Valtrex tablets are a prescription medication that help with the symptoms of cold sores. Cold sores refer to an infection with the herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and typically appear around your mouth. In comparison, herpes can be caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 and can affect the mouth or genitals.
Valtrex tablets clear up cold sores lesions on the skin. This leaves you with clear skin and free from the pain, itching and discomfort that comes with herpes outbreaks. It can also help prevent the herpes virus from spreading to other parts of your body.
It’s also sometimes used to reduce the likelihood of passing herpes on to sexual partners, but this is not considered to be 100% effective. So if this is something you want to learn more about, speak to your healthcare provider.
How does Valtrex work?
The active ingredient in Valtrex is valacyclovir. It stops enzymes formed by the herpes virus from multiplying, which helps to clear up an outbreak (along with any cold sores or lesions) and reduces soreness or itching.
Using Valtrex can also lessen the severity of a herpes outbreak and can stop the spread of the outbreak to other parts of the body when you take it at the first signs of symptoms.Â
What doses of Valtrex are there?
Valtrex comes in tablet form. We offer one 500mg dose of Valtrex as a tablet for the treatment of cold sores and herpes. If this treatment doesn’t work well for you then discuss the option of alternative treatments with your physician as there isn’t an alternative dose available.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on February 20, 2025. Next review due on February 20, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ValtrexValacyclovir hydrochloride
How to take ValtrexÂ
Taking Valtrex is usually straightforward and doesn’t require any special preparation. If you’ve been diagnosed with herpes zoster (also known as shingles), you should start treatment as soon as possible.Â
To take Valtrex:
take two grams (four tablets) with water, every 12 hours for one day
take it with or without food
Our experts will talk you through how to take your medication and you’ll be provided with full instructions when your medication arrives. Read this before you start your treatment.
How long does it take Valtrex to work?
The treatment time for Valtrex varies depending on the individual and the severity of your herpes infection and outbreak. However, treatment should start to be effective within the first day of use. If your symptoms persist, you should contact your healthcare provider for more advice and treatment alternatives.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Valtrex?
Read the instructions that come with your Valtrex treatment carefully before you use it as this will help to make sure that you don’t make any mistakes.
If you forget to take your Valtrex, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as before.Â
If you experience any side effects or you’re worried about your treatment, speak to our experts for further advice.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on February 20, 2025. Next review due on February 20, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
ValtrexValacyclovir hydrochloride
Valtrex isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
ValtrexValacyclovir hydrochloride
Valtrex: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Which dose of Valtrex should I use?
Answer:
There are two doses, 500mg and 1g. So if the dosage your clinician first prescribes for you doesn’t work, let them know, and they can discuss higher doses or alternatives with you.
How is Valtrex different to other treatments for herpes?
Answer:
Valtrex uses a different antiviral drug to other treatments like acyclovir but works in a very similar way to stop the virus from multiplying and spreading to nearby healthy cells. This can help herpes sores to clear up more quickly and relieves any pain, itching or discomfort associated with them.
You can only get Valtrex as a tablet. It’s not available as a cream or an oral suspension, but a pharmacist can prepare a suspension from the 500mg tablets. If tablets are not for you, you can always explore alternative treatments with your clinician.
Is Valtrex similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
There is a generic version of Valtrex available called valacyclovir. This contains the same active ingredient as Valtrex and works in the same way, but it isn’t made by the same company and can be slightly cheaper. Whether you choose a branded or a generic version of a treatment is very much a personal choice.
How effective is Valtrex?
Answer:
Valtrex (and its generic alternative valacyclovir), can shorten the viral ‘shedding’ of herpes (which is part of what makes it contagious). It’s also been proven to significantly reduce the time that it takes for herpes lesions to heal, which can help with discomfort and improving the appearance of the lesion or cold sore. [1]
Daily Valtrex treatments can help to cut herpes transmission to sexual partners too. The risk of a partner developing genital herpes with symptoms can drop by as much as 77% with Valtrex,[2] but you should always use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission. You can discuss this with our physician if this is something that you want to find out more about.
Valtrex tablets will not cure herpes permanently as it’s a virus that affects the body. However, it can help to reduce future outbreaks and the severity of the virus, which can improve your comfort, confidence and quality of life.
Do I need a prescription for Valtrex?
Answer:
You will need a prescription for Valtrex tablets as these can’t be purchased over the counter. It’s a prescription medication that will need to be reviewed by a physician who will check your medical history and circumstances to make sure that Valtrex is safe and suitable for you.
Treated trusted source:
Cernik, C. (2008).The Treatment of Herpes Simplex InfectionsAn Evidence-Based Review. Archives of Internal Medicine, 168(11), p.1137.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Feb 20, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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