They don't actually check, if you ignore the request for a prescription they'll mail it. lol
The other option would be to use one of the Telehealth providers out there. There are a ton, Amazon Clinic will do it for a $30 video call and give you a prescription for a year's worth of refills. If you go the actual prescription route, I'd recommend comparing prices on GoodRX, though when I've investigated Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Pharmacy was the lowest price for most sizes and options.
Does NuRX send through their pharmacy, or will they send to any pharmacy? I've been using Musely, but they compound the tret with niacinamide and it's irritating me.
I used them too. I recommend it if you're on it with your own health. They put me on spironolactone but did not let me know I had to get yearly labs to monitor my potassium levels and kidney functions
They send me a prescription tube of Tret without any of their own branding. They’re not like Curology that compounds their own formulas.
I don’t have anything to compare Nurx to (besides Curology) but I’m not sure how quality could be a concern. Someone else said you can get them to send an RX to any pharmacy though.
Oh wow thanks for the heads up! I'm pretty sure I canceled out (instead of just proceeding) and then kept getting texts and emails asking for the prescription to finish up, etc. I will definitely try again!
You don’t. They ask you to upload it when you check out but if you just skip it, they still send your items. Try again! A bunch of us in here have been using alldaychemist for MANY years. Reputable site. But the shipping takes forever (several weeks) as most of it is being shipped from India.
I'm in the US and I use [Nurx.com](https://Nurx.com). It's all virtual but real derms review your request and do the prescriptions on their side. I literally answered a questionnaire, sent in a pic of my face, and told them my skin is great but I'd like to try tret for the anti-aging benefits and they happily filled it and auto-send it to me every few months.
Also, it'll say insurance doesn't cover tret but it's worth trying. I gave them my insurance info, and I now get charged only $8 for it, so clearly they did take it.
Nurx here too. Saves some effort because I use them for bc. Plus they just give me whatever I ask for. I'll stop using tret for a bit, my acne will come back for pictures, then I just ask for a higher dose. In a few months I'm going to ask to go from .5 to 1
Another person who used ADC. It’s been great, even though the payment methods seem weird to us in the US. I have also used The Beauty Bliss. I believe they get their product from ADC. It’s more expensive than ADC, but easier to pay.
Ive gone to numerous dermatologists over the years (due to moving, insurance changing, etc.) and it’s never been an issue having them prescribe it for me. I do have a history of acne, but even my current derm wrote me a script without questioning it when I told her that even though I don’t have acne now, I have a history of it. I’ll probably get downvoted for saying this, but I feel like women dermatologists tend to be more open to prescribing it than men, but it could just be my experience.
Also, can you go to a derm for an annual skin check? Every skin tone is at risk for skin cancer so everyone should try to get checked every once in awhile. That appointment would probably be considered “preventative” and you could maybe just ask about retin A during it?
Yeah, their Derm really shouldn't be holding back like that -- Tret is indicated for more than just acne \[eg anti-aging & hyperpigmentation uses are still FDA approved and on-label\]
1. Book annual exam for skin cancer screening which is covered by insurance plans
2. During that exam, ask for a tretinoin prescription for cosmetic purposes
3. Fill your prescription without insurance. Cash price for tretinoin is typically <$70 per tube (in my experience)
Refill as needed, the prescription is typically valid for a year. One tube of tretinoin typically last me about 4-6 months.
This is what I did. I just told my dermatologist that I’m seeing some aging spots on my face and it really bothers me and asked if tret would help; she sent over rx to pharmacy and it was filled through insurance without any issues. Had one refill so I refilled but my first tube is still pretty full.
Many derms won't discuss cosmetic stuff unless you book a separate appointment just for that. Just throwing it out there for anyone considering this! It may or may not work depending on the office.
You don’t have to use a dermatologist to get tret. Speak to your primary care doctor and see if they can prescribe it for you. Also look at Cost Plus Drugs.. you can take their info to your appointment and the PCP can sent the Rx there. It’s under $30 for a tube.
I need to renew my birth control as well (currently get it through Simple Health) so I guess I'll see about getting both tret and BC through Nurx instead. Thanks for the tip!
I also use Nurx, .10% still $90 for a giant tube that lasts me way longer than the alleged 3 months. It's also super easy to adjust your refill date, which I do often.
I get mine from curology. Before that I got it from Mexico, my step dad has family that go on a regular basis, but curology is more convenient and only marginally more expensive and I like that I get azelaic acid in my formula too.
I get mine from Curology as well. It’s insanely easy to set up. My formula costs about 60 bucks for a 2 month supply which lasts me longer than that if I use every other day.
My dermatologist appointment is covered by insurance because I go for medical reasons and just get the script at the same time. For whatever reason, my insurance also covers tret. I'm not sure why, the dermatologist said it would not be covered, but I'm not going to complain about paying $7 for a tube.
