Less Expensive Alternatives to Finacea

I recently tried to refill my prescription for Finacea, and I was surprised to learn that it was going to cost $203.91 after my insurance picked up part of the bill.  Yikes!  I really feel like I need the Finacea, but the price got me searching for alternatives.

Finacea can be purchased without a prescription in Australia.  If you're willing to pay for shipping, you can order it online.  For some reason, this makes me a bit nervous...is it legal to buy medicine from other countries?  I'm not sure.  But, it's for sale on Amazon.  Click here to check it out.  Even with shipping, it's less expensive than prescription Finacea in the US.  A lot less expensive.

Another alternative might be Melazepam cream.  It has the same active ingredient as Finacea, but it is sold at places like the Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon.  Several users on the Rosacea Support Group have recommended this product.

Of course, you should not try any of these alternatives without first consulting with your doctor.  I am not a doctor.  I'm just someone suffering from rosacea, who happens to have insurance that doesn't cover Finacea.

Products I Use for Rosacea

It took a lot of trial and error for me to find these products, but they are the ones that work for me.  If you have any product suggestions, please leave them in the comments.

1.     Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar.  Get the bar, and make sure it’s not the antibacterial one.  It’s gentle, and it’s cheap.  It won’t irritate your skin.

2.     Cetaphil Moisturizer with SPF 15.  I use this every day, and it really helps build up a moisture barrier on my skin.  Like the cleansing bar, it’s gentle and cheap.

3.     Cetaphil Moisturizer with SPF 50.  I use this when I know I’ll be in the sun.  I apply it before exercising outdoors, or doing any kind of outdoor activity.  The texture of this moisturizer isn’t as nice as the SPF 15 one, but it’s still gentle and effective.

4.     CeraVe Cream.  I don’t use this all of the time, but if my skin feels really dry, it works wonders!  Great as a night cream, and one bottle lasts forever.

5.     Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Makeup.  This stuff covers up the redness like no other.  And, it doesn’t irritate my skin.  I use this on my red areas.

6.     Mac StudioFix powder.  This is supposed to be a foundation, but I use it more like a powder.  Great coverage, and non-irritating.  If you go to a Mac counter, they can help you find the right shade.  If they tell you that you’re not supposed to use a lot of it, ignore them.  This stuff is great for maximum coverage.  It’s pricier, but it’s worth it.

7.     Finacea.  This is a prescription-only medication.  If you aren’t already taking it, I would try to make other changes first before going to a prescription medication.  Of course, you need to consult with your doctor about this.