Acyclovir Prices at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart

Prices of acyclovir remain at 82 cents this month. However, prices at eDrugstore.com are competitive and include added services such as free telehealth consultations and free shipping.

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Whether you’re managing cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes, understanding the cost of acyclovir at major pharmacies can help you plan and save. Access to affordable treatment is essential, whether you’re filling a prescription for the first time or managing ongoing outbreaks. Here’s a snapshot of typical prices at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, along with tips on how to get the best deal. 

The price of acyclovir can vary between pharmacies, with CVS generally priced around $1.20 per pill, Walgreens at approximately 70 cents, and Walmart offering the most affordable option at 45 cents per pill. 

Acyclovir, sold under the brand names Sitavig and Zovirax, is prescribed to treat outbreaks of cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles that are caused by members of the herpes family of viruses. Cold sores are most often attributed to herpes simplex 1, while genital herpes is associated with the herpes simplex virus 2.

Herpes Zoster Causes Shingles

Shingles, which occurs most often in adults who are 50 or over, is caused by herpes zoster, which is the name attached to an adult-onset reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox in childhood.

No virus in the herpes family has a cure, which means that once you contract one of these viruses, it will remain in your body for life. The viruses alternate between active and dormant phases. During an active phase, they take up residence in nerve cells.

What Is Acyclovir?

Also called aciclovir, acyclovir was hailed as a major step forward for antivirals when it was discovered in the 1970s within the cells of a sea sponge in the Caribbean. Before acyclovir, anti-viral treatments were extremely dangerous; they destroyed cells indiscriminately and killed any microorganism they found, hostile or benign.

Acyclovir was first made available in 1981. Since then, it has become one of the world’s essential medicines, with over 3 million prescriptions in the U.S. alone. In addition to shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes, acyclovir is used to treat herpes simplex encephalitis and herpes or shingles in the eyes. Today, patients can find it widely available at major pharmacies, with acyclovir at CVS often noted for its accessibility as well as its frequent use in outbreak treatment plans. 

Acyclovir can also be used to treat or prevent herpes transmission between mother and newborn as well as other viral infections during pregnancy that might threaten both mother and child.

Acyclovir is usually taken as a pill, although it’s also available in intravenous form. Cream preparations are also available, for outbreaks on the skin. 

Acyclovir works by helping stop viral cells from multiplying, typically happens during an active phase of the virus. Limiting this replication reduces the severity of outbreaks as well as how many you’ll experience. 

Another common medication, valacyclovir, is a prodrug that turns into acyclovir as the body breaks down the drug. 

Acyclovir Side Effects

In most cases, the most common side effects of acyclovir, affecting 1% to 10% of people who take it, include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Diarrhea

If you need to take intravenous acyclovir, go over your medical history closely and discuss the possibility of extremely rare side effects with your doctor. 

Acyclovir and Pregnancy

Acyclovir is classified as a Class B drug for pregnancy, which means animal studies have shown no signs of birth defects but that there have been no studies in humans. Therefore pregnant people, or people who might become pregnant, can take acyclovir, and it’s recommended by the CDC to treat varicella in people who are pregnant. 

If you’re breast-feeding, you may need to discontinue as acyclovir is expressed in breast milk. 

Acyclovir Contraindications (Who Should Not Take Acyclovir)

Some people are resistant to acyclovir. If you’re taking immunosuppressants as part of an organ transplant procedure or if you have HIV or AIDS, speak with your doctor before you take acyclovir or related medications. Acyclovir is often included to prevent opportunistic outbreaks by herpes viruses for immunocompromised people, but it may interact with HIV/AIDS treatments, such as interferon, and antiretrovirals, such as zidovudine. 

If you have liver or kidney concerns, be careful when taking acyclovir. With the liver, there’s concern that the liver may not fully break it down, while in the kidneys, especially in high concentrations, acyclovir can precipitate into crystals that then need to pass from the body. If you’re experiencing discomfort while urinating or other signs of kidney problems, see a doctor immediately.

If you’re taking probenecid to treat gout or hyperuricemia (elevated levels of uric acid in the blood), don’t take acyclovir unless your doctor clears it. Probenecid can increase how long acyclovir lingers in the body and in turn, it limits how effective probenecid is at clearing uric acid from the body. This effect is most pronounced if they’re taken together, so if you need to take both, stagger the times according to medical advice.

While allergic reactions to acyclovir are rare, they are possible. If you’ve had allergic reactions to antivirals in the past, request an allergy screen before taking acyclovir. 

Are There Generic Versions of Acyclovir Available, and How Do They Compare in Price? 

Yes, acyclovir is widely available in generic form, and that’s one of the main reasons it remains an affordable treatment option for herpes-related conditions. The generic version contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name drugs Zovirax or Sitavig, meaning it works just as effectively but usually costs less. 