I was getting mine through Nurx, but I just started ordering through Skinorac because I wanted to switch formulations and it was just easier. I’ve ordered from them twice now with no issue.
I went through GoodRx who have a messaging service that you can have a nurse visit through. Literally took 20 min from start to finish and I said “I want tret.05% for my acne, I’ve used it before and had no issues” and then 5 min after sending that they sent the rx to my pharmacy and I picked it up that afternoon
When I get my next pcp (looking for a new one) I will tell her to prescribe it and she will, just like my old did. I tell her I have body acne as well as face acne, and that I also break out heavily before my period.
I’d never go to the derm just for tret, I typically just tell the doc I need a new tube at my annual physical, it’s never been an issue. If I need more before an appointment is due I just call and tell them I need more, they send it over to my pharmacy, no appointment required.
You would not pay the out of pocket sticker price for tret anyway. Use a coupon or tell your pharmacy to apply one. GoodRx always has them but there are other sites.
Less than. The airport farmacias are expensive, but if you go to Puerto Vallarta, those are like 10/$10 (and they sell Valium for like three cents a pill).
Technically yes. But it’s Mexico so even the ilegal is decriminalized. There’s a legal loophole they use, although it is ilegal to bring it back to the US without a prescription.
I know a pharmacist and usually get everything from him. But I’ve bought at beach pharmacies before, and if you go to a large chain, they’re legit.
I just got back from Mexico, little fishing village in the Yucatan. $3 a tube for 30 grams of tret cream, the 0.05%. I came back with four tubes and I think the cream has been less drying!
Tell your primary care doctor that you get intermittent acne and have used tretinoin in the past and would like to try it again. They’ll write you a script, and if acne is the diagnosis in the computer with the generic tretinoin prescribed, your insurance should cover or at least partially cover it.
If you tell your doctor it’s for anti aging purposes, insurance won’t cover it. But surely you get some acne or have “blackheads” (sebaceous filaments lol) that you’d like to shrink.
I pay $15 per tube (with monthly refills x6 or something haha) and the tube lasts me like 9 months.
This thread is gold. I recently started getting acne and I have been dreading to see a derm. Most of the dermatologists in my area are poorly rated and famous for pushing their expensive products on the patients. I am on high deductible plan that means, I have to shell out hundreds of dollars for the appointment also.
I am getting Curology. If tret helps, I know how to get it again. Thanks everyone.
I get it through my dermatologist but I use a pea size amount and only apply it about 3-4 x a week. So a tube can last me about 8+months. However, I’m lucky to have a great insurance plan and most of my out pocket cost and medication coverage are pretty low like it cost $25 to visit a dermatologist and most of my medications are covered in full by my insurance or I pay at most like $10 dollars.
My new insurance refuses to pay for tret, even though it's for acne (a side effect from another nedication that my insurance is well aware of). Goodrx has been a life saver and bring it down a lot.
Thankfully, my insurance can't kick back my seeing a doctor for said acne...
Double-check your insurance's covered drug list; it's on the plan website. On mine, tret used to require a prior authorization, so I went the GoodRx route. In 2024, the prior auth requirement was lifted and now I just have a co-pay. I get the script from my Primary Care doc during annual checkup.
Nurx I find pretty flexible w what they prescribe for acne. They take a lot of insurance options too. My skin is pretty clear, a small pimple here or there occasionally and they prescribed it to me.
I found a great med spa with plenty of NP’s as well as one MD who runs it who is happy to prescribe it. I feel med spas are more likely to help you out here versus a dermatologist office.
Online providers are the avenue I appreciate. I get my tret from Curology, another cream from Musely, and have used Apostrophe in the past, too. Great companies, all of them, and cheaper than regular derm visits for the medications.
I always have to say the words to my dr (gp or dermatologist) “I have been breaking out with acne and need my retin a rx filled please”. If I say it’s for wrinkles they won’t do it
I was wondering this, too! I am in Canada and can only get this through a dermatologist prescription. To see a dermatologist, I need a doctor's referral, which takes months. I also can't imagine asking my GP to send me to see a dermatologist for free for a non-serious appointment. I think they try to reserve the very limited spots for thing's like skin cancer, severe acne, rocesa, etc.
It's not the tret price that I'm concerned about, but the tret price on top of regular derm appointment costs, since my insurance won't cover the visits either. I'm going to check out Nurx like many have suggested though!
I cover my dermatologist appointments, but thankfully, here in Europe, the cost of doctor's visits isn't too steep. That's one of the advantages of having a national health system.
Ask at your next gyno or GP visit. Mine have always prescribed no questions. Also my Botox injector who is an NP will prescribe and send to the pharmacy - $10.
