Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
$2.66
Valtrex contains Valaciclovir, an antiviral that treats cold sores, genital herpes and shingles and speeds up healing.
Drug Information
9 reviews for Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Valtrex contains Valacyclovir.
Valacyclovir (also spelled valaciclovir) is an antiviral medicine for infections caused by herpes viruses, such as cold sores, genital herpes and shingles.
Once swallowed, it turns into acyclovir in the body. It is absorbed much better than acyclovir, so you take fewer tablets each day.
What is it used for?
- Cold sores
- Genital herpes, including preventing repeat outbreaks and lowering the chance of passing it on
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
How does it work?
Valacyclovir turns into acyclovir in your body, which blocks the herpes virus from copying its DNA. This stops the virus spreading and helps sores heal faster.
This information is written in simple words to help you understand this product. It does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Read these points before you start. If any of them apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your dose may need to be lower, and you should drink plenty of water.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.
- These medicines do not cure herpes. The virus stays quietly in the body and can come back, but treatment makes outbreaks shorter and milder.
- Herpes can spread through skin-to-skin contact even when you have no sores. Avoid sex during an outbreak and use condoms at other times.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every other medicine, vitamin or herbal product you use.
- Keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.
Like all medicines, Valtrex can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Feeling sick (nausea) or diarrhoea
- Feeling dizzy or tired
These are usually mild and often get better as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.
Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you notice:
- Passing much less urine than usual, or pain in your lower back or side (possible kidney problems)
- Confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, or shaking (more likely in older people or those with kidney problems)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing
This is not a complete list. If you notice anything unusual, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take it exactly as your doctor tells you. You can take it with or without food.
- Start as soon as you notice the first signs of an outbreak.
- Common adult doses: cold sores 2 g twice in one day (12 hours apart); genital herpes 500 mg to 1 g twice a day for 3 to 10 days; shingles 1 g three times a day for 7 days.
- For preventing genital herpes, a common dose is 500 mg once a day.
- Drink plenty of water while you take it.
If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once.
If you use too much: Contact your doctor, a poison control centre or your local emergency number straight away, even if you feel fine. Take the pack with you.
How to store it: Keep it in its original pack at room temperature (below 25°C / 77°F), away from heat, damp and direct sunlight. Do not use it after the expiry date.
- QHow is Valtrex different from acyclovir?
- A
It turns into acyclovir in your body but is absorbed much better, so you take it fewer times a day.
- QCan Valtrex treat a cold sore in one day?
- A
For cold sores, the usual treatment is 2 doses taken 12 hours apart on one day, started at the first tingle.
- QCan Valtrex stop me passing genital herpes to my partner?
- A
Taking it every day lowers the risk but does not remove it completely. Using condoms and avoiding sex during outbreaks also helps.

Aman Jimenez –
I have ordered Valacyclovir here before and this time was just as smooth. The parcel arrived a day or two sooner than I figured. The wrapping was solid, nothing shifted around in transit.
Nabil Malhotra –
I was a little nervous about ordering Valtrex online, but it turned out fine. The quantity was right and everything was accounted for. It was cheaper than my usual place, and the service was just as good. Simple, quick and reliable.
Aditya Schmidt –
Ordering from this site was easy. Support was friendly and cleared up my doubt quickly. I could follow the shipment and it arrived as scheduled. Five stars from me.
Ming Becker –
Found what I needed on this site without any trouble. Everything was packed carefully and nothing was damaged. I had a quick question and the support team replied fast.
Amelie Howard –
Here is my honest feedback on my order. The seals were intact and everything looked fresh. It was what I expected when I opened it. A good experience from start to finish.
Claudia Moyo –
I ordered from here after comparing a few options. Shipping was prompt and I got tracking updates along the way. Will come back to this site when I need Valacyclovir again.
Layla Rivera –
Finding the right item took very little time. I think the pricing is fair for what you get. Will be using this site again.
Grace Young –
I decided to try this site and it turned out well. It was dispatched fast and reached me soon after. Customer service was polite and helpful. Happy with the experience overall.
Isha Cook –
The price was fair compared to other places I checked. It was packed with care, which I really noticed. Great experience, I have already bookmarked the site.