Generic Name: Denavir (penciclovir-topical)
Denavir Reviews
For Cold Sores "Denavir works amazing for me, but my insurance won’t cover the cost anymore and way too expensive ($900) for me to pay out of pocket. My doctor, who works for a large medical group in the U.S., says they’re not allowed to send my prescription to Canada, where the cost for me would be about $50. The patent has finally expired, and I’m hoping a generic version will eventually be available."
For Cold Sores "I’m at a loss for words when I just submitted for a refill!!! Wth?? I will continue to “nurse” my old tube till completely gone and search out a family member in Europe to get me a new tube. How dare this company charge this $948/tube for a cold sore med.... Sure, our politicians would like to be advised, and I’ll be glad to write that letter."
For Cold Sores "I've used Denavir for decades. It worked well and was covered by my insurance. I've never paid more than a few dollars for a co-pay. Now it's almost $1,000 for a tiny tube that only lasts for one outbreak. This is ridiculous. My husband is very fair-skinned, and simple exposure to sunlight can bring on blistering on his lips that is so bad that his lips split and bleed. The only thing that has ever helped is Denavir - now we can't afford it, and he will have to suffer through weeks and weeks of not being able to talk, eat, or drink without bleeding or pain. Denavir may get a 10 for effectiveness - but it gets a zero for actual effectiveness because now we can't afford it."
For Cold Sores "Denavir always worked great, but a few years ago in the US, they raised the price to nearly $900 a tube. Last year, in Greece, I saw the European version of the drug being sold over the counter for 7 Euros or about US$ 8. On top of that, it was being sold over the counter. It was exactly the same strength, and it had exactly the same packaging in Greece as it does in the US, with the exception that the name was Fenivir instead of Denavir. How is it that they can charge $8 for something in Greece, and they charge $900 in the US!!"
For Cold Sores "Penciclovir is the active ingredient and it does work to clear cold sores faster. For those wondering why it costs $700+ in the USA, & less than $20 in other countries, the reason is because the USA has been unsuccessrful in purchasing pharmaceuticals at discounted prices. The more countries that get discounts, the more the USA has to pay because drug companies want to cover their losses. Europe's ability to buy cheap medication depends on the pharmaceutical companies' assumption that the USA will pay full price plus enough to cover the discount to X country in Europe. Other countries' bargaining directly affects American drug prices. Americans need to put pressure on politicians and insist on drug bargaining to make healthcare affordable."
For Cold Sores "I’ve been taking Denavir for over 15 years and it’s the only thing that gets rid of a cold sore quickly. Since it was sold to another company the price has skyrocketed. It wasn’t cheap to start with, but now it’s about $1,000+ per tiny tube. When my copay jumped from $20 to $800 I tried valacyclovir, which just caused the cold sore to subside and return over and over. We tried different dosages, but the result was constant cold sores for weeks. I’m going on vacation soon, and saw that the European version is sold over the counter, so I’m going to a pharmacy to buy some. It looks like it will cost less than 10 euros per tube, and is made by Novartis, the original creator. The brand name is Fenavir. So, if you have a friend or family member traveling to Europe, keep this in mind."
For Cold Sores "I have just started using this medicine on my cold sore and am really happy with it. I am in Europe and paid $7 for it. I cannot believe how much they charge you in the states, that is a ridiculous price "
For Cold Sores "Denavir works great for my occasional cold sore. However, it's not covered by my insurance as of 11/14/19. The pharmacist told me the out of pocket cost would be $800.00, and there's no generic medicine. I was beyond belief and outraged by the cost!! SHAME on the company, Mylan, for charging such an unreasonable/greedy price!!!!"
For Cold Sores "On board with all previous posts. The cost is absolutely ludicrous. I call it my GOLD medication. I fortunately had a wonderful Doctor who jumped through hoops and did all she could to get pre approval via medicare. I've used this medication for years and last year was the first time I had an issue with coverage. It still took 4 months to finally get approval. But, I got it and well worth the wait. I get sores whenever I'm stressed, sick or out in the sun too long. It's the only one I've used that actually works and takes the cracked, burning, scabbing and painful 4 weeks of healing down to 1 week without cracking and pain. This is a great medication. But, yep the cost is beyond comprehension. I feel for all of you and hope that you can get a doctor to help with the red tape to get it approved."
For Cold Sores "Went to the Dr and paid a $30.00 co-pay to get a prescription renewal for Denavir for cold sores. Went to the pharmacy and was told the insurance refused to allow it to be filled because the drug now costs $700.00. What did Novartis find out? Can this stuff can cure Cancer and are trying to fund to research? It's been around for years and has plenty of competitors. This is totally ridiculous. Plenty of online places out of the US offering to sell two tubes for 40.00. What gives?"
For Cold Sores "I too can attest the same thing every one has said. It is the best cold sore medicine on the market. It will cut the outbreak time to a few days, opposed to the 2-3 weeks. Unfortunately, I was blown away this week at the retail cost of this prescription. I have been using this medication for over 15 years and my insurance has always covered it. The most being $40 for the small tube. Now, my new insurance does not cover it, and I found the price at the pharmacy is charging is $795. I cannot pay this price and the coupon on the internet only offers up to $45. I feel screwed/gauged by this pharmaceutical company (New American Therapeutic) who purchased the rights to this medication in 2010 by Norvatis. No generic is available."