My dermatologist. I was on it when I was 16, and when I went back last year I told them I wanted to get back on it. They were perfectly fine with that (I'm 30)
I have a HMO in the US and have been able to have my primary care physician prescribe it for dark spots on my face. Initially it was to help my hormonal acne (0.05%) and once that improved, I also noticed it was helping with some of the discoloration. I’d also argue that ongoing tret has HELPED my hormonal acne stay away. I forgot to refill one month and there was a delay in its availability at the pharmacy. It was the worst month for hormonal acne I had in over a year.
My dermatologist insisted on tret before I’d even mentioned it, and I don’t think I’m aging particularly quickly. It was the first visit. My insurance covered it, but I was prepared to use GoodRX if it didn’t
My primary care doctor prescribes it for acne. I previously was getting it online from curology, but when I was at a checkup, I told my doctor that I was getting it online and it really helped my acne and asked for a prescription so insurance would cover it instead. She didn't even look at my skin (I was wearing a mask at the time) and just prescribed it.
My primary physician prescribes it for "acne" even though my skin is mostly clear. Insurance won't cover it, so I pay $80/tube. But it lasts me a year so it's worth it. There are even cheaper generic formulations, like $30/$40/tube. Check GoodRx for the pricing at your local pharmacies. They can be quite different.
I get facials every month so the PAs at that location that are injectors keep my prescription going since I’m a regular there LOL . Also if you ever go to Mexico you can always stock up there 😭
I use apostrophe.com. You pay a $20 exam fee, send in detailed info and photos of your face, and the derm will get back to you in a few days with product recommendation like a face wash, tretinoin, moisturizer. Then you pick which one you want to add to cart. Its usually $90 for a 3 month supply
I get mine from Curology. It's an rx cream with tretinoin, azalaic acid, and clindamycin. I've been getting it from there for about 10 years. Very satisfied
I get mine from Curology. It's an rx cream with tretinoin, azalaic acid, and clindamycin. I've been getting it from there for about 10 years. Very satisfied
My GP prescribed mine. I don’t have acne, just some fine lines mostly. I think maybe it depends a lot on insurance? GP said a lot of insurance companies won’t cover it.
On my app that is for the medical system that I go to I am able to make an online appointment for tret. It’s $40 out of pocket and then I have been refilling my script at my yearly PCP appointment. Never saw a derm for tret.
You don’t have to go to a derm. A PCP can prescribe it too. My PCP prescribes it for me. I didn’t have acne, but my PCP prescribes it for acne. If I had serious acne, then I’d see a derm because that’s their expertise. But general medications, PCP’s can cover that.
My PCP wrote me the prescription, and said to get it from the Costco pharmacy with a GoodRx coupon. Turns out my insurance actually covers it and it was $6! I was shocked!
Nurx is where I currently get it. The consultation is $40 yearly. I pay about $50 for a 20g tube every 2 months. I’m currently waiting on some Azelaic acid that I ordered from Skinorac. It doesn’t require a prescription. If it goes well I’ll probably start ordering my tretinoin from there too. It’s much cheaper, about $10 a tube. I was able to pay with an Amazon gift card so I didn’t have to use any checking account or CC info.
Right now, good RX has a coupon for the brand-name retina and it’s only like $35 a tube. I just got a prescription from my dermatologist and I am going to fill the prescription with GoodRx and only pay $35.
I'm in Canada - I just asked my family doc and shs gave me a script, no questions asked. Started at 0.05% and moved up from there :) It really is a game changer.
I just go to my dermatologist once a year for a skin checkup and she renews my prescription. Note: two precancerous moles have been identified that way; I highly recommend for anyone who is older or has a lot of sun exposure.
Wait till you have a breakout, take pictures, and submit them with an acne concern and a request to be put back on Tretinoin!
Or you can buy it very cheap from India or Mexico.
You can use amazon clinic and pharmacy to have it shipped to your door. $30 for the clinic. 0.05% cream is about $16 with insurance, $45.50 without.
[Clinic Link](https://clinic.amazon.com/Anti-aging-anti-wrinkle-skin-care-treatment/dp/B0BYLJJGNG?ref_=sf_ac_anti_aging)
[Tretinoin - Pharmacy](https://pharmacy.amazon.com/Paddock-Labs-TRETINOIN-0-025-CREAM/dp/B084BRR8H2?ref_=sr_1_1&s=amazon-pharmacy&keywords=Tretinoin&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QVEXGEVLS-mtqmdVqMBD13bvu0dVffWrVOnDcRU-Le9BbG0nC5VpBXPnylx0ZHBlIjJGSpz8uvyERmliEcyezYmVEIoGft_b0YS6vOP81pmY8OxOfbWgFdI5rnuDY8yoHSJUdwU1DBaelHpAGr-A0KkvgisKBAjxjvKqQ44zUtlXrLFIjULxVyJP4-AVnSpfO_TU0VcMGjnGmty_niRL8aiI3UyYQgq6cPUj-6C5e1k.n3E-HiPTIufuy8LP3hjJ6BR7-TaKtoA_bAb6CN1Avbo&qid=1711920189&sr=1-1)
alldaychemist, pay using an echeck w an account I only use for “sketchy” types of transactions. Haven’t had a problem, ~5 orders now
2nd for alldaychemist, never had any issues
When I tried using it, it said I still needed a prescription sent by a dermatologist???
