Penciclovir topical for Cold Sores User Reviews

• RJa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 15, 2021

Denavir (penciclovir) "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."

• 2nd...
• January 22, 2020

Denavir (penciclovir) "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2020

Denavir (penciclovir) "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."

• Ste...
• October 12, 2019

Denavir (penciclovir) "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!!"

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2016

Denavir (penciclovir) "Penciclovir is the active ingredient, and it does work to clear cold sores faster. For those wondering why it costs $700+ in the USA and less than $20 in other countries, the reason is because the USA has been unsuccessful 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."

• Bar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 9, 2018

Denavir (penciclovir) "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."

• Tif...
• September 12, 2019

Denavir (penciclovir) "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."

• RDa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 14, 2019

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 and greedy price!"

• Gfo...
• January 2, 2016

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 cure cancer and are trying to fund research? It's been around for years and has plenty of competitors. This is totally ridiculous. Plenty of online places out of the U.S. offering to sell two tubes for $40.00. What gives?"

• War...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2020

Denavir (penciclovir) "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."

• Jef...
• October 17, 2015

Denavir (penciclovir) "I too can attest to the same thing everyone 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 Therapeutics) who purchased the rights to this medication in 2010 from Norvatis. No generic is available."

• Ill...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 29, 2013

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 to 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. An earlier comment stated, do not squeeze the tube, that is correct. Even a slight squeeze, you will waste a lot. I usually store it (the tube) in the prescription bottle that it comes in."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 20, 2019

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 $1,000 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."

• Min...
• November 15, 2020

Denavir (penciclovir) "Denavir is the ONLY medicine that works to stop cold sores for me! Don't understand why no generic available and why the brand price goes insane. People try to convince me Abreva can do the magic! Abreva is totally worthless for me compared to Denavir, but it seems that this is the only available brand on the market that claims to target cold sores. There are no medicines that really work like Denavir for cold sores, not even Zovirax, at least that is what I have found from my experience. Denavir really stops cold sores once you apply it! It is magic... so disappointed the price of Denavir is so unreachable!!!!!"

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 17, 2021

Denavir (penciclovir) "I have been using Denavir for 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 outdated Rx. I am still using it. Stops cold sores in their tracks."

• Ana...
• March 22, 2016

Denavir (penciclovir) "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?"

• ACV...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 27, 2019

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 it in Canada for $40 with a prescription."

• kat...
• July 4, 2013

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 the duration of cold sore. It's expensive - but worth it. One tip so as not to waste it - don't squeeze."

• DTW...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 17, 2015

Denavir (penciclovir) "Used it for years, works great, but the side effect is empty pockets. Even with insurance, it costs $174, $700 without. You would think it is a life-saving drug. Like the others, it used to be a max $30 copay. My doctor said to try OTC Cortizone as soon as I feel a cold sore coming on, it actually works for me and costs under $10!!!"

• CJa...
• June 28, 2019

Denavir (penciclovir) "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!"

• Cat...
• December 19, 2016

Denavir (penciclovir) "Had cold sores on lips and 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2013

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 2/3. 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."

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2019

Denavir (penciclovir) "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 within 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."

• Bra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 9, 2018

Denavir (penciclovir) "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!"

• Anonymous
• January 31, 2012

Denavir (penciclovir) "I tend to get really bad cold sores when I get sick, sunburned, 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 if Denavir draws out the virus and kills it fast. Fastest cold sore relief I have ever used!"