| Pharmacy | Valtrex 500mg | Valacyclovir 500mg |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon |
$411.36 $13.71/day
|
$18.20 $0.61/day
|
| CVS / Target |
$440.44 $14.68/day
|
$30.33 $1.01/day
|
| Walgreens |
$437.19 $14.57/day
|
$24.96 $0.83/day
|
| Walmart |
$423.82 $14.13/day
|
$33.05 $1.10/day
|
| Costco |
$409.25 $13.64/day
|
$18.98 $0.63/day
|
| Average Price |
$424.41 $42.44/day
|
$25.10 $2.51/day
|
†Quantity and pack size vary by retailer. Per-day price = price ÷ days' supply.
This month, Amazon charges $13.71 per dose for brand-name Valtrex 500 milligrams.
If you prefer the generic valacyclovir, you’ll typically pay less. Amazon’s price this month is $0.61 per dose for the 500 milligram tablet.
Keep in mind that the dose and schedule your provider prescribes depends heavily on what you’re treating. A first genital herpes outbreak, ongoing suppressive therapy, cold sores, and shingles are each dosed differently, so the per-day cost can vary even at the same price per pill.
Prices like these shift from month to month based on manufacturer contracts, insurance negotiations, and how many generic competitors are actively selling in the market.
We carry the more affordable generic valacyclovir. Get started today to safeguard your sexual health.
Valtrex and valacyclovir contain the same active ingredient and work identically in the body. The price gap comes down to patent protection and manufacturing competition, not effectiveness.
Some people notice a difference between formulations because of the inactive filler ingredients rather than the medication itself. Talk to your doctor if you experience new or unusual symptoms after switching between Valtrex and valacyclovir.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug, meaning your body converts it into acyclovir after you take it. This conversion gives it better absorption than acyclovir itself, which is why it can be taken less often. Valtrex has been available since the mid-1990s and is approved to treat cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles.
Valacyclovir doesn’t cure the herpes virus. It reduces how severe an outbreak is, shortens how long it lasts, and, when taken daily as suppressive therapy, lowers the chance of spreading the virus to a partner. Your provider will determine the right dose and length of treatment based on what you’re being treated for.
If you have reduced kidney function, tell your provider before starting valacyclovir. Your dose may need to be adjusted, and staying well hydrated while taking it can help reduce the risk of kidney-related side effects.
For more information about dosing, timing, and what to expect, read our Valtrex FAQs.
Every pharmacy on this list requires a valid prescription before dispensing Valtrex or valacyclovir. We simplify the prescription process by offering an online consultation with a U.S.-licensed physician, who can issue a prescription when appropriate. eDrugstore then discretely ships your order at no additional charge.