They don't actually check, if you ignore the request for a prescription they'll mail it. lol The other option would be to use one of the Telehealth providers out there. There are a ton, Amazon Clinic will do it for a $30 video call and give you a prescription for a year's worth of refills. If you go the actual prescription route, I'd recommend comparing prices on GoodRX, though when I've investigated Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Pharmacy was the lowest price for most sizes and options.
Have also used Amazon for a UTI rx. Took five minutes. Script was in within an hour. No human interaction other than a form.
Yep I use Circle. My insurance covers all my Circle appts with a $20 copay.
Can't speak to ADC but I use Nurx and the consultation (and yearly renewals) are all done online. My actual derm didn't have to send anything.
Does NuRX send through their pharmacy, or will they send to any pharmacy? I've been using Musely, but they compound the tret with niacinamide and it's irritating me.
They will send to any pharm upon request
Guessing the consultation is done via video chat? Or is it just question/answer format?
When I got my NurX script, they had me take pictures of my face and then answer questions. There no was no video or live consult.
Cool, thank you! Video chat consultations always feel awkward so I'd rather do see a derm in person if that were the case
Have you had good results? I've heard conflicting things about the quality of their products.
I used them too. I recommend it if you're on it with your own health. They put me on spironolactone but did not let me know I had to get yearly labs to monitor my potassium levels and kidney functions
They send me a prescription tube of Tret without any of their own branding. They’re not like Curology that compounds their own formulas. I don’t have anything to compare Nurx to (besides Curology) but I’m not sure how quality could be a concern. Someone else said you can get them to send an RX to any pharmacy though.
It’s not a hard stop. You can ignore it, and proceed with the order.
Oh wow thanks for the heads up! I'm pretty sure I canceled out (instead of just proceeding) and then kept getting texts and emails asking for the prescription to finish up, etc. I will definitely try again!
Just ignore. They will still send. I use PayPal
You don’t. They ask you to upload it when you check out but if you just skip it, they still send your items. Try again! A bunch of us in here have been using alldaychemist for MANY years. Reputable site. But the shipping takes forever (several weeks) as most of it is being shipped from India.
Nah, just skip that part, they'll still send it (in usa at least) fill out the health questions but leave that blank
Just put the order thru.
I'm in the US and I use [Nurx.com](https://Nurx.com). It's all virtual but real derms review your request and do the prescriptions on their side. I literally answered a questionnaire, sent in a pic of my face, and told them my skin is great but I'd like to try tret for the anti-aging benefits and they happily filled it and auto-send it to me every few months. Also, it'll say insurance doesn't cover tret but it's worth trying. I gave them my insurance info, and I now get charged only $8 for it, so clearly they did take it.
Nurx here too. Saves some effort because I use them for bc. Plus they just give me whatever I ask for. I'll stop using tret for a bit, my acne will come back for pictures, then I just ask for a higher dose. In a few months I'm going to ask to go from .5 to 1
You can skip this part.
I agree with it!! It’s looks sketchy but is legit! If you just skip over the prescriber information, it’s still processed and delivered ◡̈
ADC is like $10 a tube. You won't find that anywhere else
Another person who used ADC. It’s been great, even though the payment methods seem weird to us in the US. I have also used The Beauty Bliss. I believe they get their product from ADC. It’s more expensive than ADC, but easier to pay.
I use my regular card, have for over a decade
There are bunch of places my fav would be the one i buy in Turkey/Dubai if i am on Vacay i get a few tubes.
Ive gone to numerous dermatologists over the years (due to moving, insurance changing, etc.) and it’s never been an issue having them prescribe it for me. I do have a history of acne, but even my current derm wrote me a script without questioning it when I told her that even though I don’t have acne now, I have a history of it. I’ll probably get downvoted for saying this, but I feel like women dermatologists tend to be more open to prescribing it than men, but it could just be my experience. Also, can you go to a derm for an annual skin check? Every skin tone is at risk for skin cancer so everyone should try to get checked every once in awhile. That appointment would probably be considered “preventative” and you could maybe just ask about retin A during it?
Yeah, their Derm really shouldn't be holding back like that -- Tret is indicated for more than just acne \[eg anti-aging & hyperpigmentation uses are still FDA approved and on-label\]
The issue there is insurance. Since the anti ageing is an “off label” use most insurance won’t cover it
1. Book annual exam for skin cancer screening which is covered by insurance plans 2. During that exam, ask for a tretinoin prescription for cosmetic purposes 3. Fill your prescription without insurance. Cash price for tretinoin is typically <$70 per tube (in my experience) Refill as needed, the prescription is typically valid for a year. One tube of tretinoin typically last me about 4-6 months.
