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Valacyclovir Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Valacyclovir Betaseron Kesimpta
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Valacyclovir Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
Prescription only

Valacyclovir is an antiviral prodrug that is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these... View more

Prescription only

Prescribed for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Colorectal Cancer. Betaseron may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Prescribed for Multiple Sclerosis. Kesimpta may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

More about Valacyclovir More about Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) More about Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

No lower-cost generic available

No lower-cost generic available
Ratings & Reviews

Valacyclovir has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 481 ratings on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect.

Betaseron has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 7 ratings on Drugs.com. 57% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 14% reported a negative effect.

Kesimpta has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 55 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect.

View all 481 reviews

View all 7 reviews

View all 55 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

See also: valacyclovir side effects in more detail.

Common side effects include:

  • uterine hemorrhage
  • abdominal pain
  • antibody development
  • asthenia
  • chest pain
  • decreased white blood cell count
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
  • headache
  • hypertonia
  • increased serum alanine aminotransferase
  • injection site reaction
  • insomnia
  • leukopenia
  • myalgia
  • pain
  • anxiety
  • arthralgia
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • disorder of integument
  • dizziness
  • dyspepsia
  • lymphocytopenia
  • myasthenia
  • nausea
  • peripheral edema
  • skin rash
  • urinary urgency
  • abnormal absolute neutrophil count
  • chills
  • inflammation at injection site
  • show all 32

See also: Betaseron side effects in more detail.

See also: Kesimpta side effects in more detail.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 each
Dosage 500 mg
Per Unit* $2.00
Cost* $60.04

View all valacyclovir prices

Quantity 14 powder for injection
Dosage 0.3 mg
Per Unit* $692.71
Cost* $9,697.94

View all Betaseron prices

Quantity 0.4 mL
Dosage 20 mg/0.4 mL
Per Unit* $21,515.73
Cost* $8,606.29

View all Kesimpta prices

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Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Subcutaneous powder for injection
  • Subcutaneous solution
Brand Names
Valtrex Other interferon beta-1b brands include: Extavia Other ofatumumab brands include: Arzerra
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

3.1 hours

4.3 hours

1476 hours
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 66 drugs are known to interact with valacyclovir:

  • 23 major drug interactions (107 brand and generic names)
  • 37 moderate drug interactions (123 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (17 brand and generic names)

A total of 314 drugs are known to interact with Betaseron:

  • 14 major drug interactions (73 brand and generic names)
  • 299 moderate drug interactions (1302 brand and generic names)
  • 1 minor drug interactions (3 brand and generic names)

A total of 155 drugs are known to interact with Kesimpta:

  • 43 major drug interactions (119 brand and generic names)
  • 112 moderate drug interactions (329 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
  • Interferon beta-1b may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also... View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

June 23, 1995

July 23, 1993

N/A
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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