Let’s talk sweat. It’s natural, it’s necessary, and sometimes, it’s downright annoying. For those of us dealing with primary axillary hyperhidrosis (aka excessive underarm sweating), it’s not just a mild inconvenience—it’s a constant battle. Enter topical glycopyrrolate wipes, a product that promises to keep your sweat under control without invasive treatments or complicated routines.
Well, if you’re curious about glycopyrrolate wipes, you’ve come to the right place. I spent two weeks putting them to the test - the prescription-required Qbrexza wipes, to be exact, and I’m here to share my honest thoughts—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Let’s dive in.
What Are Qbrexza Wipes? (And Why Should You Care?)
Qbrexza wipes, developed by Journey Medical Corporation, are single-use wipes pre-soaked with glycopyrronium tosylate, a prescription anticholinergic medication. They’re an FDA-approved topical treatment used to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis, offering a targeted solution for those dealing with excessive sweating in the underarms.
How Do They Work
The Science: Glycopyrronium tosylate–the primary active ingredient–works by blocking acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that signals your sweat glands to activate, or “turn-on”. This helps reduce sweat production in the treated areas.
Targeted Relief: Unlike antiperspirants that clog pores, Qbrexza wipes calm overactive sweat signals from your autonomic nervous system.
Side Effects: Common issues include mild skin irritation, urinary retention, dry mouth, and stinging in 14%–24% of patients. Off-label studies for hands and feet suggest some efficacy, but more research is needed.
Are They Effective?
Clinical trials show that Qbrexza wipes significantly reduce sweat in primary axillary hyperhidrosis patients:
77% of users reported moderate improvement in underarm sweating after four weeks.
70% experienced less sweat after just one week of treatment.
How I Got Qbrexza Wipes (and What They Cost)
Before I could dive into testing, I had to get my hands on Qbrexza wipes. Since they’re a prescription-only product, the process started with a consultation, (I used Dr. B for a quick online process). Afterward, I located an in-network pharmacy partner through Qbrexza’s website to reduce costs.
The Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk price.
Without Insurance: $800+ per month for 30 wipes.
With Insurance: Depending on your plan, costs can range from $0 (if commercially insured and eligible) to $50 when using an in-network pharmacy.
Pro Tip: Prioritize finding an in-network pharmacy (check here) to save over $700 monthly.
Availability
Qbrexza wipes are available at most major pharmacies in the United States, but availability can vary. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have them in stock, they can typically order them.
How to Use Qbrexza Wipes for Different Areas
For Underarms (FDA-Approved Use)
Start Clean: Wash and dry your underarms thoroughly.
Apply Evenly: Swipe the wipe across your underarm skin, covering the entire area. Use the same cloth for both arms, wiping only once.
Let It Dry: Wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes, and wait before getting dressed to avoid transfer.
Repeat Daily: Follow the instructions on your prescription label for best results.
For Off-Label Areas (Hands, Feet, Face)
While Qbrexza is FDA-approved exclusively for underarm use, some individuals use it off-label to manage excessive sweating in other areas, such as the hands (palmar hyperhidrosis), feet (plantar hyperhidrosis), and face (craniofacial hyperhidrosis). It’s important to note that these uses are not officially approved, and further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
Prepare the Area: Ensure the skin is clean and completely dry before application.
Apply Evenly: Use one wipe per area (e.g., one for hands, one for feet) and apply evenly to the skin. Avoid overuse to minimize side effects.
Let It Dry: Allow the solution to air-dry fully before touching anything to prevent transfer.
Repeat Daily: For consistent results, use the wipes daily as part of your routine.
Additional Tips for Safe Use
Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep the solution away from broken or irritated skin and avoid contact with the eyes.
For Hand Sweating: Studies suggest applying the wipe to both hands for about 3 minutes (or until the cloth dries), wearing cotton gloves for 30 minutes to enhance absorption, and then washing your hands.
Monitor for Side Effects: Look out for signs of irritation, redness, or excessive dryness, which may require adjusting your routine or consulting a healthcare provider.
While off-label use can be beneficial for localized sweating, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before trying Qbrexza wipes on areas beyond the underarms to ensure safe and effective application.
My Two Weeks Testing Qbrexza Wipes
Day 1: First Impressions
The instructions were simple: clean, swipe, and wait. The single-use packaging was convenient, and the wipe was evenly saturated with the solution. I applied it to both underarms in the evening, as sweat glands are less active at night, allowing for better absorption. After the first application, there were no noticeable changes—my underarms felt the same, but I was optimistic.
Day 3: Routine Established
By day three, using Qbrexza wipes had become part of my nightly routine. Application was quick and easy, but I hadn’t noticed any reduction in sweat yet. I also hadn’t experienced any side effects, which was encouraging.
Day 5: First Signs of Change
On the fifth day, I started noticing some dryness under my arms while at rest. However, physical activity or consuming "trigger" items, like coffee, still caused noticeable sweating. Additionally, I began feeling a mild dryness in my mouth, though it wasn’t bothersome.
Day 10: Real-Life Challenges
By day ten, the wipes were proving to be effective at baseline sweat control, especially during low-stress moments. During a Zoom meeting, which would normally leave me drenched with stress sweat, I found my sweating reduced by about 40%. However, high-intensity situations—like weightlifting, eating spicy foods, or spending time in heated environments—still triggered significant sweating.
Day 14: Final Thoughts
After two weeks, I had a clear picture of Qbrexza wipes' effectiveness. They fit seamlessly into my nightly routine and provided moderate sweat reduction for low-activity situations. Stress-induced sweating was also noticeably diminished. However, the wipes fell short during high-activity or heat-exposed scenarios, and I wouldn’t rely on them for complete dryness in public-facing situations. Side effects, including dry mouth and mild underarm redness, were present but manageable.
For me, Qbrexza wipes offered a practical baseline solution, though they’re not a cure-all. They’re a good option for moderate relief but may require pairing with other treatments for more severe sweating or intense scenarios.
Rating Qbrexza Wipes: Breaking It Down
To give you a clear picture, I’ve rated Qbrexza wipes across five categories:
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆
Qbrexza wipes delivered a mild level of sweat reduction in the underarms with manageable side effects, but their limitations in scope, cost, and treating severe sweat keep them from being a universal solution, at least in my book.
The Benefits of Qbrexza Wipes
Here’s what makes them stand out:
Convenience: Portable, single-use wipes are easy to carry and discreet to use.
Targeted Relief: Ideal for localized sweating, especially in the underarm area, hands, or feet.
Non-Invasive: Skip the needles or surgical interventions.
Clinically Backed: Supported by FDA approval and studies demonstrating efficacy.
User-Friendly: Simple application process with no harsh smells or residue.
The Downsides: What You Need to Know
Here are some of the limitations:
Temporary Fix: Results last about 24 hours, meaning daily use is required.
Possible Side Effects: Some users report dryness, mild irritation, or systemic effects like dry mouth.
Cost: With a high price point, this treatment may be inaccessible for long-term use.
Limited Scope: They’re effective for the underarm area but less practical for treating other body areas.
Off-Label Use: While off-label application for hands or feet is possible, efficacy may vary, and studies are still required to determine better application methods.
Conclusion
So, are Qbrexza wipes the game-changer they claim to be? The answer depends. If you’re looking for a non-invasive, easy-to-use treatment for excessive underarm sweating, topical glycopyrronium is worth a shot. They’re not perfect—daily application and potential side effects can be drawbacks—but they offer a solid middle ground for those not ready to jump to more invasive treatments like Botox or surgery.
