Best treatments for actinic keratosis
4 products may treat actinic keratosis, spanning FDA drug classes such as optical imaging agent, porphyrin precursor. The current highest-rated option is imiquimod. Ranked below by our independent recall-safety rating (rated where FDA data exists) — not medical advice; always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 4 drugs we list for actinic keratosis, 2 are available as lower-cost generics, spanning classes such as optical imaging agent, porphyrin precursor. They’re ranked by each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for actinic keratosis — so confirm the right choice with your prescriber.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Class | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70/100 | Prescription | Topical | — | Generic | $350 | View → | |
| 2 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Topical | Optical Imaging Agent | No data | — | View → | |
| 3 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Kit | Optical Imaging Agent | No data | — | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Topical | — | Generic | $350 | View → |
Narrow by drug class
Explore the class hubs: optical imaging agent
Full ranking · 4 treatments
imiquimod
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Imiquimod is a medication used to treat Basal Cell Carcinoma, Condylomata Acuminata, Actinic Keratosis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$20.87/30· 3 forms
ameluz
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Ameluz (Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride) is an optical imaging agent used to treat Actinic Keratosis.
Price varies
levulan
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Levulan (Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride) is an optical imaging agent used to treat Actinic Keratosis.
Price varies
zyclara
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Zyclara (Imiquimod) is a medication used to treat Basal Cell Carcinoma, Condylomata Acuminata, Actinic Keratosis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$20.87/30· 3 formsFrequently asked
- What treats actinic keratosis?
- Our catalog lists 4 products that may treat actinic keratosis, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is imiquimod.
- What is the best-rated treatment for actinic keratosis?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — imiquimod ranks highest among the products we list for actinic keratosis. Always consult a professional.
- How are these treatments ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.
- What types of drugs treat actinic keratosis?
- Treatments for actinic keratosis span FDA drug classes including optical imaging agent, porphyrin precursor. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.
Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.