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:: What is Valtrex?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is a FDA-approved oral antiviral medication used for the treatment of herpes. Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
Valtrex's antiviral activity is against herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. Valtrex is used for the:
1. Treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes (episodic treatment  ).
2. Suppression of recurrent genital herpes (suppressive treatment ).
3. Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
4. Treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).
Valtrex reduces the symptoms and duration of a genital herpes outbreak. Many people go a year with no outbreaks, when it is used daily.
Also, when used together with safer sex practices, Valtrex is the only herpes medication proven to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to a partner.
Valtrex leads to faster healing of lesions when used in patients with shingles. Valtrex is the only one-day oral treatment for cold sores.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes, as well as herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes labialis (cold sores).
You can buy Valtrex by going to our Valtrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Valtrex prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Valtrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Valtrex?
Patients with Genital Herpes should take Valtrex: Patients diagnosed with genital herpes can receive episodic treatment of Valtrex
for 3 days to treat the initial outbreak, and any subsequent outbreaks as they occur, or, they can receive suppressive continuous daily treatment of Valtrex for frequent or severe outbreaks to help prevent them and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner.
HIV Positive Patients with Genital Herpes should take Valtrex: Valtrex is approved for suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected patients.
Patients with Herpes Zoster (shingles) should take Valtrex: Valtrex is started within 72 hours of rash to help reduce the duration of herpes zoster.
Patients with Herpes Labialis (cold sores) should take Valtrex: Valtrex is used for 1 day to help the sores heal faster.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes, as well as herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes labialis (cold sores).
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:: Who should not take Valtrex?
You should not take Valtrex if you have a hypersensitivity to valcyclovir (active ingredient of Valtrex), acyclovir (Zovirax), or any component of the formulation.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Valtrex. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What should I tell the doctor before taking Valtrex?
Immune system disease: Valtrex is intended for healthy adults. Tell your doctor if your immune system is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, bone marrow or kidney transplant to avoid a potentially serious complication.
Pregnancy and nursing: There is no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Valtrex. But there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Valtrex should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus. Valtrex may be secreted in human milk and may harm the infant. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Valtrex.
Kidney disease: If you have kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking Valtrex. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will determine if Valtrex is appropriate for you or adjust your dosage.
Patients over 65 years of age: Elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems or may experience more side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Valtrex.
Let your doctor know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, and if you have or have had other medical conditions including allergies.
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:: What is herpes?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page. Please see our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn about Genital Herpes, as well as Herpes Zoster (shingles).
There, you will also find advice on ways to manage the symptoms of herpes to help you get through outbreaks, as well as things you can do to reduce the risk of spread to others.
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:: What is episodic treatment of genital herpes with Valtrex?
Episodic treatment of genital herpes means you take Valtrex at the first sign of a genital herpes outbreak, treating each outbreak when it occurs to relieve the symptoms of pain, burning, and itching and speed up the healing of sores.
You take Valtrex as soon as you feel an outbreak is coming on for 3 days, then stop treatment until the next outbreak. This method may be preferred if you have outbreaks infrequently, or if they are mild when they occur.
Episodic treatment of genital herpes does not reduce the number of outbreaks.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes.
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:: What is suppressive treatment of genital herpes with Valtrex?
Suppressive treatment of genital herpes means you take Valtrex continuously to help suppress outbreaks of genital herpes before they occur.
You take Valtrex every day. This method may be preferred if you have frequent outbreaks, outbreaks are more severe with painful symptoms, outbreaks and anticipation of outbreaks are very stressful, or you simply want to minimize the number of outbreaks.
Many people on once-daily suppressive therapy with Valtrex may go a year without experiencing an outbreak.
Suppressive therapy may also be right for you if your partner does not have genital herpes as it may lower the risk of spreading the disease to him or her. It is not known if Valtrex reduces the risk of spreading genital herpes in same sex couples.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about genital herpes.
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:: How is herpes zoster treated with Valtrex?
