How Much Does Herpes Medicine Cost

How Is Genital Herpes Treated

Genital herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus . The virus causes an outbreak of blisters which are common herpes symptoms. Treatment is with antiviral medication to help prevent and control outbreaks.

If youre unsure if you have herpes, you can take a genital herpes test at home.

There are 3 main types of treatment for genital herpes:

• Famciclovir tablets

Aciclovir tablets are used for outbreaks of genital herpes or cold sores to treat the symptoms. They can also be used to prevent outbreaks from happening if you get them often. How much you take and how long you take them for can vary depending on what youre using it for whether youre using it to treat an outbreak or to prevent future outbreaks.

Valaciclovir tablets are known as a pro-drug, which means your body converts it into aciclovir after you take them. Like aciclovir tablets, they can be used to treat symptoms or to prevent outbreaks.

A doctor may prescribe famciclovir tablets if you find that aciclovir or valaciclovir havent worked for you.

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How Much Does Treatment Cost Without Insurance

You will be unable to get ahold of HSV 2 medication without a test showing that you have the disease. These tests can be purchased online for $70-100.

After you have a positive test result to show to a doctor, the medications they can prescribe to you vary in price. For example, a tube of Zovirax cream is around $800. fValtrex usually costs between $200 and $500 for 30 pills, depending on the dosage. Famvir costs around $35 for a supply of 30 125mg pills.

Valacyclovir Tablets Are Used In Adults:

• to treat cold sores
• to treat shingles
• to treat or control genital herpes outbreaks in adults with normal immune systems
• to control genital herpes outbreaks in adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus with CD4 + cell count greater than 100 cells/mm3
• with safer sex practices to lower the chances of spreading genital herpes to uninfected partners. Even with safer sex practices, it is still possible to spread genital herpes. Valacyclovir tablets used daily with the following safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.
• Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes.
• Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.

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Cost Of Herpes Treatment

Herpes are painful sores that usually appear around the mouth and lip area or around the genitals. The herpes simplex 1 virus usually causes cold sores around the mouth, while the herpes simplex 2 virus usually causes genital herpes, although both viruses may cause the herpes infection in both areas.

Valacyclovir For Genital Herpes

The antiviral medication valacyclovir is a pill that lessens the frequency and symptoms of genital herpes, and reduces the chance that youll pass the virus to a partner. You can take valacyclovir when you feel an outbreak coming on to lessen symptoms, or take a dose every day for prevention. Taking this medication every day reduces the likelihood of transmitting genital herpes to a partner by 50%. Valacyclovir is safe and effective, side effects are rare.Note: We only prescribe medication if youve previously had a genital herpes diagnosis. If you havent been diagnosed with herpes we suggest you see your local provider for diagnosis during your next outbreak.

Answer a few health questions to get started and pay $15 for your medical consultation. This price includes unlimited messaging with our medical team for a year.

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Why Is The Shingles Vaccine Recommended

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix two to six months apart to prevent shingles and complications from the disease. The vaccine is typically administered to adults who are 50 years and older. There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix.

It is also given to those who have received a live zoster vaccine in the past.

The studies report that two doses of Shingrix will be more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and its complication called postherpetic neuralgia.

The vaccine protects you at least 85 percent of the time for the first four years after vaccination.

You should get Shingrix even if you have a history as follows:

• Already had shingles

Are There Any Side Effects

Herpes medications do have side effects, although, in general, most patients are willing to put up with these side effects to end their genital herpes outbreaks as quickly as they can. These side effects include: headaches, gas, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, rashes and tingly sensations of the skin. These side effects are fairly consistent for all of the available herpes medications.

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How Much Does A Herpes Test Cost At A Clinic

Well, that depends on the testing method. Pricing can also vary by location and income.

Testing for herpes at a clinic or doctors office also may require a blood test sometimes, a blood test is ordered to test for a variety of STDs at the same time. What is the cost of a herpes blood test or a comprehensive blood test? Costs may depend on the provider and insurance benefits , but, again, using insurance may not be the best option for everyone. If you pay out-of-pocket for blood tests, the herpes test cost may soar into the hundreds .

How Can I Figure Out The Prices For 500

To figure out the price youll pay for valacyclovir oral tablets, talk with your pharmacist.

Valacyclovir tablets come in two strengths: 500 milligrams and 1 gram . The 1-g strength is equal to 1,000 mg. The price you pay depends on several factors, including your treatment plan, your specific insurance coverage, and which pharmacy you choose.

