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Desonide Ointment, 0.05%

Generic: Desonide Ointment, 0.05%

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Galderma
NDC
72162-1272
RxCUI
204135
Route
TOPICAL
ICD-10 indication
L20.9

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About Desonide Ointment, 0.05%

What is this medication?

Desonide ointment, 0.05% is a low-potency topical corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory skin conditions. It works by activating natural substances in the skin that reduce swelling, redness, and itching. This medication is typically prescribed for short-term relief from discomfort caused by mild to moderate skin irritations, rashes, and allergic reactions.

Healthcare providers often recommend this ointment for managing symptoms of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis in both adults and children. Because it is a milder steroid, it is frequently used on sensitive areas of the body, such as the face or skin folds, where stronger medications might cause thinning. It should be applied exactly as directed by a doctor to minimize the risk of side effects and maximize its effectiveness.

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.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Desonide Ointment, 0.05%. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Feb 28, 2025

Indications and usage
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Desonide Ointment, 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 Ointment, 0.05% should be applied to the affected area as a thin film from 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 Ointment, 0.05% should not be used with occlusive dressings.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Desonide Ointment, 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 Ointment, 0.05% was approximately 6%. These adverse reactions were erythema, induration, pruritus, irritation, oiliness, and peripheral edema. 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. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS , contact Encube Ethicals Private Limited at 1-833-285-4151 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Use in pregnancy
PREGNANCY Teratogenic effect Pregnancy Category C - 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 Ointment, 0.05%. It is also not known whether Desonide Ointment, 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 Ointment, 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.

Medicare Part D coverage

How Desonide Ointment, 0.05% appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

81%

4,448 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 4

On 35% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

0%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)47
22%
Tier 2 (generic)67
31%
Tier 3 (preferred brand)25
12%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)74
35%

Step therapy: 0% of formularies

Quantity limits: 58% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 213 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

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

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.