cheap herpes antiviral medicine

February 14, 2011 2:30 PM

I live in NYC and do not have insurance. I am having an especially painful herpes outbreak. What is my best bet for getting affordable/generic Valtrex?

Do any public health clinics dispense it? I can get my doctor to give me a RX without a consultation, which he is doing now, but then I have to figure out the cheapest place to get it filled. Does anyone have any experience they can offer or anonymously e-mail me about? Throw away: [e-mail]

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

You might try contacting the HHC Options office at your nearest public hospital. I don't know how it would work if you just need to fill a prescription you already have.
posted by Mavri at 2:37 PM on February 14, 2011

I don't know about prescription treatments, but have you looked into taking lysine? It costs next to nothing, you get it OTC and it is really effective.
posted by pajamazon at 2:43 PM on February 14, 2011 [1 favorite]

Try calling a Planned Parenthood clinic to see if they can help.
posted by mareli at 2:43 PM on February 14, 2011

have you asked your doctor if he has any samples?
posted by nadawi at 2:56 PM on February 14, 2011

Unfortunately, even generic Valtrex is expensive. You could try the manufacturer's prescription assistance program.
posted by shiny blue object at 3:09 PM on February 14, 2011

Hi OP...memail me; I might have a solution for you.
posted by digitalprimate at 4:15 PM on February 14, 2011

(I'm a doctor.) Acyclovir is cheap and probably equally effective. There have been supply problems lately, though. It's main downside is you have to take it 5 times a day as opposed to once or twice daily for valacyclovir. For that convenience, you pay 4-5 times as much.
posted by neuron at 4:33 PM on February 14, 2011

Try the Callen Lorde Community Health Center in Chelsea.
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 5:58 PM on February 14, 2011