Valcyte

Introduction

Written by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Purva Singla, PharmD
Updated on December 13, 2023

Valganciclovir (VAL gan SYE kloe vir) is a generic medication that’s prescribed for preventing and treating cytomegalovirus (CMV). The brand-name version of this drug is Valcyte. The cost of valganciclovir with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved valganciclovir for treating CMV in adults with AIDS and for preventing CMV in adults and some children who have had certain organ transplants.

Read on to learn about valganciclovir and cost. You’ll also find available coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. If you’d like more information about valganciclovir, including its uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Cost of valganciclovir

Like other medications, the cost of valganciclovir can vary. Certain factors may affect its price, such as:

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use

To find out how much valganciclovir costs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They may be able to suggest ways to save money on your prescription, including those described in this article. To find out what you’d pay using savings coupons, read the “Coupons for valganciclovir” section.

Coupons for valganciclovir

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of valganciclovir. The Optum Perks coupons above can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Available app for coupons

To make finding and using these coupons easier, you can download the Optum Perks app. To learn more about this prescription discount app, see this article.

Insurance and other considerations for valganciclovir

Here’s a list of things to consider about the cost of prescription drugs:

• Prior authorization. If you have prescription drug insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers the cost of valganciclovir. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for valganciclovir. The insurance company will decide whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization and you begin taking it without this, you may have to pay the full price of the drug.
• A 3-month supply. If you’re taking valganciclovir long term, your doctor may suggest a 90-day supply of the medication. This will have to be approved by your insurance company. Getting a 90-day supply could help lower the drug’s cost. It could also save you time having to make trips to your pharmacy.

If you have questions about any of these considerations, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact your insurance company and talk with a representative.

If you don’t have a health insurance plan, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They may suggest online pharmacy options you could use. You can also ask them about ways to obtain health insurance coverage.

Generics vs. brand-names

Valganciclovir is a generic medication. The brand-name version of this drug is Valcyte.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name version.

If your doctor has prescribed valganciclovir but you’re interested in taking Valycte, let them know. They may prefer one medication over the other. Also, check whether your insurance plan covers only one version of the drug.

To learn how the cost of valganciclovir compares with its brand-name version, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company. 

Common questions about valganciclovir and cost

Here are some common questions about valganciclovir and their answers.  

Does valganciclovir oral tablet cost less than the oral solution form of the drug?

Possibly. The cost you will pay for valganciclovir oral tablet or oral solution will depend on several factors. These factors can include your insurance coverage (if you have it), the pharmacy you use, and if you qualify for any coupons.

If you have questions about how much valganciclovir oral tablet or oral solution will cost, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Why are costs different for brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the studies needed to test how safe and effective they are.

Makers of a brand-name drug can sell their drug for up to 20 years. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other drugmakers can make and sell generic versions. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.)

This competition may help keep costs of generic medications lower. Also, generic medications contain the same active drugs as brand-name medications. So they don’t require the same testing, which can be costly.

If you’d like to know more about the cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What to ask about valganciclovir

This article provides cost information related to valganciclovir. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. Above on this page, you’ll find coupons for valganciclovir.

If you have more questions about paying for this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact your insurance company.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask regarding the cost of your medication:

• Will valganciclovir oral solution cost less than the oral tablet?
• Are there other low cost medications that can treat my condition?
• Will the brand-name version of valganciclovir cost more?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm   
• Valganciclovir hydrochloride powder for solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/0e30509f-add6-43c8-9e1d-e10c55a207e6/spl-doc
• Valganciclovir hydrochloride tablet. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/e30ae2b2-dad2-39ba-6bc7-400807791ab0/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.