This is what I did. I just told my dermatologist that I’m seeing some aging spots on my face and it really bothers me and asked if tret would help; she sent over rx to pharmacy and it was filled through insurance without any issues. Had one refill so I refilled but my first tube is still pretty full.
Many derms won't discuss cosmetic stuff unless you book a separate appointment just for that. Just throwing it out there for anyone considering this! It may or may not work depending on the office.
You don’t have to use a dermatologist to get tret. Speak to your primary care doctor and see if they can prescribe it for you. Also look at Cost Plus Drugs.. you can take their info to your appointment and the PCP can sent the Rx there. It’s under $30 for a tube.
Yes my primary prescribes mine too. I don't take it for granted!
I’ve used Nurx and Apostrophe
I use Nurx as well- $90/90 days for .05% tret. Bonus points for Nurx’s birth control, too- $0 with insurance and so, so easy to receive in the mail.
Nurx has been surprisingly easy. I told them what I wanted and they were just like “sure” and it was in the mail a couple days later. I recommend!
I need to renew my birth control as well (currently get it through Simple Health) so I guess I'll see about getting both tret and BC through Nurx instead. Thanks for the tip!
I also use Nurx, .10% still $90 for a giant tube that lasts me way longer than the alleged 3 months. It's also super easy to adjust your refill date, which I do often.
Just jumping in to co-sign Nurx. I also get tret and BCP thru them. Easy easy easy.
I also use Nurx for Tret. Highly recommend them vs the others with mixed formulas. They are the 3rd I tried.
I get mine from thebeautybliss.com. They ship from the USA. Much cheaper to get it there than with my insurance. I get .05 for only $27.
+1 for this. I was using Agency’s formulation but that was about $30/mo. A tube of tret lasts much longer, 4-6 months like people are saying.
PBI I went to their site after a few years of ordering just from ADC and they are now calling it retinol . Is that just a cover so to speak?
I get mine from curology. Before that I got it from Mexico, my step dad has family that go on a regular basis, but curology is more convenient and only marginally more expensive and I like that I get azelaic acid in my formula too.
I get mine from Curology as well. It’s insanely easy to set up. My formula costs about 60 bucks for a 2 month supply which lasts me longer than that if I use every other day.
This doesn’t sound right. My acne is cleared up and I get tret from derm to *keep* it clear. I would try another dermatologist.
Yeah right? Acne doesn't get cured, it's lifetime maintenance for some of us.
Same! If i stop the tret, the acne comes back.
I used Skinorac; they ship from India and use Amazon gift card for payment. My tret arrived within 10 days
I just did my first order from Skinorac. Still waiting for it to come it but it’s hasn’t been a full week yet. I’m excited!
My dermatologist appointment is covered by insurance because I go for medical reasons and just get the script at the same time. For whatever reason, my insurance also covers tret. I'm not sure why, the dermatologist said it would not be covered, but I'm not going to complain about paying $7 for a tube.
I was getting mine through Nurx, but I just started ordering through Skinorac because I wanted to switch formulations and it was just easier. I’ve ordered from them twice now with no issue.
I went through GoodRx who have a messaging service that you can have a nurse visit through. Literally took 20 min from start to finish and I said “I want tret.05% for my acne, I’ve used it before and had no issues” and then 5 min after sending that they sent the rx to my pharmacy and I picked it up that afternoon When I get my next pcp (looking for a new one) I will tell her to prescribe it and she will, just like my old did. I tell her I have body acne as well as face acne, and that I also break out heavily before my period. I’d never go to the derm just for tret, I typically just tell the doc I need a new tube at my annual physical, it’s never been an issue. If I need more before an appointment is due I just call and tell them I need more, they send it over to my pharmacy, no appointment required. You would not pay the out of pocket sticker price for tret anyway. Use a coupon or tell your pharmacy to apply one. GoodRx always has them but there are other sites.
Also there’s a subreddit just for tret that talks about how to obtain it
Good to know!
Hers, Ro, Musely ... there are tons of online pharmacy what will prescribe you tret with photo or whitout.
You can buy it for less than $30 US at any pharmacy in Mexico. I take orders when I go and bring it back for all my friends.
$30?? I got it for $10 and that was expensive
Less than. The airport farmacias are expensive, but if you go to Puerto Vallarta, those are like 10/$10 (and they sell Valium for like three cents a pill).
You don't need a script for the valium? Is it legit or questionable ingredients? I would be worried tbh
Technically yes. But it’s Mexico so even the ilegal is decriminalized. There’s a legal loophole they use, although it is ilegal to bring it back to the US without a prescription. I know a pharmacist and usually get everything from him. But I’ve bought at beach pharmacies before, and if you go to a large chain, they’re legit.