Generic acyclovir can be purchased at most major pharmacies in pill, cream, or ointment form. At some locations, including CVS, the generic is often priced lower than the brand-name alternatives. For patients tracking acyclovir CVS availability, generic options tend to provide the best value without compromising safety or effectiveness. 

Acyclovir Pricing at Major Pharmacies 

The cost of acyclovir can vary depending on the pharmacy, dosage, and whether you choose a brand-name or generic version. Here’s a general overview to help you plan: 

• Acyclovir CVS – CVS often offers competitive pricing for both generic and brand-name acyclovir. Prices can also be reduced if you use their prescription discount programs or CVS CarePass benefits. 

• Walgreens – Walgreens provides a variety of acyclovir options, including generics. Checking their weekly discounts or joining the Walgreens Rewards program can sometimes lower the cost further. 

• Walmart – Walmart is known for affordable generic medications. Many people find that generic acyclovir at Walmart is among the lowest-priced options in-store or online. 

When comparing prices, it’s helpful to look at the quantity per prescription, tablet strength, and any available coupons or discount programs. Also, if you have insurance, checking coverage can make a significant difference in out-of-pocket costs. 

Competitive Online Price for Acyclovir

eDrugstore.com, a longtime online prescription drug service, carries acyclovir at competitive prices.

We add a host of value-added services into our prices, making eDrugstore an even more attractive source for antiviral medication. By ordering your acyclovir from eDrugstore, you’ll avoid the bothersome travel to and from the local drugstore and will also save any time that you might have to spend waiting for the prescription to be filled.

Complimentary Online Consultations

If you don’t yet have a doctor’s prescription for acyclovir and are finding it difficult to fit a provider appointment into your busy schedule, we have a handy solution for you. We offer complimentary online consultations with licensed U.S. physicians who can authorize a prescription if appropriate.

If you do decide to place an order, we will fill it promptly, package it discreetly, and ship it free of charge to the destination of your choice. If this is your initial order, a complimentary pill-splitter will be enclosed.

If the convenience and services offered by eDrugstore sound appealing to you, pay a visit to our sexual health page to learn more.

FAQs 

What factors influence the cost of acyclovir at different pharmacies? 

The price of acyclovir can vary based on several factors: the form of the medication (pill, cream, or intravenous), whether you’re buying the generic or brand-name version, and the pharmacy’s own pricing policies. Location also matters, as some regions may have slightly higher or lower average costs. 

Are there any discounts or coupons available for acyclovir at these pharmacies? 

Yes, many pharmacies offer savings programs, manufacturer coupons, or third-party discount cards that can lower the out-of-pocket price for acyclovir. At CVS, for example, patients can often find store savings programs, and simple online searches for prescription coupons can also bring down the cost of refills. Many people compare deals by checking acyclovir CVS prices alongside those at other major chains.  

What are the potential side effects of taking acyclovir? 

Like most medications, acyclovir can cause side effects. The most common include nausea, diarrhea, headache, or fatigue. Less common but more serious reactions can involve kidney issues or neurological symptoms, especially at higher doses. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely and report any unusual or severe symptoms right away. 

What is acyclovir used for? 

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication commonly prescribed to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. It works by slowing the growth and spread of the virus, helping reduce the severity and length of outbreaks. While it does not cure herpes, it can make symptoms more manageable and lower the risk of transmission when taken as directed. 

How can I find the best price for acyclovir? 

The price of acyclovir can vary between pharmacies, including major chains like acyclovir CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. To find the best deal, compare pharmacy discount programs, look into generic options, and check if your insurance covers part of the cost. You can also explore online pharmacies that sometimes offer competitive pricing and discreet delivery. 

How long does it take for acyclovir to start working? 

Most people begin to notice relief within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment. The key is to take it exactly as prescribed, since consistency helps shorten the outbreak and reduce discomfort. 

Can acyclovir prevent future herpes outbreaks? 

Yes, when taken daily as a suppressive therapy, acyclovir can lower the frequency of outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission to partners. However, it doesn’t completely eliminate the chance of future episodes. 

What are common side effects of acyclovir? 

The most common side effects include nausea, headache, diarrhea, and sometimes dizziness. These are usually mild. Rare but serious side effects may involve kidney problems, so staying hydrated is important. 

Can I take acyclovir if I am on other medications? 

Acyclovir CVS can interact with certain medications, including some immunosuppressants, probenecid, and kidney-affecting drugs. It’s important to tell your doctor about all prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter medications you take. Your doctor can adjust dosages or suggest timing strategies to avoid interactions and ensure the medicine works safely and effectively. 

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At eDrugstore, we hold our health content to the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. This article was created and reviewed with information from trusted medical sources, including peer-reviewed journals, reputable research institutions, and established health organizations.