Herpes Zoster (shingles) is an acute infection that frequently leads to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a severe and painful condition.
Valtrex is used to shorten the length of the herpes zoster infection and speed up the healing of the skin sores. Valtrex is used for 7 days, but must be started within 72 hours of the appearance of the herpes zoster rash.
Over-the-counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers are also used to reduce inflammation and pain.
See our detailed Herpes FAQ to learn more about herpes zoster (shingles).
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:: How are cold sores treated with Valtrex?
Cold sores are also cause by a herpes virus (herpes labialis). Valtrex is the only
1-day oral antiviral approved for treating cold sores.
Treatment must be started at the earliest sign of a cold sore such as itching, tingling, or burning. Two doses of Valtrex are taken 12 hours apart to help speed up the healing of cold sores. There is no data determining if Valtrex is effective if it is started after the cold sore develops into a papule, vesicle, or ulcer.
See our detailed Herpes FAQ to learn more about herpes labialis (cold sores).
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:: How does Valtrex work?
Valtrex is an antiviral agent. It reduces the amount of viruses in your system. Valtrex enters your blood and is converted by the virus and your cells into another drug called acyclovir triphosphate.
The herpes virus in your body uses your cells to multiply. Acyclovir triphosphate interferes with this process, and reduces the rate at which the herpes virus can propagate, by inactivating and substituting a compound the virus needs to multiply. This helps stop the virus from reproducing and spreading to other cells in your body.
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:: How well does Valtrex work?
While there is no cure for genital herpes, treatment with Valtrex has been shown to have the following results.
Valtrex’s Episodic Treatment of Genital Herpes: In clinical trials Valtrex significantly relieved the symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak. Valtrex reduced the duration of pain to 3 days versus 4 days for patients taking sugar pill. Sores healed faster, 4 days in patients taking Valtrex compared to 6 days for patients taking sugar pill. Patients taking Valtrex had stopped viral shedding by day 2 versus day 4 for patients taking sugar pill.
Valtrex’s Suppressive Treatment of Genital Herpes: In a one-year clinical study many people on a once-a-day suppressive therapy with Valtrex did not experience an outbreak for almost a year. Valtrex reduced the number of outbreaks. At six months 55 percent of patients were free of outbreaks, and at one year, 34 percent remained free of outbreaks. The safety and efficacy of Valtrex for suppressive therapy beyond 1 year of treatment have not been established.
Suppressive therapy of Valtrex has also been shown to reduce outbreaks in HIV-infected patients. Sixty-five percent of HIV-infected patients treated with Valtrex remained free of outbreaks at 6 months.
Valtrex’s role in reducing the risk of spreading genital herpes: Valtrex is the only herpes medication clinically proven to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes. An 8-month clinical study of almost 1500 monogamous, heterosexual, healthy (not immuno-compromised) adult couples showed that partners of patients receiving Valtrex once a day reduced their risk of getting genital herpes with signs and symptoms by 75 percent and reduced their risk of getting genital herpes with or without signs and symptoms by 48 percent. It is not known if Valtrex reduces the risk of spreading genital herpes in same sex couples.
Valtrex’s Treatment of Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Valtrex can significantly reduce the duration of herpes zoster. Valtrex should be started within 72 hours of rash, if it is not or no treatment is used there is an increased risk that shingles will lead to complications. In clinical studies, patients of age 50 or older receiving Valtrex had an average time until new lesions stopped appearing of 3 days. In patients less than 50 years old, time until new lesions stopped appearing was 2 days in patients treated with Valtrex versus 3 days in patients receiving sugar pill.
Valtrex’s Treatment of Herpes Labialis (cold sores): Clinical trials conducted with over 1800 healthy adults and adolescents (of age 12 and older) with a history of recurrent cold sores showed that the average duration of cold sore episodes was about 1 day shorter in patients receiving Valtrex versus patients receiving sugar pills.
* Keep in mind that even with antiviral treatment, it is still possible to spread the herpes virus to other people. Valtrex helps significantly reduce this risk.
