Exploring how much does cantharidin solution cost: A complete breakdown

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

The list price for the FDA-approved brand-name product, YCANTH, was $685 per applicator as of July 2023, though this is not the price most patients will pay out of pocket. The answer to how much does cantharidin solution cost? depends heavily on whether you receive the brand-name product, a compounded version from a specialty pharmacy, or an older formula like Cantharone.

Quick Summary

The cost of cantharidin varies significantly based on the formulation, pharmacy, and insurance plan. Brand-name YCANTH has a high list price but is often covered by insurance, while compounded solutions are less expensive but typically not covered. Multiple factors influence the final cost to the patient.

Key Points

YCANTH list price is high, but patient cost varies: The list price for the brand-name product YCANTH is $685 per applicator, but out-of-pocket costs are often much lower for commercially insured patients.
Insurance coverage differs by product: Most private and Medicaid plans cover the brand-name YCANTH, while compounded cantharidin is usually not covered.
Copay programs reduce brand-name cost: The YCANTH copay assistance program can lower the cost for commercially insured patients to between $25 and $125 per applicator, depending on their deductible status.
Compounded options are cheaper upfront: Prices for compounded cantharidin solution from specialty pharmacies can start under $100, but patients are responsible for the full amount.
Legacy products like Cantharone vary in price: Cantharone and Cantharone Plus from international pharmacies may cost around $110 to $185 per bottle, plus shipping, and are not covered by US insurance.
In-office administration is standard: All cantharidin solutions are typically applied in a healthcare provider's office, meaning the total cost may include an office visit fee.
Factors like deductible and location matter: Your specific insurance plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance significantly impact your out-of-pocket expenses. Compounded prices may also vary by pharmacy and location.

Understanding cantharidin pricing

The pricing of cantharidin solution is not straightforward due to the different forms available for treatment. Until recently, cantharidin was primarily used as an older, compounded preparation, which varied in price depending on the pharmacy. However, the FDA approval of the brand-name medication YCANTH (cantharidin 0.7% topical solution) has introduced a new, more expensive pricing structure, albeit with manufacturer assistance programs and insurance coverage. Your final cost will depend on which version you and your healthcare provider choose.

Brand-name YCANTH

YCANTH is the only FDA-approved cantharidin product for treating molluscum contagiosum in patients two years and older. Its pricing structure is the most transparent, though not the simplest for consumers.

List Price: As of July 2023, the list price (Wholesale Acquisition Cost or WAC) for one applicator of YCANTH was $685. The list price is what the manufacturer charges and is not reflective of what most patients will pay.
Insurance Coverage: Most private and many state Medicaid plans now cover YCANTH, subject to plan specifics like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Prior authorization may be required.
Patient Assistance: The manufacturer offers a copay assistance program for commercially insured patients, which can reduce the out-of-pocket cost to $25 per applicator after the deductible is met, and no more than $125 if the deductible has not been met.

Compounded and legacy cantharidin solutions

Before FDA approval, cantharidin was prepared by specialty compounding pharmacies. These solutions, often mixed with other agents like salicylic acid and podophyllin (e.g., Cantharone Plus), remain available and typically cost less per treatment, though they are usually not covered by insurance.

Compounded Price: Some specialty pharmacies offer compounded cantharidin topical solutions for as low as $79.95, depending on the quantity and formula.
Cantharone/Cantharone Plus: These legacy formulas are available from international or Canadian pharmacies, with prices varying from around $109.99 for a 7.5ml bottle of Cantharone 0.7% to approximately $126 for Cantharone Plus. These prices do not include shipping and are not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

Comparison of cantharidin options and costs


Feature	YCANTH (Brand-Name)	Compounded Cantharidin	Cantharone / Cantharone Plus (Legacy)
Cost (Pre-Insurance)	~$685 per applicator	~$80-$200+ per vial (estimate)	~$110-$185+ per bottle
Insurance Coverage	Often Covered (copays, deductibles apply)	Not typically covered	Not covered by US insurance
Patient Responsibility	Varies by plan; copay programs may help	Full out-of-pocket cost	Full out-of-pocket cost
Administration	In-office by healthcare provider	Typically in-office, or may be dispensed	Usually in-office by professional
FDA Status	FDA-approved for molluscum	Not FDA-approved as a finished drug	Not FDA-approved for sale in US
Purpose	Molluscum Contagiosum	Warts, Molluscum, etc.	Warts, Molluscum, etc.

