The Cost of Valacyclovir Without Insurance

There is no cure for viral infections. However, antiviral medications can help manage the symptoms of viral outbreaks, including cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Antiviral medications such as valacyclovir (generic for Valtrex), can also prevent outbreaks, or reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

RxSaver offers coupons that can reduce the cost of valacyclovir without insurance so that treating or preventing outbreaks of herpes viruses and other viruses is affordable.

How much does valacyclovir cost without insurance?

The cost of valacyclovir without insurance starts at $31.34* for 1000 mg and 30 tablets using an RxSaver coupon.

Prescription drug pricing varies from pharmacy to pharmacy, and the difference in pricing can be significant. Valacyclovir is available from some nationwide pharmacies and online pharmacies for less than $1/tablet.

What is valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that treats infections caused by herpes viruses or the varicella-zoster virus.

In adults, valacyclovir is used to prevent genital and oral herpes outbreaks, reduce the frequency of genital and oral herpes outbreaks, or manage the symptoms of an active genital or oral herpes outbreak.

Valacyclovir is also effective in reducing symptoms of shingles in adults, which are caused by the herpes zoster virus.

In children, valacyclovir can treat cold sores and chickenpox, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

What conditions does valacyclovir treat?

Valacyclovir is used to prevent or treat genital herpes outbreaks and cold sores. Valacyclovir is also prescribed to treat shingles and chickenpox.

Common Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is very common, and many individuals who have it do not know that they have it. It is easily transmissible by sex. Symptoms of genital herpes include:

Tingling, burning, itching in the genitals
Pain in the back, legs, buttocks
Pain/tenderness in the genitals
Red bumps or white blisters on the genitals
Ruptured blisters, known as ulcers on the genitals
Scabs
Painful urination

Common Symptoms of Cold Sores

Cold sores are very common, and are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). Up to 80% of Americans may be infected with HSV-1. Some individuals with HSV-1 may be asymptomatic, while cold sores may recur frequently in others. Symptoms of cold sores include:

Tingling, burning, pain on/near lips
Redness or swelling on/near lips
Headache
Fluid filled blisters on the lips/mouth
Swollen throat or glands

Common Symptoms of Shingles

Because of the potential for complications from shingles, the CDC recommends that adults 50 years and older get the shingles vaccine.

Shingles is caused by a re-emergence of the chickenpox virus. It is a skin rash and nerve disease, that all individuals who previously had chickenpox are at risk of developing. Shingles can be incredibly painful, with nerve pain lasting long after the rash has cleared up. Common symptoms of shingles include:

Pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in one area of the body

Red rash
Fluid-filled blisters, which break open and crust
Itching
Fever
Headache
Fatigue

Common Symptoms of Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that once affected almost all Americans. A CDC recommended vaccine now prevents the majority of chickenpox cases. However, up to 10% of those vaccinated may still contract chickenpox. Symptoms of chickenpox include:

Fever
Loss of appetite
Fatigue/malaise
Headache
Raised red/pink bumps
Fluid filled blisters

How does valacyclovir work?

Valacyclovir works by slowing, stopping, or disrupting the growth of certain viruses, which are dormant in infected individuals most of the time. When these viruses activate, valacyclovir is taken to prevent the virus from multiplying and spreading to healthy cells (known as viral reproduction). This helps to decrease the severity of the outbreak, and shorten the duration of the outbreak.

Valacyclovir helps to heal genital herpes sores, cold sores, shingles sores, and chickenpox sores faster. It also helps to prevent new sores from forming. Valacyclovir also reduces pain and itching associated with sores and may reduce the length of time pain lingers after sores have healed.

Common Side Effects of Valacyclovir

Like all medications, valacyclovir has the potential to produce side effects. Side effects are typically mild, but some may be serious. Report any side effects of valacyclovir to your health care professional. Some common side effects produced by valacyclovir include:

Stomach pain
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Cold symptoms
Diarrhea
Joint pain

Can you buy valacyclovir over the counter?

In the United States, you need a prescription for valacyclovir from a health care provider. You will need to pick up the prescription from a pharmacy.

Always Check RxSaver Before Filling a Prescription

Before filling a prescription for valacyclovir, or thousands of other medications, check RxSaver. RxSaver is a free prescription drug coupon platform that can be used without insurance, or in place of your insurance, if the coupon price beats your copay. RxSaver prescription drug coupons offer savings of up to 80%.

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/21/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.