Valacyclovir cost: how to save on herpes and shingles medicine

What valacyclovir treats

Valacyclovir is an antiviral tablet used to treat cold sores, shingles and chickenpox, and genital herpes. It helps treat and control genital herpes outbreaks, but it won’t cure the infection, and it should be used along with safer sex practices (MedlinePlus).

How dosing affects your cost

Valacyclovir is taken 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the condition, so your cost depends on how often and how long you take it (MedlinePlus):

• Cold sores: 2 doses, 12 hours apart.
• Shingles or chickenpox: every 8 hours for 7 days.
• Treating genital herpes: twice a day for as long as your doctor says.
• Preventing outbreaks: once or twice a day. This is where the monthly price matters most.

For a short course, compare the price of the full fill. For daily suppression, ask your pharmacist about the price of a 90-day supply and compare it with a 30-day fill. Start a short course as soon as you notice symptoms, as MedlinePlus advises (MedlinePlus).

Valacyclovir vs. acyclovir

Acyclovir is an older antiviral used for many of the same infections. It’s usually taken 2 to 5 times a day, and it comes as tablets, capsules and a liquid. MedlinePlus notes that the brand Zovirax is no longer on the market but generic versions may be available (MedlinePlus).

More daily doses can mean more pills to pay for, so compare the total cost of a full course of each drug. Ask your doctor whether either one is right for you before you switch.

Side effects and safety

• Drink plenty of fluids while taking acyclovir (MedlinePlus).
• Genital herpes can spread through sexual contact even when you have no symptoms, and possibly even while you take an antiviral. Ask your doctor how to lower the risk of passing it to a partner (MedlinePlus).
• Call your doctor right away about a rash, blisters or peeling skin, confusion, fever or decreased urination. In case of overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, and call 911 if someone collapses or has trouble breathing (MedlinePlus).

Prevent shingles and save

About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime. CDC recommends 2 doses of the Shingrix vaccine for adults 50 and older and for adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems, and says it’s more than 90% effective (CDC).

Medicare Part D covers the shingles shot at no cost to you, and Part D covers all adult vaccines recommended by the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee with no deductible or copay (Medicare.gov). If you can’t afford it, CDC notes that GSK, the vaccine’s maker, has a patient assistance program (CDC).

How to pay less

• Compare cash prices. Prices for the same prescription can differ from one pharmacy to the next. Check a free discount card such as RxGo before you fill.
• Check your plan. Look up your drug on your plan’s list. If your doctor thinks a drug is medically necessary and the plan won’t cover it, ask for an exception (HealthCare.gov).
• On Medicare? Drugs bought with a discount card instead of your plan don’t count toward your plan’s out-of-pocket limit (Medicare.gov). If your income is limited, apply for Extra Help.
• No insurance? HRSA-funded health centers charge on a sliding scale. Find one near you.