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Is acyclovir covered by insurance? | How much does acyclovir cost without insurance? | How to get acyclovir without insurance
Acyclovir is a generic prescription drug used to control herpes infections caused by herpes simplex virus infections (such as cold sores and genital herpes) and herpes zoster (such as chickenpox, and shingles). However, some types of herpes infections, such as mononucleosis, are treated with different antiviral drugs. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, acyclovir can be taken orally as a tablet, capsule, or oral suspension, applied to infected areas of the skin, mouth, or genitals as a cream or ointment, applied to the surface of the eye as an ointment, or given as an intravenous infusion. Most forms of acyclovir are only sold as generics, but a healthcare provider may prescribe brand-name Zovirax cream for cold sores. As a tablet or capsule, acyclovir is a moderately-priced prescription drug. Topical ointments and creams, however, are more expensive.
RELATED: Acyclovir side effects
Is acyclovir covered by insurance?
Oral, topical, and injected acyclovir are typically covered by commercial health insurance and Medicare. Coverage, however, will depend on the insurance plan and sometimes the drug format. For people on Medicare, acyclovir injections may be covered by either Medicare Part B or Part D.
How much does acyclovir cost without insurance?
Pharmacy prices will vary, but the average cost of generic acyclovir tablets is $70 for 60, 400 mg tablets, enough for a 20-day supply at a typical dosage of three tablets per day. Of course, the dosage and treatment duration will vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Some infections require only two days of treatment. For other infections, acyclovir treatment may last for weeks or months.
For lip infections, a single 5-gram tube of Zovirax (5% acyclovir cream) will typically cost $874 without insurance. Acyclovir injections are typically billed by the healthcare provider, but the average price of a 20 mL vial (1000 mg) of generic Zovirax is $24. Again, the dose and duration of treatment will vary, so several vials may ultimately be used during treatment. Health insurance plans can help pay for acyclovir treatment, but the final out-of-pocket cost will depend on the type of acyclovir prescribed and the plan’s copay cost and deductible.
Compare acyclovir prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Zovirax (acyclovir) | $70 per 60, 400 mg tablets of generic acyclovir | $8 per 60, 400 mg tablets of generic acyclovir, $15 per 30, 200 mg of generic capsules | See updated prices |
| Zovirax injection (acyclovir sodium injection) | $24 per 20, 20 mL of 50 mg/mL solution for intravenous injection | $0.13 per 20, 20 mL of 50 mg/mL solution for intravenous injection of generic acyclovir sodium | See updated prices |
| Zovirax | $874 per 1 tube of 5 gm Zovirax cream at a concentration of 5% acyclovir | $16 per 1 tube of 5 gm of generic acyclovir cream at a concentration of 5% acyclovir for generic Zovirax | See updated prices |
| Sitavig
(acyclovir buccal tablets) |
$1,167 per 2, 50 mg tablets | $900 per 2, 50 mg tablets for generic Sitavig | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get acyclovir without insurance
At a retail price of around $1 per pill, generic acyclovir tablets are affordable if only a few days of treatment are required. Longer treatment or topical acyclovir may be hard to afford without insurance coverage. Sometimes patient assistance programs or manufacturer coupons can help, but these offers are uncertain and not everyone is eligible. There are other ways to save money on acyclovir, starting with a SingleCare savings card.
1. Use a free discount coupon from SingleCard
A free coupon from SingleCare can drop the cash price of generic acyclovir by almost 90%—$8 with a SingleCare discount versus $70 at the full retail price. The savings can be even greater for higher-priced acyclovir cream or ointment. If there are any questions, visit SingleCare’s How It Works page to find the most common frequently asked questions.
2. Find local 340B providers or community clinics
340B providers and public health clinics often provide low-priced generic medicines like acyclovir at reduced prices or for free. Genital herpes is considered an STD, so reproductive health clinics may be able to supply low-priced antiviral creams or ointments.
3. Shop around for the lowest price
The price of 60 acyclovir tablets can vary by as much as $50 depending on the pharmacy. Compare prices with a SingleCare savings coupon and the discount can be as much as $60 off the average retail price. SingleCare’s pharmacy finder can help you locate local pharmacies that give SingleCare discounts.
4. Enroll in Medicaid
If medicines like acyclovir are too hard to pay for, consider enrolling in Medicaid. Each state has a Medicaid website that outlines income eligibility requirements, enrollment instructions, and additional information. Premiums are low or free, and generic drugs like acyclovir typically cost nothing or only a few dollars depending on the plan.
5. Ask the prescribing healthcare provider about symptomatic treatment
There are no over-the-counter drugs that fight off the herpes virus in the same way as prescription antivirals. Still, herpes flare-ups in healthy people typically go away on their own. Antivirals don’t cure herpes. At best, they help clear the flare-up a couple of days earlier. If acyclovir is too expensive, ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice about symptomatic treatment in place of antiviral treatment. In some cases, antivirals may be necessary. In others, it may be possible to get symptomatic relief with inexpensive over-the-counter drugs while waiting out the herpes flare-up.