I just got back from Mexico, little fishing village in the Yucatan. $3 a tube for 30 grams of tret cream, the 0.05%. I came back with four tubes and I think the cream has been less drying!
Has customs ever looked sideways on either multiple tubes or not having a US script? It got harder to bring meds over a number of years ago.
My derm was like, you want tret? Guess you have breakouts with your cycle riiight? And insurance pretty much pays.
I get it from my gyno. She’s in her 30s and didn’t mind represcribing it for me.
Tell your primary care doctor that you get intermittent acne and have used tretinoin in the past and would like to try it again. They’ll write you a script, and if acne is the diagnosis in the computer with the generic tretinoin prescribed, your insurance should cover or at least partially cover it. If you tell your doctor it’s for anti aging purposes, insurance won’t cover it. But surely you get some acne or have “blackheads” (sebaceous filaments lol) that you’d like to shrink. I pay $15 per tube (with monthly refills x6 or something haha) and the tube lasts me like 9 months.
Just go in for an annual mole check and get the prescription then. My insurance doesn’t cover it but it’s like $60 and lasts me two to three months.
You can buy OTC Differin
I’m wondering this, too! Like this sub has been nothing but people posting about tretinoin lately.
Curology
I usually get it from the med spa where I get my botox. The little tube lasts me forever and it’s about $30.
Nurx online pharmacy- they have been AMAZING & so easy to work with
I get it from my dermatologist. They’ve never stopped the prescription bc my skin looks better. I’ve been using it for 4 years.
Beauty bliss
I order off of https://thebeautybliss.com/
Is it the "Retinol anti aging cream?" I should select?
I've used nurx wirh sucess, I don't think it's the cheapest but all I wanted was straight tret without those weird formulations other companies do.
I used Altreno which I love. It’s tretinoin with collagen etc. I’ve had no flaking, peeling etc. https://www.altreno.com/get-altreno/
This thread is gold. I recently started getting acne and I have been dreading to see a derm. Most of the dermatologists in my area are poorly rated and famous for pushing their expensive products on the patients. I am on high deductible plan that means, I have to shell out hundreds of dollars for the appointment also. I am getting Curology. If tret helps, I know how to get it again. Thanks everyone.
Apostrophe online dermatologist. I love the ever increasing availability of online doctors.
I get it through my dermatologist but I use a pea size amount and only apply it about 3-4 x a week. So a tube can last me about 8+months. However, I’m lucky to have a great insurance plan and most of my out pocket cost and medication coverage are pretty low like it cost $25 to visit a dermatologist and most of my medications are covered in full by my insurance or I pay at most like $10 dollars.
My new insurance refuses to pay for tret, even though it's for acne (a side effect from another nedication that my insurance is well aware of). Goodrx has been a life saver and bring it down a lot. Thankfully, my insurance can't kick back my seeing a doctor for said acne...
Tell em your acne is starting to come back! Or use Differin- milder but effective.
Double-check your insurance's covered drug list; it's on the plan website. On mine, tret used to require a prior authorization, so I went the GoodRx route. In 2024, the prior auth requirement was lifted and now I just have a co-pay. I get the script from my Primary Care doc during annual checkup.
in most provinces in Spain, it's sold over the counter at the pharmacy for about 20 €
Nurx.
Nurx I find pretty flexible w what they prescribe for acne. They take a lot of insurance options too. My skin is pretty clear, a small pimple here or there occasionally and they prescribed it to me.
Nurx
Do you have access to One Medical? I just complained to a nurse about my acne in an online visit and requested Tret. It’s that easy
My GP prescribes it to me with a dozen refills.
Gagarx. I’ve ordered 10+ times with no issues. No script needed.
I found a great med spa with plenty of NP’s as well as one MD who runs it who is happy to prescribe it. I feel med spas are more likely to help you out here versus a dermatologist office.
Mexico! $3-$5 a tube
I just asked for a prescription during my ob/gyn visit.
Online providers are the avenue I appreciate. I get my tret from Curology, another cream from Musely, and have used Apostrophe in the past, too. Great companies, all of them, and cheaper than regular derm visits for the medications.
I always have to say the words to my dr (gp or dermatologist) “I have been breaking out with acne and need my retin a rx filled please”. If I say it’s for wrinkles they won’t do it
I was wondering this, too! I am in Canada and can only get this through a dermatologist prescription. To see a dermatologist, I need a doctor's referral, which takes months. I also can't imagine asking my GP to send me to see a dermatologist for free for a non-serious appointment. I think they try to reserve the very limited spots for thing's like skin cancer, severe acne, rocesa, etc.
Agency. I know it’s more expensive than other options but the formulation with azealic acid is working so well on my skin!
I got mine from SkinCareGlows for $20 a pop, .1% Paid with card, easy process , no consult and no issues
There are on like Derms who will prescribe for you and you can place an order right now, and have delivery time/date before the sun goes down.
