Cash-Pay Prescription Program for Dermatology Products Expands Nationwide

Walgreens and Bausch Health Companies Inc. have announced an expansion to their existing fulfillment agreement to bring patients lower prices. Under the expanded agreement, Walgreens patients will have access to select dermatology products from Bausch Health's cash-pay prescription program, Dermatology.com.

Dermatology.com was launched by Ortho Dermatologics, part of Bausch Health's dermatology development, in March 2019. The site will have products available in over 9500 Walgreens retail pharmacies by the end of August 2019.¹ The site aims to provide patients with direct access to branded dermatology medicines for common conditions, including products for actinic keratosis (AK), acne, barrier repair, and corticosteroid-responsive diseases, at predictable prices. Patients with these concerns often encounter insurance coverage challenges and high prescription costs.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In 2013, the costs associated with treatment and lost productivity for those who sought medical care for acne exceeded $1.2 billion.²

Similarly, 1 in 10 people will develop atopic dermatitis during their lifetime, more commonly known as eczema. In 2013, the total medical cost of treating atopic dermatitis averaged $101.42 per treated patient.²

By providing brand-name medications without challenges from insurance, paperwork, or unexpected expenses, Dermatology.com hopes to expand patient access and streamline the responsibilities of prescribers, the company said in a prepared statement. According to Bill Humphries, president of Ortho Dermatologics, the expanded relationship with Walgreens also provides patients utilizing Dermatology.com with access to pharmacies and pharmacists nationwide.

References

• Bausch Health Expands Dermatology Cash-Pay Prescription Program to Walgreens Stores Nationwide [news release]. Deerfield, IL and Laval, QC; August 1, 2019: Bausch Health. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bausch-health-expands-dermatology-cash-pay-prescription-program-to-walgreens-stores-nationwide-897119634.html. Accessed August 1, 2019.
• American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. AAD website. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-conditions-by-the-numbers. Accessed August 1, 2019.