How Much Does It Cost to Treat Genital Herpes?
The average cost of genital herpes ranges between $23.77 and $818.06. Treatment of genital herpes refers to treating the symptoms and because there is no cure for genital herpes, treating symptoms is a continuous process. There are many additional costs to consider, including lab testing, antiviral medications, and preventative measures.
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
Antiviral | Brand Name Average Retail Price Based on First HSV-2 Episode Dosage CDC Recommendation Above | Generic Brand Average Retail Price Based on First HSV-2 Episode Dosage CDC Recommendation Above |
|---|---|---|
Acyclovir | $272.84 | $23.77 |
Famciclovir | N/A | $164.24 |
Valacyclovir | $818.06 | $162.15 |
Average Cost | $545.45 | $116.72 |
Source: GoodRx
What are the additional costs of treating Genital Herpes?
There are a few other costs to consider when estimating the cost of treating genital herpes. These include the initial STI testing and condoms as a barrier method to reduce the risk of STI transmission.
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Kendra Bean is from Maui, Hawaiʻi. She is currently enrolled at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, specializing in Epidemiology. She is passionate about improving health literacy and access to care, specifically in rural areas.