Cost of Valacyclovir 1 Gram, 14 Pills
Based on historical wholesale acquisition cost data from 2000-2002, valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily (equivalent to 1 gram total daily dose) cost approximately $1,435-$2,538 annually, which translates to roughly $5.50-$9.75 per day or approximately $77-$137 for a 14-day supply. 1
Historical Pricing Context
The available guideline evidence provides wholesale acquisition costs from the early 2000s for herpes simplex virus prophylaxis and treatment:
- Annual cost for valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily: $1,435 (year 2000 data) 1
- Annual cost for valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily: $2,538 (year 2002 data) 1
Extrapolating these annual costs to a 14-pill supply (7 days at 1 gram twice daily, or 14 days at 500 mg once daily):
- Using 2000 pricing: approximately $77 for 14 pills 1
- Using 2002 pricing: approximately $137 for 14 pills 1
Important Pricing Caveats
These figures represent wholesale acquisition costs to pharmacies, not patient out-of-pocket costs. 1 Patient costs vary significantly based on:
- Insurance coverage (medical vs. pharmacy benefit) 1
- Specific insurance plan formulary preferences 1
- Pharmacy selection (prices vary between pharmacies even with the same insurance) 1
- Whether generic valacyclovir is available (branded Valtrex vs. generic formulations) 1
Contemporary Cost Considerations
The pricing data from 2000-2002 is outdated, and current costs may differ substantially. 1 Since generic valacyclovir became available after patent expiration, costs have likely decreased significantly from these historical figures. However, no current pricing data is provided in the available evidence.
For accurate current pricing, patients should:
- Contact their specific insurance plan for formulary-specific costs 1
- Compare prices across multiple pharmacies 1
- Inquire about generic valacyclovir availability 1
- Ask about patient assistance programs if uninsured 1
Cost-Effectiveness Evidence
Research comparing valacyclovir to acyclovir demonstrates that despite higher drug acquisition costs, valacyclovir may reduce overall healthcare costs through:
- Reduced physician visits due to better disease control 2
- Decreased productivity losses from shorter symptom duration 2
- Lower hospitalization rates 2
- Reduced costs of treating long-term complications 2
In one cost-consequence model, valacyclovir reduced average direct medical costs by 17% ($60 per patient) and indirect costs by 25% ($46.54 per patient) compared to acyclovir for herpes zoster treatment. 2