Herpes medication price: what to expect and how to save

Herpes treatment costs vary a lot. A single tablet can be a few cents for cheap generics or several dollars for brand-name drugs. Knowing typical prices and smart ways to cut costs helps you avoid surprise bills and still get the medicine you need.

Common herpes meds and typical prices

Here are the drugs doctors usually prescribe and rough price ranges. Prices change by pharmacy, location, insurance, and dose, but these examples help you plan.

• Acyclovir (generic Zovirax) — Often the cheapest option. Typical generic tablet prices can range from about $0.20 to $1 per pill. Short outbreak courses might cost $5–$30; longer suppression plans cost more but still stay fairly low with generics.
• Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) — A common choice for outbreaks and suppression. Generic 500 mg or 1 g tablets commonly run around $0.75 to $3 per tablet at retail; brand-name Valtrex is usually several times higher. A standard 7-day outbreak regimen (1 g twice daily) uses 14 tablets — that can mean roughly $10–$40 for generics, more for brand name.
• Famciclovir (generic Famvir) — Less common but useful for some people. Per-tablet cash prices often fall in the $1.50 to $6 range. A typical 500 mg outbreak course can cost $20–$100 depending on brand vs generic and pharmacy.

These are ballpark numbers to help compare options. Your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on coupons, insurance copays, and pharmacy markups.

Simple ways to lower what you pay

Want to pay less? Try these practical steps:

• Ask for the generic. Generics are the same active drug and usually much cheaper.
• Compare pharmacies. Prices differ widely between chains, local stores, and big-box pharmacies.
• Use discount cards or apps. GoodRx, singlecare, and similar coupon tools often cut cash prices dramatically.
• Check 90-day or mail-order options. If you’re on daily suppression, a 90-day supply from a mail-order plan can lower per-pill cost.
• Talk to your prescriber. They can prescribe the most cost-effective dose or a different drug that works for you.
• Avoid risky overseas sellers. Cheap no-prescription sites may deliver counterfeit meds. Stick to licensed pharmacies.

If you have insurance, check your formulary and ask your pharmacist about copay assistance or manufacturer savings for brand drugs. If cost still blocks treatment, many clinics and patient assistance programs can help.

Want a quick next step? Look up prices for acyclovir and valacyclovir at two local pharmacies and run a coupon lookup. You’ll often find a cheaper, safe option within minutes.