How much does Ycanth cantharidin cost and how can patients save?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

While the list price, or Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC), for a single Ycanth (cantharidin) applicator was $685 as of July 2023, the actual amount a patient pays varies dramatically based on their insurance coverage, deductible status, and eligibility for assistance programs. Understanding how much does Ycanth cantharidin cost requires looking beyond the sticker price and exploring the available financial support options.

Quick Summary

The cost of Ycanth (cantharidin) varies significantly, with the final price dependent on insurance coverage. The final cost can be managed through the manufacturer's copay card, patient assistance programs, or discount coupons for commercially insured and uninsured patients. Key factors include deductible status and program eligibility.

Key Points

List Price is Not Patient Price: The Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) for Ycanth is the manufacturer's list price ($685 per applicator as of July 2023), but most patients pay a different amount based on insurance and discounts.
Copay Assistance Reduces Costs: Commercially insured patients can use the Ycanth Copay Assistance Program to pay a reduced price ($25 to $125 per applicator), with a lifetime maximum benefit of $2,805 or four treatments.
Insurance Coverage Varies: How much you pay depends heavily on your insurance type (commercial, Medicare, Medicaid), your deductible, and whether you need prior authorization.
Patient Assistance is Available: Verrica Pharmaceuticals offers a Patient Assistance Program for financially needy, uninsured, or underinsured U.S. residents who meet specific criteria.
Consider Alternatives: Compounded cantharidin may be a cheaper alternative, but it is not FDA-approved like brand-name Ycanth, and you should consult with your doctor before considering it.
Use Discount Cards: Services like GoodRx and PharmacyChecker can help uninsured patients find coupons to lower the retail cash price at participating pharmacies.
Always Check Eligibility: Eligibility for assistance programs has strict requirements, so patients must verify their qualifications with the program providers.

The Sticker Shock: Uninsured and List Price

For individuals without insurance, or for those whose insurance provides no coverage, the cost of Ycanth can reflect the Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC), which was listed at $685 per applicator as of July 2023. However, this WAC doesn't always represent the final retail price, which can fluctuate based on the specific pharmacy and location. Pharmacy pricing tools like GoodRx and PharmacyChecker have shown retail prices, before coupons, averaging around $861 and discount prices starting in the mid-$600s, respectively. The total treatment cost can increase significantly if multiple applicators are needed, as the typical protocol involves one to four treatments.

Navigating Costs with Insurance

Insurance coverage is the most significant factor in determining the out-of-pocket cost for Ycanth. The manufacturer, Verrica Pharmaceuticals, offers various support programs to help reduce the financial burden.

The Ycanth Copay Assistance Program

This program is designed for eligible, commercially insured patients. For those who qualify, the cost can be significantly reduced:

Patients who have met their deductible: May pay as little as $25 per applicator.
Patients who have not met their deductible: Will pay no more than $125 per applicator.

There is a lifetime maximum benefit of $2,805 or four treatments, whichever comes first. Patients using federal or state programs like Medicaid or Medicare are not eligible for this commercial copay card.

Understanding Different Insurance Types

Commercial Insurance: Most commercial health plans provide coverage for Ycanth, but the specific cost-sharing can vary widely. Factors like deductibles, coinsurance (often 20-35% of the list price), and copayments will determine the final out-of-pocket expense. Many plans also require prior authorization before covering the medication.
Medicare: For beneficiaries with Medicare Part D, coverage is available, but patients should expect to pay a portion of the cost. The exact amount depends on their specific plan, annual deductible, and coverage phase.
Medicaid: Many state Medicaid plans and managed Medicaid plans cover Ycanth, and the out-of-pocket costs are often lower, with minimal copayments required. However, coverage details can vary by state, and it's essential to check the specific state's formulary and requirements.

Finding Savings and Support

Several avenues exist for patients to access Ycanth at a lower cost, especially if they are uninsured or their insurance coverage is inadequate.

Verrica Patient Assistance Program

Verrica Pharmaceuticals provides a Patient Assistance Program for U.S. residents who have been prescribed Ycanth but lack sufficient health insurance coverage or cannot afford the medication. Eligibility is based on financial need, which is assessed based on household income and projected medical expenses. This program can provide significant savings for those who qualify.

Alternative Cantharidin Treatments

Ycanth is the only FDA-approved cantharidin product on the market. However, non-FDA-approved, compounded cantharidin solutions are sometimes available and may be less expensive. It's important to discuss the safety and efficacy of these alternatives with a healthcare provider, as they have not undergone the rigorous testing required for FDA approval. Cost comparisons between brand-name Ycanth and compounded products must account for dosage differences and formulation.

Discount Cards

For uninsured patients or those with high deductibles, discount coupons from services like GoodRx or PharmacyChecker can help lower the retail price of Ycanth. These cards can reduce the cash price to a lower, predetermined amount, though it's important to compare prices as they can still be high without insurance.

Ycanth Cost Comparison Table


Cost Scenario	Potential Out-of-Pocket Cost (Per Applicator)	Eligibility/Notes
Uninsured (List Price)	~$685	Manufacturer's WAC. Retail price may be higher.
Uninsured (Discount Card)	~$660 - $725	Prices vary by pharmacy and coupon service.
Commercial Insurance (Deductible Met)	As little as $25	Requires enrollment in the Ycanth Copay Assistance Program.
Commercial Insurance (Deductible Not Met)	No more than $125	Requires enrollment in the Ycanth Copay Assistance Program.
Medicaid	$1-$5 (nominal copay)	Varies by state; depends on formulary coverage.
Medicare Part D	Varies	Cost depends on plan, deductible, and coverage phase.
Patient Assistance Program	Varies (often free)	Requires eligibility and enrollment through Verrica.

Conclusion

Understanding the actual cost of Ycanth (cantharidin) is more complex than just knowing the list price. Patients with commercial insurance can dramatically reduce their out-of-pocket expenses using the manufacturer's copay assistance program, potentially paying as little as $25 per applicator. For uninsured or underinsured patients, the Verrica Patient Assistance Program offers a critical pathway to access the medication at a reduced cost or for free, based on financial need. It is essential for patients to talk with their healthcare provider and insurance company to understand their coverage and explore all available savings options before beginning treatment. Leveraging online pharmacy price comparisons and patient support services can make a significant difference in managing the overall cost of Ycanth treatment.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions

With commercial insurance and enrollment in the Ycanth Copay Assistance Program, your out-of-pocket cost is typically $25 per applicator if you have met your deductible, and no more than $125 if you have not. These payments are subject to a lifetime program maximum.

Yes, most commercial, Medicare Part D, and many state Medicaid plans provide coverage for Ycanth, the FDA-approved cantharidin product. However, coverage, prior authorization requirements, and cost-sharing amounts vary significantly by plan.

There is no FDA-approved generic version of brand-name Ycanth. However, compounded cantharidin solutions may be available, which are typically less expensive but are not FDA-approved and have not undergone the same level of safety and efficacy testing as Ycanth.

Uninsured patients may be able to enroll in the Verrica Patient Assistance Program, which provides the medication at a reduced cost or for free for those with financial need. Additionally, discount coupons from services like GoodRx can help lower the cash retail price.

A course of treatment typically involves a series of applications by a healthcare professional. Insurance policies often specify coverage for a maximum number of treatment sessions, such as up to four treatments per infection.

The Ycanth Copay Assistance Program has a lifetime maximum benefit of $2,805 or four treatments, whichever occurs first.

For eligible, commercially insured patients, the manufacturer's copay program typically provides the lowest out-of-pocket cost. Discount cards are often more beneficial for uninsured patients or those using a federal plan, who are not eligible for the copay program.