swelling, and discomfort. This medication is commonly prescribed for patients dealing with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Due to its mild nature, it is often preferred for application on sensitive areas of the body, such as the face or skin folds, where higher-potency steroids might be too harsh.

This treatment is available in several topical formulations, including ointments, creams, lotions, and foams, to suit different skin types and areas of application. It is typically applied in a thin layer to the affected site two or three times daily, depending on the healthcare provider's instructions. It is important for patients to follow their doctor's guidance regarding the duration of use to minimize the risk of thinning skin or other localized side effects. Desonide is intended for external use only and should not be used on broken or infected skin without specific medical advice.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

External links go directly to the manufacturer's portal. RxCopays does not receive compensation for referrals.

Compare pricing elsewhere

RxCopays doesn't sell drugs or take referral fees. Here are the transparent-pricing directories we recommend checking alongside your insurance formulary.

Cost Plus Drug Company

Mark Cuban's transparent-pricing pharmacy — manufacturer cost + 15% markup + $5 dispensing fee. No insurance needed. Search alphabetically for Desonide.

Browse Cost Plus medications →

GoodRx

Compare local pharmacy prices with GoodRx coupons. Use the price with your insurance or without — whichever is cheaper.

Lookup Desonide →

NeedyMeds

Independent nonprofit directory of patient assistance programs, copay cards, and charity co-pay foundations.

Search for Desonide →

RxAssist

PAP directory maintained by Volunteers in Health Care at Brown University. Free, no ads.

Search PAPs →

We deep-link because transparency helps patients. None of these partners pay RxCopays.

Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Desonide. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Jul 19, 2023

Indications and usage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desonide cream, 0.05% is a low potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses. It should not be used for longer than two weeks unless directed by a physician.

Dosage and administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Desonide cream, 0.05% should be applied to the affected area as a thin film two to four times daily depending on the severity of the condition. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within two weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Desonide cream, 0.05% should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Desonide cream, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

Adverse reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of desonide cream, 0.05% was approximately 1%. The adverse reactions for desonide cream, 0.05% were pruritus, pain, folliculitis, rash, peripheral edema, pustular rash, sweating, erythema, irritation, and burning. Laboratory abnormalities were found in 3% of the patients. These were hyperglycemia (2%) and liver function abnormality (1%). The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, miliaria, burning and hypopigmentation.

Use in pregnancy

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with desonide cream, 0.05%. It is also not known whether desonide cream, 0.05% can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Desonide cream, 0.05% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Eczema

Medicare Part D coverage

How Desonide appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

80%

4,409 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 4

On 38% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

of covering formularies

Tier	Formularies on this tier	Share
Tier 1 (preferred generic)	47	22%
Tier 2 (generic)	64	30%
Tier 3 (preferred brand)	22	10%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)	82	38%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 55% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 215 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

Payer	PA	Step therapy	Copay tier
— Medicare Part D	—	—	—
— Medicare Part D	—	—	—

Payer

Step therapy

Copay tier

—

Medicare Part D

—

Medicare Part D

—

Related drugs

How this page is sourced

Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.