11 Affordable STD Medications Available Now
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), though they are technically not the same thing. However, both sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections can be treated or managed with prescription medications. Fortunately, when you use an RxSaver coupon, STD and STI medications are very affordable. Here’s what to know about 11 affordable STD and STI medications available now.
11 Affordable STD and STI Medications
Both antibiotic medications and antiviral medications are commonly prescribed to treat sexually transmitted diseases and infections. When using an RxSaver coupon, these commonly prescribed drugs can be very affordable. Common STD and STI medications include:
- Acyclovir
- Azithromycin
- Ceftriaxone
- Ciprofloxacin
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin
- Famciclovir
- Ofloxacin
- Penicillins
- Tetracycline
- Valacyclovir
What is the difference between STDs and STIs?
All sexually transmitted diseases begin as sexually transmitted infections. However, sexually transmitted infections don’t always produce symptoms. Once symptoms appear, the sexually transmitted infection becomes a sexually transmitted disease. According to the CDC, millions of new sexually transmitted diseases and infections occur each year.
Common STIs which may not produce symptoms immediately include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus (HSV), early-stage HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Some of these may never produce symptoms, thereby remaining STIs. Others will eventually produce symptoms, becoming STDs.
Common STI Antibiotics Available with Prescription
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria. Here’s a look at eight common STI antibiotics available by prescription.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin is the generic form of Z-Pak (Zithromax). It is a macrolide antibiotic. Azithromycin stops the growth of bacteria. It is commonly prescribed to treat STDs such as chlamydia.
Ceftriaxone
Ceftriaxone is a commonly prescribed cephalosporin antibiotic. It stops the growth of bacteria that causes STIs such as gonorrhea. It may also be used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) caused by an STD.
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic medication. Ciprofloxacin is the generic form of the brand drugs Cipro. It is commonly prescribed to treat gonorrhea, by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It is prescribed to stop the growth of bacteria. It may be prescribed to treat STDs including chlamydia and syphilis.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin may be prescribed to treat chlamydia. It is a macrolide antibiotic. It stops the growth of bacteria, but will not treat an STD caused by a virus.
Ofloxacin
Ofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic that may be prescribed as an alternative to treat chlamydia in pregnant or lactating women. It stops the growth of bacteria responsible for the infection.
Penicillin
The penicillin class of antibiotics is commonly prescribed to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections including several STDs and STIs. Penicillin G Benzathine is commonly prescribed to treat syphilis. Amoxicillin, which is another type of penicillin, may also be prescribed to treat chlamydia in pregnant women who cannot tolerate azithromycin.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline may be prescribed to treat bacterial STDs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Fittingly, it belongs to a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It stops the growth of bacteria.
Common STD Prescription Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications are prescribed for STDs and STIs caused by a virus. They will not work to treat a bacterial infection. Viral STDs include herpes. Here’s a look at three commonly prescribed antivirals used to treat STIs.
Acyclovir
Acyclovir is generic for the brand drug Zovirax. Acyclovir is prescribed to treat herpes. It does not cure the infection, nor prevent recurrent outbreaks. It does speed up the healing time of sores and helps decrease symptoms such as tingling or burning.
Famciclovir
Famciclovir is an antiviral that treats genital herpes and cold sores.. It can help reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks and reduce symptoms, but it does not cure the infection.
Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is generic Valtrex. It is commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores. It is an antiviral medication that can help reduce the frequency and duration of herpes outbreaks. It works by slowing the growth of the herpes virus.
RxSaver Coupon Pricing for Common STD Medications
Here’s a look at the price of common STD Medications, when you use an RxSaver coupon.
Medication | Lowest Price for Common Dosages* |
---|---|
Acyclovir | $11.62 |
Azithromycin | $10.20 |
Ceftriaxone | $4.89 |
Ciprofloxacin | $86.84 |
Doxycycline | $214.01 |
Erythromycin | $10.25 |
Famciclovir | $43.93 |
Ofloxacin | $9.26 |
Tetracycline | $69.24 |
Valacyclovir | $31.17 |
How to Save on STD Medication Cost
If you’re diagnosed with an STD or STI, ask your health care provider if a generic medication is available. Generic drugs are as safe and effective as their brand drug counterpart but cost up to 85% less.
Then, be sure to look for a prescription drug coupon on the RxSaver website or mobile app. When you type in the name of your prescription, you’ll get pricing from various pharmacies near you. Simply show the coupon when you pick up your prescription to save up to 80% on more than 6,000 prescription medications.
Acyclovir: 400 mg / 30 tablets
Azithromycin: 250 mg / 6 tablets
Ceftriaxone: 250 mg / 1 vial
Ciprofloxacin: 0.2 % / 14 droperettes
Doxycycline: 40 mg / 30 cap ir drs
Erythromycin: 5 mg/gram / 1 tube
Famciclovir: 500 mg / 30 tablets
Ofloxacin: 0.3 % / 1 drop btl
Tetracycline: 500 mg / 30 capsules
Valacyclovir: 1000 mg / 30 tablets
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/27/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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