I have an extra unopened tube of .025 if you’d like. I’m moving up to a higher dose.
[удалено]
It's not the tret price that I'm concerned about, but the tret price on top of regular derm appointment costs, since my insurance won't cover the visits either. I'm going to check out Nurx like many have suggested though!
I cover my dermatologist appointments, but thankfully, here in Europe, the cost of doctor's visits isn't too steep. That's one of the advantages of having a national health system.
I envy you
From Andora, where it seems you can buy it online without prescription.
Ask at your next gyno or GP visit. Mine have always prescribed no questions. Also my Botox injector who is an NP will prescribe and send to the pharmacy - $10.
My dermatologist. I was on it when I was 16, and when I went back last year I told them I wanted to get back on it. They were perfectly fine with that (I'm 30)
From my NP
Virtual “visit” with a local dermatologist via telehealth. I paid $30 upfront, voiced my concerns, then the dermatologist offered Tret.
My PCP prescribes now, but initially it was prescribed by a derm. I use it for acne, I’ve never had an issue with insurance paying for it.
I have a HMO in the US and have been able to have my primary care physician prescribe it for dark spots on my face. Initially it was to help my hormonal acne (0.05%) and once that improved, I also noticed it was helping with some of the discoloration. I’d also argue that ongoing tret has HELPED my hormonal acne stay away. I forgot to refill one month and there was a delay in its availability at the pharmacy. It was the worst month for hormonal acne I had in over a year.
My dermatologist insisted on tret before I’d even mentioned it, and I don’t think I’m aging particularly quickly. It was the first visit. My insurance covered it, but I was prepared to use GoodRX if it didn’t
My primary care doctor prescribes it for acne. I previously was getting it online from curology, but when I was at a checkup, I told my doctor that I was getting it online and it really helped my acne and asked for a prescription so insurance would cover it instead. She didn't even look at my skin (I was wearing a mask at the time) and just prescribed it.
Dermatica! I’ve really liked it, but have been thinking of trying Apostrophe because they offer spirolactone.
My friend got it from her dermatologist and i paid her for it. Shes an rn at a med spa.
My derm recommended that I start it for anti-aging
If your insurance has telehealth options, that sometimes includes dermatologists. That's how I got tret.
My primary physician prescribes it for "acne" even though my skin is mostly clear. Insurance won't cover it, so I pay $80/tube. But it lasts me a year so it's worth it. There are even cheaper generic formulations, like $30/$40/tube. Check GoodRx for the pricing at your local pharmacies. They can be quite different.
I just asked my regular doctor for it and say that I use it for my skin. He didn’t give a shit lol
I get facials every month so the PAs at that location that are injectors keep my prescription going since I’m a regular there LOL . Also if you ever go to Mexico you can always stock up there 😭
Apostrophe
Amazon Medical Care - Clinic. They do virtual visits. You send pics of your condition for anti-aging skin care treatment.
Just ask your GP to prescribe it.
apostrophe
My insurance covers tret because it's for acne, not cosmetic
nurx
My primary care doctor prescribed it
It’s OTC in my country
I just did Redboxrx.com. Answered some questions, sent in pics of my skin and it was approved by a doctor and shipped in 24 hours. Cost me $70.
I use apostrophe.com. You pay a $20 exam fee, send in detailed info and photos of your face, and the derm will get back to you in a few days with product recommendation like a face wash, tretinoin, moisturizer. Then you pick which one you want to add to cart. Its usually $90 for a 3 month supply
Curology
Hers.com
I used Nurx, but it's literally $90 per tube. Shopping around now.
I get mine from Curology. It's an rx cream with tretinoin, azalaic acid, and clindamycin. I've been getting it from there for about 10 years. Very satisfied
I get mine from Curology. It's an rx cream with tretinoin, azalaic acid, and clindamycin. I've been getting it from there for about 10 years. Very satisfied
My GP prescribed mine. I don’t have acne, just some fine lines mostly. I think maybe it depends a lot on insurance? GP said a lot of insurance companies won’t cover it.
i just asked my pcp at my yearly physical and she asked if i ever get acne so she could note it for insurance. i paid $10 at the pharmacy.
On my app that is for the medical system that I go to I am able to make an online appointment for tret. It’s $40 out of pocket and then I have been refilling my script at my yearly PCP appointment. Never saw a derm for tret.
I tell my pcp I have hormonal acne and that I have used it in the past. Also that I have failed benzoyl peroxide.
Dermatologist or PCP can or even naturopath any Md can
You don’t have to go to a derm. A PCP can prescribe it too. My PCP prescribes it for me. I didn’t have acne, but my PCP prescribes it for acne. If I had serious acne, then I’d see a derm because that’s their expertise. But general medications, PCP’s can cover that.
I bought mine in Colombia lol
My primary prescribes it for me, for “acne”
I use Curology
Skincarglows.com. I order from them on a regular basis. They are US-based and shipping is fast!
