How much is Valacyclovir HCl (Valtrex) without insurance?

Is valacyclovir HCl covered by insurance? | How much does valacyclovir HCl cost without insurance? | How to get valacyclovir HCl without insurance

Valacyclovir is a generic prescription antiviral medication that treats or prevents viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus infections (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). These include cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles (herpes zoster). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use in adults and children older than two. Valacyclovir arrests a herpes infection by preventing the virus particles from making copies of themselves to help manage and prevent outbreaks. Treatment is limited to three to 10 days. That will limit the cost for people without insurance coverage. 

Related: Valacyclovir HCl dosage

What is the brand name for valacyclovir HCl?

Valtrex is the brand-name version of valacyclovir. The average cost of Valtrex varies. However, brand-name Valtrex prices are about two and half times greater than generic valacyclovir oral tablets. A pharmacist can substitute generic Valtrex in most cases if a healthcare provider prescribes the brand-name version since the two medications are identical.

Is valacyclovir HCl covered by insurance?

People with health insurance or Medicaid are usually covered for valacyclovir. Medicare drug plans generally cover valacyclovir, but there may be exceptions. Insurance plans generally place valacyclovir in their lowest copay tiers, so the cost should be low. However, other policies will also determine the final out-of-pocket cost, such as deductibles or coverage gaps. Some Medicare plans may also cover valacyclovir purchases through mail-order from an online pharmacy. Make sure to check the plan details before ordering.

How much does valacyclovir HCl cost without insurance?

The cost of valacyclovir is more than other common generic drugs. For a prescription of 30, 500 mg oral tablets, the full cost will be around $200, an average price of $7 per tablet. Most prescriptions will involve three to 20 tablets, so expect to pay $21 to $140. 

If cost is a concern, ask the prescribing healthcare professional about other antiviral medicines, including generic Zovirax (acyclovir), for the treatment of herpes. For 60, 400 mg acyclovir tablets, the cost is about $77. However, acyclovir must be taken four to five times daily, so 60 tablets is enough to last 12 to 15 days. 

For people without health insurance coverage, a SingleCare prescription discount card may be the cheapest alternative. While the normal retail price of valacyclovir is $200 for 30 tablets, the lowest SingleCare discount price for the same purchase is only $10.

RELATED: Acyclovir vs. valacyclovir: Differences, similarities, and which is better

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

How to get valacyclovir HCl without insurance

Without insurance, generic valacyclovir costs $7 per 500 mg tablet, a cost that could easily add up when treatment goes on for several days. Patient assistance programs may help with a brand-name Valtrex prescription but are usually not offered for generic drugs like valacyclovir. Fortunately, some tremendous cost-savings exist on generics, even higher-priced ones like valacyclovir. For instance, a SingleCare savings card could reduce the retail price of valacyclovir and other prescription meds by more than 80%. You can buy Valtrex with a SingleCare coupon, too.

1. Use a prescription discount coupon from SingleCare

The lowest SingleCare cash price for 30 tablets of valacyclovir is $10, a savings of $260 off the average retail price. Participating pharmacies offer different savings, but most discount prices are less than $22 for 30 tablets. Browse discount prices on SingleCare’s valacyclovir HCl coupons page for the best price at the closest local pharmacy. Read the FAQs section for additional savings and drug information.

2. Shop for the lowest price at local pharmacies

By comparing drugstore prices, you will find that the lowest retail price for 30 valacyclovir tablets is $120 less than the highest price. The savings can be considerable, but comparing pharmacy prices on prescription medications is difficult. Instead, get an instant price comparison on SingleCare’s valacyclovir price average table.

3. Find local 340B providers, community clinics, or reproductive health clinics

Generic medications may be available at community clinics or 340B providers at a discount. Genital herpes is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), so valacyclovir ointment or tablets may be free at STD or reproductive health clinics. Talk to a local healthcare official for help.

4. Switch to acyclovir

Valacyclovir itself does not do anything against HSV infections. Instead, the body converts it into acyclovir. That’s the drug that fights off herpes. Instead of valacyclovir, people can use the generic version of acyclovir. The active ingredient is the same as the active metabolite of valacyclovir. It’s just as effective and has the same common side effects but requires more frequent dosing. However, it’s cheaper and comes in other formats besides oral tablets, such as topical formulations. 

5. Ask the prescriber about symptomatic treatment

Herpes flare-ups in healthy people typically go away on their own. Antiviral drugs like valacyclovir can speed up recovery by targeting the virus itself. If cost is a barrier, ask the prescriber for medical advice about over-the-counter drugs or supplements that can relieve symptoms while the body fights off the flare-up. If the flare is severe, your doctor may request you go forward with the antiviral treatment.

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