If you’re not a Costco member, you can still use the pharmacy. I was told that you just need to tell the person who check membership cards that you’re going to the pharmacy.

You can find drug prices here.

While inexpensive generics are $4 for 30 tablets at most pharmacies, prices for the more expensive ones are still better at Costco. Here’s an example from my last post.

Famvir 500mg tablets 30 tablets
Costco $66.57
Target $152.47
Sam’s Club $202.88
Wal-mart $246.78

About a third of adults suffer from recurrent outbreaks of cold sores which usually occur on the border of the lip, begin crusting in 3-4 days, and completely heal in 10 days.

Topical antivirals (penciclovir) or OTC (over-the-counter) Abreva decrease the duration of cold sores by a day.

Oral antivirals like acyclovir, famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) decrease the duration of cold sores by 2 days. Famciclovir seems like a good deal if you have insurance or are paying cash. It’s 500mg, 3 tablets taken together at one time ($7 at Costco). Remember, these medicines need to be started ASAP within 48 hours of symptoms (lip tingling, itching, burning), hours count so it’s good to get a supply to keep on hand.

Patients with frequent outbreaks may consider taking famcyclovir 500mg twice daily. The same regiment can also be used before periods of sun exposure or dental work.

If it’s your first time with an outbreak, the recommended dosage is 500mg twice daily for a week ($31 at Costco).

You can improve this by half a day by using OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream five times daily.

Cold Sore Relief (a lemon balm) should be applied as well two to four times daily at the first symptom until healed. This may shorten healing time, prevent spread, and reduce symptoms of recurring cold sores.

Try to reduce triggers such has prolonged sun exposure and stress. If you notice that you get outbreaks after eating sweets and nuts, you might try avoiding these foods.

Cold sores sure aren’t fun but hopefully this will help.