valacyclovir
Used for Shingles
NowPatient helps you obtain your valacyclovir prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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valacyclovir key facts
What dosages is valacyclovir available in?
valacyclovir is available as 500 mg and 1000 mg oral tablet.
What is valacyclovir used for?
valacyclovir is an antiviral that is used to treat:
Chickenpox (varicella) in children ages 2 to 17 years old
Cold sores in people age 12 years and older
Genital herpes in adults
Shingles (herpes zoster) in adults
How does valacyclovir work?
valacyclovir is an antiviral medication. When valacyclovir gets absorbed into your body, it gets converted (changed) to acyclovir, another available antiviral medication.
valacyclovir works by preventing an important protein that’s used to make genetic material (DNA) from working in the herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus. By doing this, valacyclovir prevents the virus from making copies of itself and spreading.
How do I take valacyclovir?
valacyclovir is dosed as follows:
Cold sores
The typical dose is 2 grams by mouth twice daily (taken 12 hours apart) for 1 day.
Genital herpes
First outbreak: The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth twice daily for 10 days.
Repeated outbreaks: The typical dose is 500 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
Outbreak prevention: The typical dosing range is 500 mg to 1 gram by mouth once daily, depending on the number of outbreaks you’ve had. For people who also have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the typical dose is 500 mg twice daily.
Lower risk of transmission: The typical dose is 500 mg by mouth once daily.
Shingles
The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth 3 times daily for 7 days.
Chickenpox
Your child’s provider will determine their dose of valacyclovir based on your child’s body weight. The typical dose is 20 mg/kg by mouth 3 times daily for 5 days. The maximum recommended dose is 1 gram.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
Is it safe for me to take valacyclovir?
valacyclovir is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a hypersensitivity to valacyclovir (e.g., anaphylaxis), acyclovir, or any
component of the formulation.
valacyclovir Common Side Effects
valacyclovir Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with valacyclovir. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Blood clotting problems: headache, confusion, dizziness, fever, bleeding in your skin, bruising, tiredness, stomach pain, blood in urine, making less urine
Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on valacyclovir
Who makes valacyclovir?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is valacyclovir safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if valacyclovir will harm your
unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take valacyclovir while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my valacyclovir prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your valacyclovir prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient valacyclovir savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient valacyclovir savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for valacyclovir | Canadian Prescription Savings* for valacyclovir | valacyclovir Drug Coupon* | valacyclovir Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of valacyclovir?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for valacyclovir | Canadian Prescription Savings* for valacyclovir | valacyclovir Drug Coupon* | valacyclovir Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the valacyclovir savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the valacyclovir drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for valacyclovir, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the valacyclovir prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, valacyclovir is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed valacyclovir for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the valacyclovir prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the valacyclovir prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for valacyclovir
If you are having trouble paying for your valacyclovir medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for valacyclovir you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- valacyclovir is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers valacyclovir
- If valacyclovir is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for valacyclovir
If you are having trouble paying for your valacyclovir medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for valacyclovir you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers valacyclovir
- If valacyclovir is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for valacyclovir
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your valacyclovir treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for valacyclovir you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for valacyclovir
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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