{"id":636850,"date":"2026-07-07T17:19:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T21:19:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=636850"},"modified":"2026-07-07T17:19:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T21:19:31","slug":"valtrex-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/valtrex-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Valtrex generic (Valacyclovir): What it is, how much it costs, and how it compares"},"content":{"rendered":"

Valtrex<\/span><\/a> is a brand-name antiviral used to treat several herpes virus infections, including cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. But if your provider prescribed Valtrex, you may not need the brand-name version. The generic version, valacyclovir, has the same active ingredient and is considered therapeutically equivalent by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It may also cost less. Here\u2019s how Valtrex and valacyclovir compare, including effectiveness, safety, and ways to save on your prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the generic name for Valtrex?<\/h2>\n

The generic name for Valtrex is valacyclovir (also called valacyclovir hydrochloride). While the<\/span> FDA-approved brand-name Valtrex<\/span><\/a> received initial U.S. approval in 1995, the drug was under patent protection until 2009. After the main patent expired, pharmaceutical companies received approval to create and sell generic versions in 2010.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These generics contain the same active ingredient, and \u201cin general clinical practice, generic valacyclovir is deemed therapeutically equivalent to Valtrex for treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and shingles and for suppressive therapy,\u201d says<\/span> Dr. Shernell Surratt-Gary, DO<\/span><\/a>, clinical advisor of<\/span> Aura Wellness<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because any company can produce a generic as long as the FDA approves it, multiple pharmaceutical companies manufacture valacyclovir, while Valtrex is produced solely by GlaxoSmithKline. Both Valtrex and its generic alternatives are prescription-only medications, with no over-the-counter options available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Valacyclovir with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tValacyclovir 500 mg (30 Tablet)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$11.14\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$11.14\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Valacyclovir prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Is generic Valtrex the same as brand-name Valtrex?<\/h2>\n

The FDA has officially approved generic valacyclovir as<\/span> therapeutically equivalent<\/span><\/a> to brand-name Valtrex. The approval means that the generic drug has the same active ingredient, dosages, and routes of administration, as well as the same safety profile and clinical effect in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is<\/span> a rigorous process<\/span><\/a> to ensure this equivalence, requiring the manufacturer to demonstrate that their product performs the same as its reference drug. Even though these generics have the same active ingredients and clinical outcomes, they often contain different inactive ingredients, such as dyes, fillers, and preservatives, so generic valacyclovir may look different from Valtrex. The two medications should be interchangeable for most people, but it’s still important to consult a healthcare provider, since some people may have allergic reactions to certain inactive ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I generally recommend the generic, since it’s typically more cost-effective,” says<\/span> Dr. Maliyhah Al-Bayan, MD<\/span><\/a>, an OB-GYN with<\/span> Hoffman and Associates OB-GYN<\/span><\/a>. “I would only consider recommending the brand name over the generic if the patient did not tolerate the generic formulation in the past or if they specifically expressed a preference for the brand name.”<\/span><\/p>\n

What is valacyclovir used for?<\/h2>\n

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that’s FDA-approved to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, including genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. “When prescribing valacyclovir to a patient, the patient’s disease process, frequency of outbreaks, renal function, immune system competency, if the individual is pregnant, and what their objectives are for therapy all must be considered,” Dr. Surratt-Gary says. Here’s how it treats each condition:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n