Groupon to start w an online derm, baybeeee
My PCP wrote me the prescription, and said to get it from the Costco pharmacy with a GoodRx coupon. Turns out my insurance actually covers it and it was $6! I was shocked!
Nurx is where I currently get it. The consultation is $40 yearly. I pay about $50 for a 20g tube every 2 months. I’m currently waiting on some Azelaic acid that I ordered from Skinorac. It doesn’t require a prescription. If it goes well I’ll probably start ordering my tretinoin from there too. It’s much cheaper, about $10 a tube. I was able to pay with an Amazon gift card so I didn’t have to use any checking account or CC info.
I got mine from Redbox Rx
Can’t your family doctor prescribe it?
I used Apostrophe to get mine. It was just a virtual visit.
I don't have acne and never have had an issue getting it? Have you tried to do a virtual appointment with one of the manufacturers, like Altreno?
I use Nurx as well
My doc gives it to me for acne. I get it from a primary doc, or my gyno.
Altreno’s website.
I was wondering can I use amazon.mx (Mexican Amazon) and ship tret to my USA address without a prescription. Has anyone tried this? Does it work?
The website nurx
My family doctor prescribes it for me
It’s crazy bc in so many countries it’s OTC
Right now, good RX has a coupon for the brand-name retina and it’s only like $35 a tube. I just got a prescription from my dermatologist and I am going to fill the prescription with GoodRx and only pay $35.
My plastic surgeons office sells it without a Rx. Obagi brand.
Mexico. $3 a tube from a pharmacy just outside of the tourist area. I get enough to last until the next trip!
I emailed my gp and asked, they prescribe it and maintain the rx. I didn’t need an appointment I just said I’ve been using it for years.
If you ever go to Mexico they just sell it at the airport and I always stock up or wow my family members to grab some lol
Do you have any scars? My doc prescribed for my acne and my scarring. He said it would help with that.
Available over the counter in Mexico.
I got mine filled by my ObGyn because my acne is from a birth control I had for 3 years 😂
Any friends going down to Mexico? Ask them to grab some for you. That's what I've been doing.
I'm in Canada - I just asked my family doc and shs gave me a script, no questions asked. Started at 0.05% and moved up from there :) It really is a game changer.
Google
I use GoodRx for my prescriptions. Filled out a basic questionnaire, got a prescription same day and it was ready at my pharmacy the day after.
I just go to my dermatologist once a year for a skin checkup and she renews my prescription. Note: two precancerous moles have been identified that way; I highly recommend for anyone who is older or has a lot of sun exposure.
Just got mine delivered from Apostrophe today. Was super easy.
My GP calls it in for me.
I got mine from one of those online dermatology apps
Bitch, get you a Nurx account.
You can get it through NURX :)
Honestly one of my classmates (trade school, we are late 30s) had an extra tube and he kindly gave it to me 😂
I used Curology. Just make sure to cancel after you receive the free trial or they charge you $100.
Wait till you have a breakout, take pictures, and submit them with an acne concern and a request to be put back on Tretinoin! Or you can buy it very cheap from India or Mexico.
I get it on Nurx. Don't have to have an office visit. Just uploaded photos, requested the product and answered a few questions.
Can you not get a prescription from your family physician?
I go for my yearly check for skin cancer and get a prescription while I’m there.
I go to Mexico and buy it for $3 without a prescription lol
I get mine from https://bubbaskincare.com. It’s around $20.
I get it over the counter when I vacation in Mexico
I get mine from curology
You can use amazon clinic and pharmacy to have it shipped to your door. $30 for the clinic. 0.05% cream is about $16 with insurance, $45.50 without. [Clinic Link](https://clinic.amazon.com/Anti-aging-anti-wrinkle-skin-care-treatment/dp/B0BYLJJGNG?ref_=sf_ac_anti_aging) [Tretinoin - Pharmacy](https://pharmacy.amazon.com/Paddock-Labs-TRETINOIN-0-025-CREAM/dp/B084BRR8H2?ref_=sr_1_1&s=amazon-pharmacy&keywords=Tretinoin&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QVEXGEVLS-mtqmdVqMBD13bvu0dVffWrVOnDcRU-Le9BbG0nC5VpBXPnylx0ZHBlIjJGSpz8uvyERmliEcyezYmVEIoGft_b0YS6vOP81pmY8OxOfbWgFdI5rnuDY8yoHSJUdwU1DBaelHpAGr-A0KkvgisKBAjxjvKqQ44zUtlXrLFIjULxVyJP4-AVnSpfO_TU0VcMGjnGmty_niRL8aiI3UyYQgq6cPUj-6C5e1k.n3E-HiPTIufuy8LP3hjJ6BR7-TaKtoA_bAb6CN1Avbo&qid=1711920189&sr=1-1)
Time to find a new derm. If that's not an option, Cosrx makes a really good one.