Dapsone (Aczone) — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Dapsone prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives. Save up to 29% by comparing US pharmacy prices.
What is the typical out-of-pocket cost for Dapsone without health insurance?
Without insurance coverage, generic Dapsone generally costs approximately $113.22 for 30 tablets of 100mg strength at retail rates. Using pharmacy discount cards or comparing prices across different drugstores may bring the cost down to around $33.24 for the same supply, though final pricing varies by location and pharmacy.
How much will I pay for Dapsone if I have insurance?
Your out-of-pocket expense depends entirely on your specific insurance plan's formulary, copay structure, and deductible. Contact your insurance provider directly to learn your exact cost. If your plan's copay is high, you may also explore generic options or use pharmacy discount cards available at most major chains to compare pricing.
Is Dapsone covered under Medicare, and what would the cost be?
Most Medicare plans do not provide coverage for Dapsone. If you pay cash, the full retail price is typically around $113.22 for 30 tablets of 100mg strength. Uninsured patients may find better pricing by using discount pharmacy cards or price-comparison tools to locate lower rates at participating drugstores in their area.
What brand-name drug is Dapsone sold under?
Aczone is the brand-name version of topical Dapsone, manufactured by Allergan and Almirall. Generic Dapsone is produced by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries.
"As low as" figures compare the single lowest oral tablet/capsule price found on each side — not necessarily the same strength or pack size. Always check the full tables below for your exact dose. Prices updated 2026-08-21.
Dapsone prices at US pharmacies
(Dapsone) — tablet, 100mg, qty 30
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $36.24 | $33.24 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $36.24 | $33.24 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $37.96 | $34.96 |
| Food Lion | $40.40 | — |
| Walgreens | $47.63 | $44.63 |
| Costco | $52.03 | — |
| Publix | $58.94 | $55.94 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $63.05 | $60.05 |
Aczone (Dapsone) — pump btl, 60gm of 7.5%, qty 60
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy Lowest | $51.63 | $48.63 |
| Publix | $61.22 | — |
| Walgreens | $78.47 | $75.47 |
| Food Lion | $109.40 | — |
| Costco | $114.99 | — |
| Kroger Pharmacy | $145.59 | $142.59 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $145.59 | $142.59 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $166.86 | $163.86 |
Dapsone prices at Canadian pharmacies
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $3.74 | $313.83 / 84 |
| 50 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $4.94 | $138.19 / 28 |
| Strength | Pharmacy | Per pill (USD) | Pack total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | SPFPharmacy.com | $1.56 | $156.45 / 100 |
| 100 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $1.65 | $164.76 / 100 |
| 100 mg | GoldStarMeds.com | $1.79 | $179.28 |
| 100 mg | 1800RxOnline.com | $1.99 | $199.20 |
| 100 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $3.59 | $301.80 / 84 |
| 100 mg | InhalersOnline.com | $4.47 | $125.20 / 28 |
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Dapsone used for?
Dapsone is a sulfone-class antibiotic used in two very different ways depending on the formulation: as a 5%–7.5% topical gel (Aczone) for inflammatory acne, and as an oral tablet for dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy, blistering autoimmune skin condition linked to celiac disease) and, in combination with other drugs, for Hansen's disease (leprosy). The two uses aren't interchangeable — the oral tablet isn't used for acne, and the topical gel isn't used for the systemic conditions oral dapsone treats.
Before starting oral dapsone, clinicians typically screen for G6PD deficiency, a common inherited enzyme deficiency, because dapsone can trigger severe hemolytic anemia (a rapid, dangerous breakdown of red blood cells) in people who have it. This screening step is specific to the oral form; topical dapsone gel is absorbed into the bloodstream in only small amounts, which is why it doesn't require the same blood testing before use, though it can still interact with other sulfa drugs.
One practical note for the topical gel: combining it with benzoyl peroxide at the same time can cause temporary yellow or orange skin discoloration — applying them at different times of day avoids this cosmetic issue without reducing either product's effectiveness.
How Dapsone works
Interferes with bacterial and inflammatory processes
Dapsone's exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it appears to both inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.
Calms inflammatory acne lesions (topical)
Applied to the skin, this dual action reduces the redness and swelling of inflammatory acne over several weeks.
Suppresses immune-driven skin inflammation (oral)
For dermatitis herpetiformis, oral dapsone's anti-inflammatory effect on immune cells in the skin reduces the itching and blistering rash.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory acne (topical) | Apply a thin layer to affected areas once or twice daily | Topical gel (5% or 7.5%) |
| Dermatitis herpetiformis (oral) | Individualized, typically starting low and adjusted based on response | Tablet |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Topical: dryness, redness, oiliness, or peeling at the application site
- Oral: headache, nausea, loss of appetite
Serious — seek care promptly
- Unusual paleness, fatigue, or shortness of breath (possible hemolytic anemia, mainly with oral use and G6PD deficiency)
- Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (possible liver involvement, oral use)
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 ).
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole | Increases blood levels of dapsone and its metabolites. |
| Benzoyl peroxide (topical) | Can cause temporary yellow or orange skin discoloration when applied at the same time — use at different times of day. |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on dapsone gel, 5%, use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, oral doses of dapsone administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis that resulted in systemic exposures more than 250 times the systemic exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of dapsone gel, 5%, resulted in embryocidal effects.
Dapsone, by the numbers
Additional public data points beyond retail pricing — useful context, not a price quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Dapsone cost without insurance?
Is Dapsone cheaper in Canada or the US?
Is there a generic version of Dapsone?
What drug class is Dapsone in?
Learn more about Dapsone
In-depth answers to common Dapsone questions, fact-checked against the sources cited in each.
What is Dapsone and what is it used for?
Dapsone is a sulfone-class medication available as a topical gel for treating inflammatory acne and as an oral tablet for other skin conditions. The oral form treats dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a chronic autoimmune skin disorder marked by an itchy, bumpy rash and blistering, and is combined with other medications for Hansen's disease. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but Dapsone is thought to reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial growth. Important limitations: it does not treat viral infections like cold or flu, and overuse of any antibiotic can reduce its effectiveness. Children should use this medication only under pediatric supervision. Adults typically take the tablet form by mouth once daily, with or without food, as directed by their physician. Topical application requires sun protection—wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors, as Dapsone can increase sun sensitivity.
What side effects can occur with Dapsone?
Common side effects of topical Dapsone include dryness, redness, irritation, oiliness, and peeling at the application site. Additional reported effects may involve sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, joint pain, and headache. Many side effects diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. If side effects develop, persist, or worsen, speak with your healthcare provider, who can advise on prevention strategies or symptom management. This is not an exhaustive list; discuss potential drug interactions, warnings, and other side effects with your doctor before starting treatment.
Page info
Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Angelica Balingit, M.D., Internal Medicine