Valproic acid is a generic prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat the following types of epilepsy in adults and children ages 10 years and older:

For more detailed information about valproic acid’s uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug details

Here are some details about valproic acid:

  • Drug class: antiepileptic drug
  • Drug forms: oral capsule, oral liquid solution
  • Brand-name versions: none available

Read on to learn about valproic acid and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

As with all medications, the cost of valproic acid can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of valproic acid will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and valproic acid.

How can I determine the price of 250-mg or 500-mg daily doses of valproic acid?

To find out what the price of valproic acid will be for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact your insurance provider directly to find out how much you’ll pay for your dosage of valproic acid.

Is there a cost difference between valproic acid and divalproex?

The difference in cost between valproic acid and another seizure drug called divalproex (Depakote) will likely be small. Over time, however, a small cost difference can add up to a large sum.

It’s possible that your cost for these drugs may vary depending on which form and strength you take.

To determine the costs of these medications, ask your pharmacist. Talk with your doctor to find out if either of these drugs could be a treatment option for your condition.

Valproic acid is only available as a generic. It doesn’t come in a brand-name version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Valproic acid is based on Depakene, which is no longer available.

Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you take valproic acid long term, here are some ways you may be able to lower your costs.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of valproic acid. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Valproic acid may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for valproic acid, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and valproic acid, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance on cost issues related to you and valproic acid. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’ll pay for valproic acid.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.