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Why is acyclovir cream so expensive?

Author

David Ramirez

Updated on March 14, 2026

Why is acyclovir cream so expensive?

A rep for Valeant said the price tag for the Zovirax cream “takes into account many factors, the cost of the active and inactive ingredients, the manufacturing process, the packaging and its related process, as well as the distribution and a myriad of other expenses.”

In this regard, how much does acyclovir cream cost?

The cost for acyclovir topical topical cream 5% is around $648 for a supply of 5 grams, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

Likewise, is there a generic acyclovir cream? The FDA approved a generic version of acyclovir cream, 5% (Zovirax, GlaxoSmithKline) for herpes infections.

Moreover, is acyclovir expensive?

The average cost for 60 Tablet(s), 400mg each of the generic (acyclovir) is $42.99. You can buy acyclovir at the discounted price of $25.51 by using the WebMDRx coupon, a savings of 41%. Even if this drug is covered by Medicare or your insurance, we recommend you compare prices.

What is acyclovir ointment for?

Acyclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat skin symptoms caused by the herpes virus. Acyclovir topical cream is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face. Acyclovir topical ointment is used to treat genital herpes lesions.

Can I buy acyclovir ointment over the counter?

Acyclovir is a prescription medication and, as a result, acyclovir OTC is not available in the US. As a result, one cannot simply buy acyclovir online. Instead, one needs a prescription from a medical provider first.

Can I get acyclovir cream over the counter?

In the United States, penciclovir (Denavir, Novartis) is the only FDA-approved topical treatment option. Topical acyclovir is also used, but is not FDA approved. Abreva (docosanol 10% cream, GlaxoSmithKline) is an over-the-counter (OTC) alternative to these agents.

How quickly does acyclovir work?

May take up to two hours to reach peak plasma concentrations after oral acyclovir administration. May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Is Acyclovir Zovirax over the counter?

Brand names for acyclovir include Zovirax and Sitavig. Abreva is available over-the-counter (OTC).

What tier drug is acyclovir?

What drug tier is acyclovir typically on? Medicare plans typically list acyclovir in Tier 1 of their formulary. Tier 1 drugs are usually inexpensive generics. You'll pay a low co-pay.

Does acyclovir come in a cream?

Topical acyclovir comes as a cream and an ointment to apply to the skin. Acyclovir cream is usually applied five times a day for 4 days.

Why is cold sore cream so expensive?

Laurie Little, a Valeant spokeswoman, said the cost of the cream “takes into account many factors, the cost of the active and inactive ingredients, the manufacturing process, the packaging and its related process, as well as the distribution and a myriad of other expenses.”

Do I need a prescription for Zovirax cream?

Patients should be informed that ZOVIRAX Cream is a prescription topical cream for the treatment of cold sores (recurrent herpes labialis) that occur on the face and lips.

What's better aciclovir or valaciclovir?

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that valaciclovir 500 mg twice daily is equivalent in efficacy to aciclovir 200 mg five times daily as episodic treatment of recurrent genital HSV infection.

Which is better Valtrex or acyclovir?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) are antiviral drugs that work by interfering with viral DNA replication. Both drugs target the same viruses but valacyclovir provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day - this is the only real advantage.

Is it safe to take acyclovir long term?

Nevertheless, we conclude that the use of oral acyclovir for more than 12 months provides substantial additional prevention against recurrence of ocular HSV. Our data suggest that long-term oral acyclovir use remains effective in decreasing the number of recurrences beyond 12 months.

Is Acyclovir the same as aciclovir?

Aciclovir (ACV), also known as acyclovir, is an antiviral medication. It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles.

How much acyclovir should I take for a cold sore?

If started at the onset of symptoms (during the prodrome stage), acyclovir (400 mg 5 times daily for 5 days) decreases pain and healing time to loss of crust and valacyclovir (2 g twice daily for 1 day) reduces the lesion duration and time to healing and may prevent lesion development (SOR: A, based on RCTs).

How much is acyclovir out of pocket?

Generic acyclovir is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of acyclovir is around $3.30, 86% off the average retail price of $24.78.

How do I get acyclovir?

You can get acyclovir online with a prescription from a PlushCare doctor. If you are suffering from shingles, chickenpox, or you want to prevent future outbreaks of herpes, acyclovir may bring relief for your symptoms.

Do you need a prescription for aciclovir?

Aciclovir is available on prescription. It comes as tablets, a liquid that you drink and a cream. It's sometimes given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital. You can buy aciclovir cold sore cream at most pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription.

Does acyclovir speed up healing?

It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). Acyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. This medication does not cure herpes, and it does not prevent passing the infection to someone else.

What does a Herpe sore look like?

Genital sores vary in size and number, but as with oral herpes, they look like pimples or blisters filled with fluid. They will burst and develop a yellowy crust as they heal. Females are more likely to have trouble urinating during a genital herpes outbreak than men.

Is acyclovir cream a steroid?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Hydrocortisone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

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Why is acyclovir cream so expensive?