Comprehensive medication guide to Seysara including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$35–$60 copay for commercially insured patients using the Almirall Advantage manufacturer savings card; some commercial plans cover Seysara at Tier 2–3. Many plans require prior authorization. Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover Seysara, and the manufacturer savings card is not available to government program beneficiaries.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Retail cash price for Seysara is approximately $1,100–$1,325 for a 30-day supply (brand only, no generic available). With a GoodRx or manufacturer savings coupon, prices can be as low as $175/month for uninsured patients. Commercially insured patients using the Almirall Advantage savings card may pay as little as $35/prescription.
Medfinder Findability Score
42/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Seysara is the brand name for sarecycline, a narrow-spectrum tetracycline-class antibiotic approved by the FDA in October 2018 for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. Manufactured by Almirall, LLC, it was the first new oral antibiotic specifically developed for acne in over 40 years.
Unlike older tetracyclines such as doxycycline and minocycline, sarecycline has a narrow antimicrobial spectrum. It primarily targets Cutibacterium acnes (the main bacteria involved in inflammatory acne) while having limited activity against gram-negative bacteria in the gut. This targeted approach reduces disruption to the gut microbiome and lowers the risk of promoting broad antibiotic resistance.
Seysara is available in three tablet strengths: 60 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg, dosed once daily based on body weight. It is not a controlled substance and can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber, including via telehealth. As of 2026, no generic version of Seysara is available.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Seysara (sarecycline) works by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit inside Cutibacterium acnes bacteria and interacting with 16S ribosomal RNA. Its unique C7 moiety protrudes into the mRNA binding channel of the bacterial ribosome, physically blocking the bacteria's ability to synthesize the proteins needed for survival and reproduction.
This mechanism creates sarecycline's characteristic narrow spectrum — it is highly active against gram-positive bacteria like C. acnes but has limited activity against the gram-negative enteric bacteria that populate the human gut. As a result, Seysara causes less disruption to gut microflora compared to broad-spectrum tetracyclines. Seysara also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines (like IL-8 and IL-12) associated with acne lesions.
Notably, Seysara's FDA-approved label is unique among oral acne antibiotics in describing a low propensity for antibiotic resistance, with C. acnes showing spontaneous mutation frequencies of 10^-10 at 4–8x MIC. Steady-state blood levels are reached within approximately 7 days of starting treatment.
60 mg — tablet
Once daily for patients weighing 33–54 kg (approximately 73–119 lbs). Yellow, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet debossed with 'S60'.
100 mg — tablet
Once daily for patients weighing 55–84 kg (approximately 121–185 lbs). Yellow, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet debossed with 'S100'.
150 mg — tablet
Once daily for patients weighing 85–136 kg (approximately 187–300 lbs). Yellow, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet debossed with 'S150'.
Seysara is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list, but many patients describe an experience that feels like a shortage. Because Seysara is a brand-name-only drug with a retail price over $1,100 per month, pharmacy demand is low — and many pharmacies simply don't stock it. The drug comes in three dose strengths (60 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg), and some pharmacies carry only one or two strengths.
Pharmacies near dermatology offices and clinics tend to stock Seysara more reliably. Specialty pharmacies with home delivery are another consistent source. Patients in areas without nearby dermatology practices may need to search across multiple pharmacies or opt for mail delivery.
To find Seysara in stock near you without calling pharmacies yourself, use medfinder — a paid service that calls pharmacies in your area and texts you which ones can fill your prescription.
Seysara (sarecycline) is not a controlled substance and carries no DEA scheduling restrictions. Any licensed prescriber authorized to write prescriptions in their state can prescribe Seysara, including via telehealth. No special certification or monitoring program is required.
Healthcare providers who commonly prescribe Seysara include:
Dermatologists — the most frequent prescribers, with the deepest experience selecting appropriate acne patients for Seysara
Primary care physicians (PCPs) — family medicine and internal medicine physicians who treat acne in their patient panel
Pediatricians — Seysara is approved for patients 9 years and older; pediatricians treating adolescent acne may prescribe it
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — advanced practice providers in dermatology, primary care, and pediatric settings can prescribe Seysara in most states
Seysara is available via telehealth. Online dermatology platforms (such as Apostrophe, Curology, and Miiskin) allow patients to consult a licensed dermatologist remotely and receive an electronic Seysara prescription if clinically appropriate. Telehealth prescribing is particularly useful for patients in areas without nearby dermatology practices.