Your pharmacist can use your treatment plan and insurance coverage to figure out the price youll pay for valacyclovir oral tablets. Your insurance provider may also be able to provide this information.

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The Virus And Pathogenesis

HSV is a double-stranded DNA virus that may enter the host through abraded skin or intact mucous membranes.1 Epithelial cells are the initial targets. Once infected, these cells die, releasing clear fluid intradermally to form vesicles and merging with other cells to create multinucleated giant cells.

Retrograde transport through adjacent neural tissue to sensory ganglia leads to lifelong latent infection.1 Reactivation of the virus is triggered by local or systemic stimuli such as immunodeficiency, trauma, fever, menstruation, ultraviolet light and sexual intercourse.13 Although emotional stress is assumed to trigger HSV recurrence, recent research fails to show a definite causative role.4 Once reactivated, the virus is transported by the neuron back to the epithelium, where more replication occurs, and another outbreak ensues.

HSV exists as two separate types, labeled 1 and 2, which have affinities for different body sites.2 Ninety percent of infections caused by HSV-2 are genital, and 90 percent of those caused by HSV-1 are oral the reason for this division is unknown.5 In addition, oral HSV-1 infection recurs more frequently than oral HSV-2, and genital HSV-2 recurs more often than genital HSV-1.

How Can I Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

If you have lots of herpes outbreaks, your doctor may tell you to take medicine every day this is called suppressive therapy. It can help prevent future herpes outbreaks, and lower your chances of giving herpes to your partners.

Whether or not you take medicine to treat herpes, taking care of yourself by eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress might help keep future outbreaks from popping up.

No one knows for sure what triggers genital herpes outbreaks. Other infections, surgery, sex, your period, skin irritations, and stress may cause outbreaks. Sunburns, injuries to your lips, or other infections can cause oral herpes flare-ups. Try to avoid getting sunburned if you have oral herpes.

Genital herpes outbreaks usually happen less often and become shorter and weaker after a few years whether or not you get treated.

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Symptoms Of Genital Herpes

The symptoms of genital herpes may take a few days to appear after you are exposed to the virus. Some of the common symptoms of genital herpes are:

• Itching or pain

• People also get small white blisters or red bumps after they have been infected.
• If your blisters or bumps have ruptured, they might ooze, bleed or might turn into ulcers. Ulcers often cause a lot of pain and discomfort and make it difficult for a person to urinate.
• In many cases, when your ulcers are healing, the skin might crust over and cause scabs.
• A few other symptoms that may appear during primary infection are headache, fever, and malaise. They occur in 39 percent of men and 68 percent of females.

Some studies have shown that from one-half to two-thirds of people infected with the virus will have no symptoms. But, if they appear, local symptoms may be seen two to twelve days after exposure.

How Should I Take Valacyclovir Tablets

• Take valacyclovir tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your dose of valacyclovir tablets and length of treatment will depend on the type of herpes infection that you have and any other medical problems that you have.
• Do not stop valacyclovir tablets or change your treatment without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Valacyclovir tablets can be taken with or without food.If you are taking valacyclovir tablets to treat cold sores, chickenpox, shingles or genital herpes, you should start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. Valacyclovir tablets may not help you if you start treatment too late.
• If you miss a dose of valacyclovir tablets, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose at its regular time. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not take more than the prescribed number of valacyclovir tablets each day. Call your healthcare provider right away if you take too much valacyclovir tablets.

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The Cost Of Treatment

The cost of antiviral medication to treat genital herpes varies based on the specific antiviral you are prescribed and choose to use. The average cost of brand-name antiviral for a 30-tablet supply is $545.45, compared to $116.72 for generic retail prices. Valacyclovir appears to be the most expensive of the three antivirals, whereas Acyclovir is the least costly.

Cost Comparison of Brand-Name Vs Generic Antivirals

Source: GoodRx

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 will typically cost $874 without insurance. Acyclovir injections are typically billed by the healthcare provider, but the average price of a 20 mL vial 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 plans copay cost and deductible.

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What Is The Fda

• Azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray is a prescription medicine used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in people age 5 and older and vasomotor rhinitis in people age 12 and older.
• Azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray may help to reduce your nasal symptoms including stuffy nose, runny nose, itching and sneezing.
• It is not known if azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray is safe and effective in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis under 5 years of age or in children with vasomotor rhinitis under 12 years of age.

