Imiquimod is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat:

  • actinic keratosis on the face or scalp in adults
  • superficial basal cell carcinoma in adults for whom surgery isn’t recommended
  • warts on or around the genitals or anus in adults and in children ages 12 years and older

For more information about imiquimod’s uses, talk with your doctor.

Drug details

Here are some details about imiquimod:

  • Drug class: immune response modifier
  • Drug form: topical cream
  • Brand-name versions:
    • Aldara (actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, warts)
    • Zyclara (actinic keratosis, warts)

Read on to learn about imiquimod and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

As with all medications, the cost of imiquimod can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of imiquimod will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and imiquimod.

How can I determine the cost of the 5% strength of imiquimod cream?

The price of the 5% strength imiquimod cream can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your insurance coverage, your treatment plan, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of imiquimod cream will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Can my pharmacist tell me the price of imiquimod cream without insurance?

Yes. By using the prescription your healthcare professional writes for you, your pharmacist can tell you the price of imiquimod cream without insurance.

Keep in mind that the price you pay for imiquimod cream without insurance can vary depending on the pharmacy you use. It can also depend on other factors, such as your treatment plan.

For more information on reducing the cost of imiquimod cream, with or without insurance, see the following sections in this article:

  • Ways to reduce long-term drug costs
  • Financial and insurance assistance

Imiquimod is a generic drug that is available in brand-name forms called Aldara and Zyclara. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of Aldara or Zyclara compares with the cost of imiquimod, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If your doctor has prescribed imiquimod and you’re interested in using Aldara or Zyclara instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

Keep reading to discover ways to reduce long-term drug costs of imiquimod cream.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of imiquimod cream. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Imiquimod cream may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for imiquimod cream, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and imiquimod cream, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to you and imiquimod. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for imiquimod.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.