Melasma help needed

I just went to the dermotologist Thursday and she looked at me and said "you have melasma on your face, you need to get off your birth control pills". Then she wrote me a perscription for Tri-Luma (which insurance doesn't cover) and told me to use it every night for 4 months, then once a week after that. And of course, stay out of the sun. Tri-Luma I am finding costs anywhere between $100 - $130 per tube! Anybody have any alternative methods for me to try? The Tri-Luma is a 4% hydroquinone cream.

Also, she recommended I get an IUD instead of taking the pill. I've been on the pill for 22 years and I'm afraid to switch birth control methods. Anybody have any advice for me here also? I know nothing about IUD's and my husband and I do not plan to have children. Tweet