Generic Valacyclovir

A generic version of Valtrex tablets is now available. This medication, approved to treat shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox, is available as 500 and 1000 mg tablets. Generic valacyclovir has been given an "AB" rating, which means it is considered equivalent to brand-name Valtrex.

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride

An Introduction to Generic Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir hydrochloride (Valtrex^®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat chickenpox, shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. It can also be used on a daily basis to prevent recurring outbreaks of genital herpes and to decrease the chance of spreading genital herpes to sexual partners.

Brand-name Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. However, generic versions are now available as well.

Generic Valacyclovir Strengths

Generic

valacyclovir comes in tablet form in the following strengths:

Valacyclovir 500 mg
Valacyclovir 1000 mg (1 gram).

Starting in December 2009, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was the only manufacturer allowed to make and sell generic valacyclovir in the United States for 180 days, due to laws that give generic manufacturers incentives to challenge the patents of brand-name medications.

During this period, there was a severe shortage of generic valacyclovir, with many pharmacies being completely unable to obtain the product. However, now that Ranbaxy's 180-day exclusivity period has expired, several generic manufacturers have begun selling generic valacyclovir, and it appears the shortage has ended.

Some of the manufacturers who make generic valacyclovir include:

Aurobindo Pharma
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
Matrix Laboratories, Limited
Mylan Pharmaceuticals
Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Roxane Laboratories, Inc.
Sandoz
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Watson Laboratories.

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