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:: How safe is Valtrex?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is FDA-approved and has been used as an antiviral agent since 1995. Acyclovir , the compound which Valtrex is converted into in your body, has been used since 1985. The safety and efficacy profile of Valtrex has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Valtrex is safe when used on an as-needed basis, taken as each herpes outbreak occurs (episodic treatment ), or when used as a continuous daily therapy (suppressive treatment ).
However, Valtrex may not be for everyone. Be sure to read Who should not take Valtrex? .
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:: What does Valtrex look like?
Valtrex, by GlaxoSmithKline, comes as 500mg and 1gram caplets (capsule-shaped tablets). Valtrex 500mg caplets are the most commonly prescribed.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 500mg caplets are blue, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablets printed with VALTREX 500 mg.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1 gram caplets are blue, film-coated, capsule-shaped tablets printed with VALTREX 1 gram.
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:: What is the difference between Valtrex, Famvir, and Acyclovir?
Each medication has been studied and FDA-approved for use as follows: (differences in bold)
Acyclovir use is approved for the:
- Treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.
- Suppression of recurrent genital herpes.
- Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
- Treatment of chicken pox.
Valtrex use is approved for the:
- Treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes (episodic treatment ).
- Suppression of recurrent genital herpes (suppressive treatment ).
- Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
- Treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).
* Valtrex is also the only herpes medication studied and proven to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to a partner when used with safer sex practices.
Famvir use is approved for the:
- Treatment of recurrent genital herpes.
- Suppression of recurrent genital herpes.
- Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores) in HIV-infected patients.
- Treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).
Acyclovir is available in generic form. Valtrex (valacyclovir) is converted into acyclovir in your body but is better absorbed by the body and can be taken less often than acyclovir. Famvir (famciclovir) is similar to acyclovir and is also better absorbed and can be taken less often than acyclovir.
Clinical studies have not found any major difference in effectiveness of these three drugs and there are no studies directly comparing the efficacy of Valtrex and Famvir. The main difference between them is in how often the drug must be taken, and cost.
Generic acyclovir may offer some cost-saving, but Valrex and Famvir are better absorbed and are generally thought to be more effective. Valtrex and Famvir cost approximately the same per tablet but since Valtrex is taken once daily and Famvir is taken twice daily, suppressive therapy with Valtrex is more cost effective.
Below is a comparison of the dosing schedules for each drug:
Intermittent (episodic) therapy of genital herpes
Acyclovir 200mg tablet 5 times per day for 5 days
Famvir 125mg tablet 2 times per day for 5 days
Valtrex 500mg tablet 2 times per day for 3 days
Suppressive therapy of genital herpes
Acyclovir 400mg tablet twice daily, or 200mg tablet 3 to 5 times daily
Famvir 250mg tablet twice daily
Valtrex 500mg tablet once daily
Valrex has to be taken the least often, then Famvir, then Acyclovir.
See our comprehensive Herpes FAQ to learn more about Genital Herpes, as well as Herpes Zoster (shingles).
For info on Acyclovir and Famvir, see our Acyclovir FAQ and Famvir FAQ .
For prices, see our Valtrex price comparison page , where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Valtrex prices, no prior prescription required.
Then, compare with Acyclovir prices and Famvir prices .
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:: How do I take Valtrex?
Valtrex is available in 500mg, and 1gram easy-to-swallow caplets (capsule-shaped tablets). Valtrex can be taken with or without food.
If you are taking Valtrex to treat genital herpes:
Initial outbreak: the first time a patient is diagnosed with genital herpes. Valtrex should be started within 72 hours of the start of signs or symptoms. The usual dose of Valtrex is 1 gram orally twice a day for 10 days.
Episodic treatment: outbreaks of genital herpes are treated when they occur. Valtrex should be taken within 24 hours of the start of signs or symptoms of an outbreak. The usual dose of Valtrex is 500mg orally twice a day for 3 days.
