Why Is Abreva So Expensive? [Top 7 Reasons]

If you’ve ever had a cold sore, then you know how frustrating they can be.

Not only are they unsightly and embarrassing, but they’re also incredibly itchy and uncomfortable.

And if you’re like most people, you’ll do anything to make them go away as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking for an effective treatment for cold sores, then you may have heard of Abreva.

But with a price tag of over $20 per tube, some people wonder why it’s so expensive.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 7 reasons why Abreva is so expensive.

Why Is Abreva So Expensive? 

Abreva is expensive because it is the only FDA-approved treatment for cold sores. In order to get FDA approval, Abreva had to go through rigorous testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The active ingredient in Abreva, docosanol, is patented. This means that other companies are not able to produce generic versions of the medication. The company that manufactures Abreva, GSK US, spends millions of dollars on advertising.

Let’s look at the reasons behind Why Is Abreva So Expensive in further detail.

Abreva Is the Only FDA-Approved Treatment for Cold Sores 

One of the reasons Abreva is so expensive is that it’s the only FDA-approved treatment for cold sores.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and while there are many over-the-counter treatments available, none of them have been proven to be effective in clinical trials.

Abreva, on the other hand, has been shown to shorten the duration of cold sores by an average of four days.

In addition, it can also help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with cold sores.

As a result, people who suffer from frequent cold sores may be willing to pay a premium for this product.

It’s a Prescription Medication, and It Requires a Doctor’s Approval 

One of the most common reasons why Abreva is so expensive is that it is a prescription medication.

In order to get your hands on this product, you will need to visit a doctor and obtain a prescription.

This not only adds to the cost of the product, but it also makes it more difficult to obtain.

In addition, because Abreva is a prescription medication, it is subject to greater regulation by the government.

All of these factors contribute to the high price tag of this product.

However, for many people, the expense is well worth it as Abreva is one of the most effective cold sore treatments on the market.

In Order to Get Fda Approval, Abreva Had to Go Through Rigorous Testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

Another reason why Abreva is so expensive is because the company had to go through rigorous testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to get FDA approval.

In order to test a new drug, the FDA requires a lot of safety and efficacy data, which takes a lot of time and money to gather.

Furthermore, once a new drug is approved by the FDA, it still must undergo years of post-marketing surveillance to make sure that it is safe and effective.

All of this costs a lot of money, which is eventually passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

While Abreva may be expensive, it is worth noting that it is one of the only FDA-approved treatments for cold sore.

The Active Ingredient in Abreva, Docosanol, Is Patented 

The active ingredient in the cream, docosanol, is patented.

Docosanol is a unique molecule that helps to speed up the healing process of cold sores.

In order to create a cream with this ingredient, companies have to pay a licensing fee to the patent holder.

This fee is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

While there are other cold sore creams on the market that do not contain docosanol, they are not as effective in speeding up the healing process.

As a result, many people are willing to pay the high price for Abreva in order to get relief from their cold sores more quickly.

Abreva Is Not Available in Generic Form 

One of the primary reasons why Abreva is so expensive is that it is not available in a generic form.

Because the drug is still under patent protection, other pharmaceutical companies are not able to produce their own version of the medication.

As a result, Abreva remains the only option for people who need this type of treatment.

In addition to the high cost of the drug itself, this also means that patients must pay for a prescription from their doctor.

For many people, this can add up to a significant expense.

In some cases, insurance plans may help to offset the cost of Abreva, but many patients are still left paying a large portion of the bill out-of-pocket.

Given the high cost of the medication, it’s not surprising that some people are looking for ways to save money on Abreva.

However, it’s important to remember that this is a prescription medication, and it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Before starting any new treatment, be sure to speak with your doctor to see if it’s the right option for you.

The Company That Manufactures Abreva, Gsk Us, Spends Millions of Dollars on Advertising 

The high price of Abreva may be due in part to the company’s advertising budget. GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Abreva, is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

As such, it has the resources to spend millions of dollars on advertising. This money goes towards TV commercials, online ads, and print ads in magazines and newspapers.

While this advertising may not be directly responsible for the high cost of Abreva, it does contribute to the overall marketing expenses of the company.

In turn, these expenses are likely to be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

So, while you may not see any direct evidence of it, the marketing efforts of GSK are likely to be a factor in the high cost of Abreva.

Effective in Treating Cold Sores

There are many factors that contribute to the high price of Abreva, but one of the most important is its efficacy.

When it comes to treating cold sores, Abreva is one of the most effective drugs on the market.

In clinical trials, it has been shown to speed up healing time by as much as four days.

It can also reduce the severity of symptoms and help prevent future outbreaks.

For individuals who suffer from frequent or severe cold sore episodes, Abreva can be a lifesaver.

Given its track record of effectiveness, it is easy to see why Abreva commands such a high price tag.

Final Thoughts On Why Is Abreva So Expensive

Why Is Abreva So Expensive? There are many reasons why Abreva is so expensive.

From the cost of its active ingredient to the company’s advertising budget, there are a number of factors that contribute to the high cost of this medication.

However, the most important factor is its efficacy. For people who suffer from frequent or severe cold sore episodes, Abreva can be a lifesaver.

Given its track record of effectiveness, the high price tag is worth it for many people.