Finding a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Zilxi

If you've been dealing with the redness, bumps, and pustules of rosacea, you may have heard about Zilxi (Minocycline topical foam 1.5%) — a once-daily prescription foam designed specifically for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. But getting a prescription starts with finding the right doctor.

In this guide, we'll walk you through which types of doctors prescribe Zilxi, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Zilxi?

Zilxi is most commonly prescribed by:

• Dermatologists — These are the specialists most familiar with Zilxi and rosacea treatment in general. A dermatologist is your best bet if you want someone who regularly works with this medication.
• Primary care doctors (family medicine or internal medicine) — Your regular doctor can also prescribe Zilxi, especially if you already have a rosacea diagnosis. However, some primary care providers may prefer to refer you to a dermatologist for specialty treatments.

Since Zilxi is not a controlled substance, any licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can write a prescription for it.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Zilxi:

1. Use Your Insurance Directory

Start by checking your health insurance plan's provider directory. Most insurers have an online search tool where you can filter by specialty (dermatology) and location. This ensures the doctor you choose is in-network, which can save you significant money on the visit itself.

2. Search on Zocdoc or Healthgrades

Platforms like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for dermatologists by location, insurance accepted, and availability. You can often book an appointment online in minutes. When booking, mention in the appointment notes that you'd like to discuss Zilxi for rosacea.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If you already see a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to a dermatologist. Your doctor may already know specialists in your area who have experience prescribing Zilxi. Some insurance plans require a referral before you can see a specialist, so this step may be necessary anyway.

4. Try Telehealth

Telehealth is a convenient option, especially if you live in a rural area or have a long wait for in-person dermatology appointments. Several telehealth platforms now connect patients with board-certified dermatologists who can evaluate your skin via video and prescribe Zilxi if appropriate. Some popular options include Dermatology on Demand, First Derm, and general platforms like Teladoc or MDLive.

5. Use Medfinder

Once you have your prescription, Medfinder can help you find a pharmacy near you that has Zilxi in stock — saving you the hassle of calling around.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you see a doctor about Zilxi, here's what to prepare for:

• Describe your symptoms clearly. Tell your doctor about the redness, bumps, and pustules you've been experiencing, how long you've had them, and what triggers seem to make them worse.
• Share your treatment history. Have you already tried other rosacea treatments like Metronidazole (MetroGel), Ivermectin (Soolantra), or Azelaic Acid (Finacea)? Your doctor needs to know what has and hasn't worked. Many insurance plans require step therapy — meaning you may need to have tried and failed other treatments before Zilxi is covered.
• Bring your medication list. Let your doctor know about all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements. This is especially important because Zilxi may interact with certain medications like Isotretinoin (Accutane) or blood thinners like Warfarin. Learn more about Zilxi drug interactions.
• Ask about cost. Zilxi can cost $400 to $600 per 60g canister without insurance, so it's worth asking your doctor about the Zilxi Savings Card and other ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes you a prescription for Zilxi, the next step is filling it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check Availability First

Zilxi is a branded specialty medication with no generic available, which means not every pharmacy keeps it on the shelf. Before heading to your pharmacy, check if they have it in stock to save yourself a wasted trip.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Coverage for Zilxi varies widely by plan. Some insurers require prior authorization, and many require step therapy. If your claim is denied, ask your doctor's office to submit a prior authorization or appeal. You can also explore savings programs — eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $25 per prescription with the Zilxi Savings Card.

Know How to Use It

Zilxi is applied once daily. Dispense a cherry-sized amount of foam into your palm and gently rub it into the affected areas of your face. Avoid contact with your eyes, lips, and mouth. The foam is flammable, so avoid fire, flame, and smoking during and right after application. For more details, read our guide on Zilxi uses, dosage, and what you need to know.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Zilxi is usually straightforward — most dermatologists are familiar with it, and even primary care providers can write the prescription. The bigger challenge for most patients is navigating insurance coverage and finding a pharmacy that has it in stock.

Start with your insurance directory or a platform like Zocdoc to book an appointment. Come prepared with your treatment history and medication list. And once you have your prescription, use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy that carries Zilxi near you.