Suppressive treatment: medication taken continuously to help prevent outbreaks. The usual dose of Valtrex in patients with normal immune function is 1 gram once a day. For patients with a history of 9 or fewer outbreaks per year, 500mg once a day may be used.
Suppressive treatment in patients with HIV: medication taken continuously to help prevent outbreaks. The usual dose of Valtrex is 500mg twice a day.
If you are taking Valtrex to treat herpes zoster (shingles):
The usual dose of Valtrex for the treatment of herpes zoster is 1 gram orally three times a day, for 7 days. Valtrex should be started within 72 hours of the appearance of the herpes zoster rash.
If you are taking Valtrex to treat cold sores (herpes labialis):
The usual dose of Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores is 2 grams taken at the first sign of a cold sore, such as tingling, itching, or burning and then 2 grams again, about 12 hours later.
* Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will determine if Valtrex is appropriate for you or adjust your dosage.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: For how long should I continue to use Valtrex?
The safety and efficacy of Valtrex for suppressive therapy in patients with normal immune function has only been studied for treatment of up to 1 year. The safety and efficacy of Valtrex for suppressive therapy in patients with HIV has only been studied for treatment of up to 6 months. Your doctor will advise you regarding your use of Valtrex for suppressive therapy beyond these periods.
If you are taking Valtrex for cold sores, you should only use it for one day of treatment, two doses taken 12 hours apart.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Valtrex?
If you miss a dose of Valtrex, take it as soon as you remember it and then take your next dose at its regular time. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose of Valtrex.
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:: How should I store Valtrex?
Keep Valtrex and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Valtrex at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Valtrex?
The most common side effects of Valtrex are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Side effects in HIV-infected adults include headache, tiredness, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and should not cause you to stop taking Valtrex.
Less common side effects can include joint pain, depression, painful periods in women, low blood cell counts, and changes in liver and kidneys function tests.
An uncommon but serious side effect that can occur in patients who have kidney disease or whose kidney function is diminished due to age is kidney failure and nervous system problems. Nervous system problems can appear as aggressive behavior, confusion, unsteady or shaky movements, speech problems, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking Valtrex. Call your doctor right away if you experience any nervous system problems while you are taking Valtrex.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur with Valtrex. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome when taking Valtrex.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Valtrex?
Genital Herpes and Safer Sex Practices: There is no cure for herpes. It is possible to spread the herpes virus whether or not you currently have an outbreak even with antiviral treatment using Valtrex. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have an outbreak or when you think you are about to get an outbreak, and always use a condom when you have sex.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: There is no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to Valtrex. But there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Valtrex should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus. Valtrex may be secreted in human milk and may harm the infant. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Valtrex.
Kidney Disease: Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor will determine if Valtrex is appropriate for you or adjust your dosage.
Patients over 65 years of age: Elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems or may experience more side effects. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Valtrex.
Do NOT share your Valtrex prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Valtrex?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
Valtrex was studied in combination with cimetidine, antacids, digoxin, thiazide diuretics and probenecid, no clinically significant interactions were found in patients with normal kidney function.
There may be interactions with other drugs that have not been established.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Valtrex?
An overdose of Valtrex can lead to kidney failure. Keep Valtrex and all medications away from children's reach.
If someone takes a much larger dose of Valtrex than recommended, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Valtrex available over the counter?
No. Valtrex is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get a Valtrex prescription online?
Go to our Valtrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Valtrex prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Valtrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Valtrex cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Valtrex prices before buying.
Usually, the more caplets you buy, the cheaper the price per caplet.
See our Valtrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Valtrex prices no prior prescription needed.
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:: What is generic Valtrex and is it available?
The generic name for Valtrex is valacyclovir. Only Valtrex brand is currently available in the US.
See our Valtrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Valtrex prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Valtrex or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Valtrex from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Valtrex, but not contain the active ingredient valacyclovir.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Valtrex approved by the FDA and manufactued by GlaxoSmithKline. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Valtrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Valtrex prices no prior prescription needed.
If this is your first time ordering Valtrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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