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How Bad Is Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that occurs commonly and is usually asymptomatic. In case the symptoms appear, they start to show as blisters or sores, which may be painful or have a burning sensation. These cause discomfort or embarrassment to the affected person. The infection seeks consultation with a doctor as soon as the outbreaks occur.

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Patient Assistance & Copay Programs For Acyclovir

Patient assistance programs are usually sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and provide free ordiscounted medicines and copay programs to low income or uninsured and under-insured people who meet specific guidelines.Eligibility requirements vary for each program.

There are currently no Patient Assistance Programs that we know about for this drug.

Herpes Treatment For Cats

For most cats with herpes, time is usually all that is needed. Keeping your cats stress levels low will help her get rid of the symptoms associated with the virus. Allowing your cat to stick to her usual routine, allowing your kitty to hide somewhere secluded when guests come over, and offering quality cat foods to tempt her appetite will help.

The virus will typically subside in about 7 to 10 days, especially if the stressful event is over and your cat is at home resting comfortably. If your cat isnt eating as well or is much less active, though, a veterinary visit is required to make sure she is hydrated and getting enough calories each day.

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Drug Interactions Of Acyclovir Vs Valacyclovir

Acyclovir and valacyclovir are known to have negative effects on both the kidneys and the liver. For this reason, both drugs may be dangerous to take with drugs that are also nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic. In some cases, the risk is so severe that the concurrent use with these drugs is contraindicated. This is the case with cidofovir. Other drugs are strongly discouraged from being used concomitantly with acyclovir or valacyclovir for the same concerns. These include capreomycin, foscarnet, and mannitol.

Vaccinations against varicella and zoster have significantly decreased outbreaks of these viruses. However, the administration of live attenuated vaccines depend on the bodys immune system and natural response to the vaccine to produce antibodies in order to be effective. For that reason, acyclovir and valacyclovir should not be administered within a specific window before and after administering these vaccines. Your healthcare provider can provide more specific information prior to your vaccine.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all potential drug interactions. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information and be sure they know all prescription drugs and supplements you are taking prior to beginning antiviral therapy.

Can You Cure Herpes

Unfortunately, theres no cure for herpes. The virus stays inactive in your body and activates from time to time to cause outbreaks, months or even years after youre first infected. This is when you get symptoms. Antiviral medication for herpes can only help control the outbreaks or suppress the virus.

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What Is Genital Herpes

Herpes viruses spread from person to person, usually by unprotected sex, or sometimes by kissing or orogenital sex.

Not every sore in the genital area is caused by herpes. It is important to see a doctor or STI clinic to have a diagnosis and to be tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Do NOT self-treat with antiviral medication without getting a medical diagnosis first.

For further information see NHS – Genital herpes.

Below are photos of herpes blisters:

More from DermNet NZ.

How To Prevent Herpes Infection

There is no vaccine to prevent herpes infection. The following are some of the best ways to prevent infection.

• Protected or safe sex
• Limiting the number of sex partners
• Routine Herpes STD testing
• It is very important to inform your recent sex partners to get tested for herpes.

If you have herpes cold sores, follow the ways mentioned below to avoid the spread of the virus.

• Avoid direct physical contact with other persons.
• Dont share any of the personal things that can pass on the virus such as plates, towels, lip balm, and clothing.
• Avoid oral sex, kissing, or any type of sexual activity until the sores are healed.

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What Happens If I Overdose

Taking more than the recommended amount of Cialis® or generic Cialis® greatly increases your risk of side effects, including severe ones that can be dangerous, such as severe low blood pressure or an erection that wont go away even after 4 or more hours . Never take more than the amount prescribed to you by your doctor. If you have any severe side effects after taking more than the recommended amount, or even after taking the amount of medicine prescribed to you, seek out emergency medical attention immediately.

How Is Herpes Spread

This massive infection rate is largely due to the way that herpes is spread. Contrary to popular belief, you dont need to have sex in order to contract herpes. The virus is carried in fluids found in easily breakable herpes sores. Having direct contact with those fluids can cause you to contract the infection.

You can also get herpes from making contact with an infected persons mucous membranes, genital secretions, or oral secretions.

Although this sexually transmitted infection is often spread when theres an open sore, you can still get herpes from someone who isnt showing symptoms or sores through asymptomatic shedding of the virus.

You wont get herpes from toilet seats, swimming pools, bedding, or from touching objects around you such as silverware, soap, or towels. This is because the virus dies rather quickly once it is outside of the body, so it cannot survive on other surfaces. Bodily fluids must be involved with both parties.

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