What Is Qbrexza? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Qbrexza (pronounced 'kyoo-BREX-za') is a prescription medication used to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis — the medical term for excessive underarm sweating. It's available as a single-use, pre-moistened cloth that you wipe across both underarms once per day. Qbrexza was the first and, for several years, the only FDA-approved topical product specifically for this condition.

If you've been prescribed Qbrexza — or if you're wondering whether it might be right for you — this guide explains everything you need to know: what it treats, how it works, how to use it correctly, who should avoid it, and how much it costs.

What Is Qbrexza Used For?

Qbrexza is FDA-approved for one specific indication: primary axillary hyperhidrosis in adults and pediatric patients 9 years of age and older. Primary hyperhidrosis means the excessive sweating is not caused by another underlying medical condition or medication — it's simply the way some people's sweat glands behave. Axillary means it affects the underarms specifically.

Primary axillary hyperhidrosis affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States. It can cause significant embarrassment, clothing damage, occupational difficulties, and reduced quality of life. Qbrexza was FDA-approved in June 2018 — the first approval of any topical product specifically indicated for this condition.

Some providers also prescribe Qbrexza off-label for palmar hyperhidrosis (hand sweating) and facial hyperhidrosis, though these uses are not FDA-approved and insurance coverage for them is unlikely.

What Is the Active Ingredient in Qbrexza?

The active ingredient in Qbrexza is glycopyrronium tosylate, which delivers 66 mg of glycopyrronium per cloth. Glycopyrronium is an anticholinergic compound — a class of drugs that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In the context of hyperhidrosis, glycopyrronium blocks acetylcholine receptors on sweat glands, reducing the signal that tells them to produce sweat.

Qbrexza contains 2.4% glycopyrronium solution on each cloth, along with inactive ingredients including citric acid, dehydrated alcohol, purified water, and sodium citrate. The dehydrated alcohol content makes the cloths flammable — keep them away from heat and open flame.

How Do You Use Qbrexza?

Qbrexza comes in individual pouches, each containing one pre-moistened cloth. The instructions are straightforward:

1. Apply to clean, dry underarm skin only (do not use on other body areas).
2. Tear open the pouch and unfold the cloth.
3. Wipe the cloth across one entire underarm once.
4. Using the same cloth, wipe across the other underarm once. One cloth treats both underarms.
5. Discard the used cloth in household trash, out of reach of children.
6. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water. This is critical — glycopyrronium remaining on your hands can cause pupil dilation and blurred vision if you touch your eyes.

Do not apply more than once every 24 hours, do not apply to broken skin, and do not cover the treated area with an occlusive (airtight) dressing.

Who Makes Qbrexza?

Qbrexza was originally developed and brought to market by Dermira, Inc. (a biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California). The brand was later acquired by Journey Medical Corporation, which currently manufactures and distributes Qbrexza in the United States. In 2023, Journey entered a licensing agreement with Maruho Co. for commercialization in South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Is Qbrexza a Controlled Substance?

No. Qbrexza is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber with prescribing authority — including dermatologists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers. No special DEA registration or limitations on refills apply to Qbrexza.

How Much Does Qbrexza Cost?

Qbrexza has no generic equivalent as of 2026. The average retail cash price for a 30-cloth supply is approximately $840–$939 per month. With a GoodRx coupon, the price can drop to around $630. With a SingleCare coupon, approximately $653. For commercially insured patients using in-network pharmacies through the Journey Total Access Program, cost can be reduced to as little as $0–$50.

Who Should Not Use Qbrexza?

Qbrexza is contraindicated for patients with conditions that can be worsened by anticholinergic activity, including glaucoma, paralytic ileus, severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon, myasthenia gravis, and Sjogren's syndrome. It should also be used with caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy, bladder-neck obstruction, or a history of urinary retention.

For a full review of side effects, see our guide on Qbrexza side effects. If you've been prescribed Qbrexza and are having trouble finding it at a pharmacy, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to check availability.