For Cold Sores "Great product. I've had cold sores since I was a kid (40+ years). I carry this product with me all the time. Usually get a cold sore two / three times a year but when I do, I'm ready. Real important, the moment you feel the tingle apply the med. Usually heals the sore in 3-4 days, but better than the normal 8-10 days. Earlier comment stated, do not squeeze the tube, that is correct. Even a slight squeeze you will waist alot. I usually store it (tube) in the prescription bottle that it comes in."
For Cold Sores "Denavir is the ONLY medicine that works to stop cold sore for me! Don't understand why no generic available and why the Brand price go insane. People try to convince Abreva can do the magic! Abreva is totally worthless for me compared to Denavir but it seems that is only available brand on the market that claim target to cold sore. There are no medicines that really work like Denavir for cold sore not even Zovirax as least that is what from my experience. Denavir really stop Cold Sore once you apply on it! It is magic ... so disappointed the price of Denavir is so unreachable!!!!!"
For Cold Sores "Unless you have money to burn, don’t support the millionaires that are scamming the average working person- it does work well but take your $1000 and have a vacation in Europe and at the same time pick up a couple of tubes of a similar cream of the same composition"
For Cold Sores "I have been using Denavir fo cold sores for years. The last time I got it was in 2015 and it was $100. Mine is outdated, but I still have some left. My new RX will cost over $600!!! That is why I don't throw out, out dated RX. I am still using it Stops coldsores in their tracks"
For Cold Sores "I am just trying it now, in 2 days my cold sore hasn't dried yet as it normally does with Urgo. In Europe Denavir (Fenivir is the name here) only costs 10 eur, how the hell can it cost $700 in the US??"
For Cold Sores "Denavir doesn’t really lessen the length of an outbreak for me, but it almost 100% gets rid of the pain and tingling. It might lessen the length by 2-3 days, but the relief from pain is what I use it for. Unfortunately, it’s not covered by my insurance and is $800. Can get in Canada for $40 with a prescription."
For Cold Sores "I've been getting cold sores for as long as I can remember. Usually triggered by stress, but sometimes for no reason at all. Over the years I've tried EVERYTHING, Zovirax..whatever was the new product on the market. Denavir is the best topical ointment. But like everyone states, you must apply it as soon as possible - for me by the time I feel a slight tingle, it's too late. I was at work this time when I felt my lip tingle and literally ran home to get my Denavir. I suggest you carry the small tube in your wallet as I do now. I keep one at home, at work, and in my wallet - early application makes a huge difference in duration of cold sore. It's expensive - but worth it. One tip so as not to waste it - don't squeeze."
For Cold Sores "Used it for years, works great but the side effect is empty pockets. Even with insurance, it costs $174, $700 w/o. You would think it is a life saving drug. Like the others, used to be a max $30 copay. My Dr. said to try otc Cortizone as soon as I feel a cold sore coming on, it actually works for me and costs under $10!!!"
For Cold Sores "Works great BUT what is going on!!! It was $50 last year and this year it is $856!!!! Crazy!! Is this because it is coming off patent soon??? So disappointed. I can’t believe Novartis is taking advantage in this way!"
For Cold Sores "I have tried every OTC and Rx known to man to treat my cold sores. When I get an eruption, it is SEVERE. I blister up and my whole lip swells and it takes 3 weeks to heal without Denavir. If I use Denavir w ithin two days of use my cold sore is barely perceptible and 90% healed. No vesicle formation or crusty exudate. Just really fast healing. Nothing stops cold sores in their tracks as fast as Denavir topical. It is very expensive but a little goes a long way. I had my PCP do a prior auth for this medication and I did not blink an eye at the $70 co-pay and I am on a budget. Worth every penny."
For Cold Sores "Had cold sores on lips & nose regularly since childhood. But not in the 10 or more years that I've had a Denavir prescription. In that time, if I apply at the first tingle, it rarely ever breaks through to become a sore. It has been a blessing. The cost is ridiculous. $700 plus, with a ~$175 insurance co-pay usually. Almost fainted last time I refilled, as CVS listed a $135 coupon on the receipt, so I wound up paying only $20. Do not know what that was about (asked no questions). I skipped out of the pharmacy quickly and enjoyed my surprise Christmas present!"
For Cold Sores "This is the best stuff for cold sores! Use it right away when you feel that tingle sensation and a cold sore may never appear. I also take Valtrex right away and both of these together can make it so that a cold sore never appears or if it does it’s gone in 2 days. Works great!"
For Cold Sores "Best cold sore product available. I've been getting cold sores for years and each outbreak usually puts me in hiding for at least a week. Denavir usually keeps it from forming into breakouts and cuts breakout times by 2/3s. Coupons are available on the company's product site to help defray the substantial costs for the medicine. As someone who has suffered breakouts for years, I'd recommend this product at any price. But it's nice to have a coupon to make it more affordable."
For Cold Sores "I tend to get really bad cold sores when I get sick, sun burned or chew my lips too much. After battling the flu a big sucker popped up, covering almost half of my entire bottom lip. It came on a Thursday and was completely gone by that Sunday. The only drawback is I still got the cluster of blisters - it's almost as Denavir draws out the virus and kills it fast. Fastest cold sore relief I have ever used!"
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