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Valtrex (valacyclovir), a prescription medication for herpes, shingles, and cold sores, has never been more accessible or affordable. Get a same-day prescription or refill from a board-certified doctor online today.*
About Valtrex
Some conditions that Valtrex is used to treat include cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Valtrex is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Valacyclovir.
Valtrex may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Valtrex, complete the entire course of the antiviral drugs unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
The antiviral medication may only fully treat your viral infection if you complete your prescription. In some cases, you will only be prescribed a short-term dose of the medicine. Failure to complete the entire course may cause the viral infection to return or not go away. If the viral infection recurs, it may be worse than it was initially in some instances.
Valtrex uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Valtrex, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how it is prescribed.
Chickenpox
While it is not FDA-approved for this, Valtrex is a good off-label treatment option for chickenpox in children. With this said, it is essential to avoid using Valtrex in children under the age of two years. A smaller dose of the medication will be provided to kids two years or older diagnosed with chickenpox.
It is important to note that Valtrex can also be used for shingles, which is also caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Cold Sores
In cases where the patient has recurrent cases of cold sores and symptoms of oral herpes, their healthcare provider might suggest a course of Valtrex as an antiviral drug to help clear up the symptoms and speed up the recovery process. Valtrex has been shown to provide an efficient action against viral infections that are caused by herpes simplex.
Genital Herpes
When a person has genital herpes, Valtrex may be used to treat genital herpes symptoms. It may also reduce the recurrence of the symptoms. It is, however, essential to note that Valtrex will not cure the person of genital herpes. When treatment is stopped, the person may experience a flare-up of these blisters on their genitals again. This is why treatment with Valtrex for genital herpes usually lasts longer than other prescription drugs. When Valtrex is used to treat herpes, it does not prevent you from passing genital herpes to another person.
What are the pros and cons?
Valtrex
Cons
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May cause dehydration
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Not a cure for herpes
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Can cause kidney problems
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Can cause nausea, stomach pain, and headache
Valtrex side effects
The side effects associated with taking Valtrex are typically mild. Most Valtrex side effects are associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Valtrex has some common side effects. They may include:
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Damage To Red Blood Cells: In very rare cases, Valtrex may harm red blood cell production and health. Should the patient experience any of these signs, then it is essential that they immediately stop using Valtrex. The individual should also contact their healthcare provider directly. Some symptoms of this side effect include a weak and tired feeling, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and bleeding of the gums and nose. Some people may experience pale skin, develop a fever, and experience the development of red spots on their skin. Swelling also sometimes occurs in the feet and hands, as well as the face.
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Allergic Reaction: It is also possible for the patient to experience an allergic reaction to the valacyclovir chemical that these drugs use, as well as other ingredients that the manufacturer uses in the formulation of the medication. In this case, the patient may experience hallucinations, speech difficulty, confusion, a feeling of being unsteady, and possibly experience a seizure.
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Kidney Problems: Another serious side-effect that people should look out for is problems with their kidneys. If the medication affects the kidneys, it can cause problems with the renal system. This can lead to swollen feet and ankles. The patient will also feel tired and may experience shortness of breath. It is also possible for these kidney problems to cause problems with urination. This may include little to no liquid coming out during urination. Some patients complain about pain symptoms when they urinate.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Careful assessment is essential when using Valtrex in children under 12. The drug should also never be given to children with chickenpox if they are younger than two years old.
How to take Valtrex
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Valtrex prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Valtrex can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The instructions depend on the situation. Your healthcare provider must carefully assess your illness and consider the ideal treatment you require. Children will receive a lower dose than adults when treated with this medication. You may also need to use the medicine longer if you are being treated for a condition like genital herpes. You may be advised to take the drug once a day or more. It is essential to ensure you start therapy using Valtrex as soon as the symptoms appear. This helps the sores heal faster when treating a herpes infection.
What to avoid while taking Valtrex
Valtrex has more than eight drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to tell your doctor about any other medication that you take when they prescribe Valtrex. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or have experienced acute kidney failure. A medical history of kidney problems should also be discussed with your healthcare provider.
You should also check to see if your current medication may affect your kidneys. If this happens to be the case, you should make sure you talk with your doctor before starting the course of Valtrex.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Valtrex.
Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may harm the immune system. A strong immune system can greatly help to improve the recovery time and the treatment of your viral infection. If you decide to use alcohol with Valtrex, it makes it harder for the drug to treat the infection you have been diagnosed with.
Medication alternatives to Valtrex
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor or an antiviral medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Cold Sores
Genital Herpes
Valtrex prescription FAQs
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What should I avoid while taking Valtrex?
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Who should not take Valtrex?
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Can I get Valtrex over the counter?
Depending on your situation, a doctor might recommend taking Valtrex daily to suppress outbreaks. Or they may recommend using it only episodically to shorten the duration and severity of outbreaks when symptoms arise. Valtrex can also interact with other medications you might be taking, so it's important to only use the drug under a doctor's supervision.
While you can't get Valtrex over-the-counter, some OTC pain relievers like Tylenol and Advice, and Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), can help manage the pain and inflammation caused by herpes blisters.
Early diagnosis and treatment with Valtrex can shorten the duration and severity of outbreaks, minimize discomfort, and potentially reduce the risk of transmission to others. Schedule a telemedicine appointment to speak with a PlushCare doctor online or talk to your local healthcare provider to get a Valtrex prescription, if needed.
3 simple steps to request your Valtrex prescription today
Book a Valtrex prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Valtrex prescription.
Pick up your Valtrex prescription.
Valtrex prescription pricing details
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Valtrex prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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Drugs.com. "Valtrex Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com" Accessed on October 5, 2023. https://www.drugs.com/valtrex.html
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RxList. "Valacyclovir (Valtrex): Basics, Side Effects & Reviews" Accessed on October 5, 2023. https://www.rxlist.com/valacyclovir/generic-drug.htm
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Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride) Tablets. Accessed on October 5, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020487s014lbl.pdf
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.