No. Seysara (sarecycline) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. This means it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber — including via telehealth — without special DEA registration or limitations on refills that apply to controlled medications. Electronic prescriptions are fully supported and prescriptions can be transferred between pharmacies.
Seysara does carry important safety warnings unrelated to controlled substance status — including contraindication in pregnancy, precautions related to intracranial hypertension, and interactions with other medications. Patients should always follow their prescriber's guidance and read the full prescribing information.
Seysara has a favorable side effect profile compared to other tetracyclines. The only adverse reaction occurring at ≥1% in clinical trials was nausea (3.1% vs 2.0% with placebo). Other reported side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
Mild photosensitivity (increased sun sensitivity)
Intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri): Severe headache, blurred or double vision, pain behind eyes — stop medication and seek emergency care
C. difficile-associated diarrhea: Severe, bloody, or persistent diarrhea — even up to 2 months after stopping Seysara
Severe allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing, severe rash, throat or facial swelling
Dizziness or vertigo: Avoid driving if significant lightheadedness occurs
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Doxycycline
AAD strongly recommended broad-spectrum tetracycline for acne. Generic available at $10–$30/month. Higher photosensitivity and GI side effect rates than Seysara. Widely stocked at all pharmacies.
Minocycline
AAD conditionally recommended tetracycline for acne. Generic available at $30–$60/month. Higher vestibular side effect risk (dizziness/vertigo) and pigmentation risk than Seysara. Available at most pharmacies.
Topical Clindamycin + Benzoyl Peroxide
Standard of care topical combination for inflammatory acne. Avoids systemic antibiotic exposure. Generally well-covered by insurance and widely available. Best for mild-moderate or as step-down after oral antibiotic response.
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Oral retinoid for severe, nodular, or treatment-resistant acne. Can produce long-term remission. Requires monthly monitoring and iPLEDGE enrollment. CONTRAINDICATED with Seysara — never combine.
Prefer Seysara? We can find it.
Isotretinoin / Oral Retinoids
majorContraindicated. Combining tetracyclines with oral retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin, bexarotene, tretinoin) significantly increases risk of pseudotumor cerebri (intracranial hypertension). Never use together.
Antacids (aluminum, magnesium, calcium)
moderateAntacids bind to sarecycline in the GI tract, reducing absorption and effectiveness. Separate dosing by at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after Seysara.
Iron supplements
moderateIron chelates with sarecycline, impairing absorption. Take Seysara at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after iron-containing products.
Digoxin
moderateSeysara inhibits P-glycoprotein (P-gp), increasing digoxin blood levels by approximately 26%. Monitor for digoxin toxicity in patients on digoxin.
Penicillin antibiotics
moderateTetracyclines may antagonize the bactericidal activity of penicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin, etc.) by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Avoid concurrent use if possible.
Neuromuscular blocking agents
majorSeysara enhances the effects of neuromuscular blocking drugs (succinylcholine, atracurium, vecuronium), increasing risk of respiratory depression. Alert surgical teams if patient is on Seysara.
Seysara (sarecycline) represents a meaningful advance in oral acne antibiotic therapy — specifically designed for moderate to severe inflammatory acne with a narrower spectrum, lower resistance propensity, and better GI tolerability compared to older tetracyclines. It's an appropriate choice for patients who need an oral antibiotic for acne and who want to minimize the systemic impacts of treatment.
The main practical challenge with Seysara is access — both cost and pharmacy availability. With a retail price over $1,100/month and no generic equivalent, many patients rely on the Almirall Advantage savings card or GoodRx discounts. Pharmacy stocking is inconsistent, particularly outside of areas near dermatology practices, which adds friction to what should be a straightforward prescription fill.
If you've been prescribed Seysara and are struggling to find it at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help. medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to identify which ones have your specific Seysara dose in stock, and texts you the results — saving you the time and frustration of calling each pharmacy yourself.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini