Tri Luma^®: Price, patient coupons, and getting an online prescription to buy it

Table of Content:
Tri Luma price without coupons | Best Tri Luma coupon | Is Tri Luma OTC? | Can you get a generic Tri-Luma? | What is Tri Luma? | Ingredients | How to use it? | Side-effects | Why was it taken of the market?

Tri Luma®  cream is a powerful prescription treatment for people with moderate to severe melasma, a common skin condition causing dark patches on the face. If you are seeking a more even skin tone and are wondering about the cost and availability of Tri Luma, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore various aspects, including the price considerations, patient assistance coupons, and the process of obtaining a prescription for Tri Luma.

Discover how you can access this highly-effective treatment conveniently through online dermatology providers, ensuring a smoother journey towards achieving the even skin complexion you desire.

What is the average Tri Luma price without any discount?

The average price of a branded 30 gr tube of Tri-luma® cream in the U.S. varies from $180 to $250*.

*The price range listed here is just an estimation. Tri Luma cream prices may vary depending on the state and the pharmacy selected. Miiskin is not responsible and cannot influence the price of the medication as it is independent from these entities. 

What is the best Tri Luma coupon?

Although there are many online platforms offering medications coupons such as WellRx, Rxless, SingleCare, Drugs.com, and GoodRx, the best Tri Luma coupon and the best price can be obtained with the manufacturer’s coupon.

Galderma, the pharmaceutical company producing Tri Luma, has the Galderma Care Connect Patient Card which allows you to get a 30 gram tube of Tri Luma for $75. 

Can I buy Tri Luma over the counter (OTC)?

No, Tri Luma cannot be bought over the counter (OTC) you need a doctor’s prescription to get it. 

Where can I buy Tri Luma?

Once you have gotten a prescription from your provider, you can go to the pharmacy and buy it there.

Is there a generic version of Tri Luma that is cheaper?

No. There isn’t yet a generic version of Tri Luma cream available in the market. However, you can get a topical medication with a similar formula through Skin Medicinals. This compounded medication will be more affordable than the Tri-Luma brand. To get a customized formula for your melasma or dark spots similar to Tri-Luma, click on the link below.

About Tri Luma

What is Tri Luma and what is it used for?

Tri Luma cream is an FDA-approved topical prescription medication used for the treatment of moderate to severe melasma², a skin condition characterized by the appearance of brown to gray-brown patches on the face which is more frequent in women. These patches appear on the cheeks, chin, nose bridge, forehead, and above the upper lip. Oral contraceptives or pregnancy are known causes of melasma³.

How long do I have to use Tri Luma for?

Tri Luma cream is mostly prescribed for a short period of time (8 weeks). During this time you should experience a considerable reduction in the discoloration of your skin and you should begin seeing results as early as 4 weeks¹.

One 30 gr tube should be enough for an 8-week treatment on your face, however it depends on how large is the skin area you want to treat.

What are the ingredients of Tri Luma?

Tri Luma cream combines three active ingredients:

• Fluocinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin⁴.

• Hydroquinone is a first-line treatment used for depigmentation or skin lightening agent, it works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Hydroquinone is used in the treatment of melasma (chloasma), solar lentigines (age spots), freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (due to acne, eczema, psoriasis or scars)⁵.

• Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a retinoid that promotes skin cell turnover and helps to exfoliate the skin. It is used to treat facial wrinkles, skin roughness and hyperpigmentation while improving the overall appearance of the skin⁶.

Why is Tri Luma so effective against hyperpigmentation?

The combination of the three ingredients in Tri Luma cream work together to address the different aspects of melasma, including reducing inflammation, inhibiting melanin production, and promoting skin cell turnover^{7  8}. 

How to use Tri Luma?

Tri Luma cream should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as it is a prescription medication and may have potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

However, according to Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist, as a general rule, the Tri Luma cream is typically applied once daily (during the night) to the affected areas of the face and body. 

What are the side effects of Tri Luma?

• Skin irritation, redness and peeling
• Itching and dryness
• Potential infection of the skin or hair follicles
• Acne
• Changes in skin color
• Skin inflammation 
• Allergic skin reaction or rashes
• Skin thinning
• Stretch marks
• Increased sweat⁹ 

Why was Tri Luma taken off the market?

Tri-Luma was originally approved on January 18, 2002 for “the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma.” However, as per the FDA website, Galderma was issued with a warning in 2009 due to some unfounded claims which included the following:

• The fact that Tri Luma could be used for a longer period of time (up to a year), when in fact, it was only been approved for short term use (8 weeks).
  
• Tri Luma would worked better if used with glycolic acid peels, which is something not included in the safety or efficacy of the product label.
  
• Tri Luma was only approved for use by people with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV (lighter skin tones), not V and VI (darker skin tones) as was shown on some older marketing materials¹⁰.

After being taken of the market for a few years, the product was relaunched in February 2013¹¹.

References:
https://www.triluma.com/triluma-cream
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25989732/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459271/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19482-fluocinolone-skin-cream-ointment-or-topical-solution
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021112s006lbl.pdf
https://www.fdanews.com/ext/resources/files/archives/g/Galderma.pdf
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/galdermas-tri-luma-cream-only-fda-approved-treatment-for-melasma-now-available-in-pharmacies-190833881.html

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