Silver Sulfadiazine (brand name Silvadene) is a topical antimicrobial medication used to prevent and treat wound infections, particularly in patients with severe second- and third-degree burns. This cream contains a sulfa antibiotic combined with silver, which kills a broad spectrum of bacteria and yeast by damaging their cell wall and membrane structures. Because it is an antibiotic, this medication is strictly available only with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Retail and Mail-Order Availability
You can obtain Silver Sulfadiazine cream at nearly all community pharmacies across the United States. Major retail pharmacy chains, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, consistently stock the generic version of the 1% cream, which is the most common formulation. Pharmacy counters located within large retailers like Walmart and Target are also reliable sources for filling this prescription.
Independent pharmacies also dispense the cream. For patients discharged from a hospital burn unit, the hospital’s outpatient pharmacy may fill the initial prescription to ensure immediate access. Mail-order pharmacies and online platforms, including services like Amazon Pharmacy, offer Silver Sulfadiazine, providing a convenient option for refills once the acute treatment phase is complete.
Understanding Prescription Requirements
To purchase the cream, you must present a prescription from a qualified prescriber, such as a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The prescription must be current and include specific details, such as the concentration, quantity, and directions for use, to be considered valid by the dispensing pharmacist.
While a provider may write a prescription for the brand name Silvadene, pharmacists are generally permitted to substitute it with the generic Silver Sulfadiazine. The two products contain identical amounts of the active ingredient and are considered bioequivalent. Generic substitution is standard practice unless the prescriber explicitly indicates “Dispense As Written,” which is infrequent for this commonly available medication. If you need to switch pharmacies, a prescription transfer can be initiated, allowing the new pharmacy to contact the original location to move the remaining authorized refills.
Navigating Costs and Insurance
The cost of Silver Sulfadiazine is highly variable, depending on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use. When covered by commercial insurance or a government program, your out-of-pocket expense is typically limited to a copayment, which can be as low as $2 to $10 for the generic version, depending on your plan’s formulary tier. However, if you have a high deductible plan or have not yet met your annual deductible, you may be responsible for the full negotiated cost.
For individuals paying the cash price without insurance, the average retail cost for a 50-gram jar of the 1% cream typically ranges from $18 to over $70. The generic nature of Silver Sulfadiazine makes it eligible for significant price reductions through pharmacy discount cards. Utilizing discount programs, such as GoodRx or SingleCare, can lower the price considerably, sometimes to under $5 for the most common quantity. It is advisable to compare prices using these platforms before filling the prescription, as the discount amount can vary substantially between pharmacies.