The role of insurance and out-of-pocket costs

Your insurance plan can drastically alter your final payment for cantharidin treatment. When administered in a dermatology clinic, the cost of an in-office treatment, including the medication, can range from $100 to $200 per session without insurance. With insurance, you might only owe a copay, which can range from $25 to $75, depending on your plan and deductible status. However, it is essential to contact your insurer to verify coverage, as some plans may still require you to pay a high percentage of the cost until your deductible is met.

Here are the key factors affecting your personal cost:

Insurance Plan: Your specific plan (commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) dictates coverage rules and patient cost-sharing.
Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering a higher percentage of your medical costs.
Formulation: Brand-name YCANTH follows FDA-regulated pricing and coverage rules, while compounded versions are independent of insurance.
Pharmacy/Clinic: Prices for compounded cantharidin can vary based on the specific pharmacy and its location. In-office treatment costs are determined by the clinic.
Coupons and Patient Programs: Assistance programs, such as YCANTH's copay card, can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs for brand-name medication.

Conclusion: Final factors in cantharidin cost

In summary, the cost of cantharidin solution is not a fixed price but a dynamic figure influenced by the specific product, your insurance coverage, and the site of administration. For FDA-approved YCANTH, the high list price is offset by insurance coverage and manufacturer assistance programs, making it potentially affordable for commercially insured patients. Conversely, compounded or legacy products like Cantharone are typically cheaper upfront but require full out-of-pocket payment as they are not covered by insurance. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider and insurance company to determine the most cost-effective and appropriate cantharidin treatment plan for their needs. Always obtain the most up-to-date pricing information directly from your pharmacy or insurer. For comprehensive details on insurance coverage for the brand-name product, refer to the YCANTH Cost and Savings page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coverage for cantharidin depends on the specific product. The brand-name product, YCANTH, is generally covered by most private commercial and some state Medicaid plans, subject to deductibles, copayments, and prior authorization. Compounded cantharidin solutions are typically not covered by insurance, and patients pay the full cost out-of-pocket.

Without insurance, the cost varies significantly based on the type of cantharidin used. A compounded cantharidin solution from a specialty pharmacy might cost under $100 for a vial, but you will also need to pay for the doctor's visit, which can range from $100 to $200 per session. The brand-name YCANTH is more expensive, with a list price of $685 per applicator, though manufacturer discounts are sometimes available.

YCANTH is an FDA-approved, brand-name, single-use applicator of cantharidin specifically for molluscum contagiosum. Compounded cantharidin is a solution mixed by a specialty pharmacy and is not FDA-approved as a finished drug product. Compounded versions often include other ingredients and are typically less expensive but not covered by insurance.

In the United States, cantharidin is available by prescription only and must be applied by a healthcare provider. While Cantharone and Cantharone Plus may be advertised online by international pharmacies as available over-the-counter or without a prescription, this is not the case for US customers, and its purchase from these sources is not recommended.

The number of treatments required varies based on the condition being treated and the patient's response. For molluscum contagiosum, FDA-approved YCANTH may be applied every three weeks for up to four treatment cycles. For warts, multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart may also be necessary.

Yes, for the brand-name product YCANTH, commercially insured patients can utilize a manufacturer-sponsored copay assistance program to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. For compounded cantharidin or international products like Cantharone, coupons are generally not applicable, as these medications are not eligible for such programs.

For brand-name YCANTH, the most accurate patient-specific pricing information will come from your insurance provider and the YCANTH copay program website. For compounded cantharidin, you will need to contact a specialty compounding pharmacy directly for a quote.