{"id":10283,"date":"2020-04-26T11:00:22","date_gmt":"2020-04-26T15:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10283"},"modified":"2022-03-30T16:43:05","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T20:43:05","slug":"what-is-valtrex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-valtrex\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Valtrex?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experiencing outbreaks of cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes can be uncomfortable to deal with both physically and emotionally. These are all examples of herpes virus infections that can be treated with antivirals. Valtrex is an antiviral medication that could help treat all three of these conditions. Here, we discuss what Valtrex is, why it\u2019s prescribed, proper dosages, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/valtrex-side-effects\/\">side effects<\/a>, and compare it to similar drugs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Valtrex?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex is a prescription antiviral medication that\u2019s used to treat herpes virus infections, including cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. It can\u2019t cure herpes infections, but Valtrex can treat symptoms like herpes sores and blisters. If you have a herpes infection like shingles, you\u2019ll need a prescription from a doctor in order to buy Valtrex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/valtrex\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the brand name of a generic medication called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/valacyclovir-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valacyclovir hydrochloride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These medications are chemically the same, work the same way, and are equally effective at treating herpes virus infections. As an antiviral drug, Valtrex works by slowing down the growth and spread of viruses. There are many companies that manufacture generic valacyclovir, but the brand name Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Brand-name versions of medications tend to be more expensive than generic versions.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Valtrex used for?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex is prescribed by doctors to treat herpes virus infections. It can help relieve symptoms that come from herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes virus type 2 (HSV-2). It can also help relieve symptoms from the varicella zoster and herpes zoster viruses. It\u2019s important to know that Valtrex can\u2019t cure viruses, it can only treat symptoms and stops the virus from multiplying and further affecting healthy cells.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viruses cause infections that are uncomfortable to experience, and many people who have the herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster, or herpes zoster virus will have painful blisters or sores. Here are some of the infections that Valtrex can help treat:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold sores (herpes labialis)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chickenpox (varicella)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shingles (herpes zoster)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genital herpes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold sores<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores are commonly experienced by children and adults. Also known as \u201cfever blisters,\u201d cold sores appear on the outside of the mouth and lips. As the herpes virus spreads, it damages the skin and leaves fluid-filled blisters, which are contagious and can spread from person-to-person by direct contact. Treatment of cold sores often involves taking an antiviral like Valtrex at the first sign of symptoms.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chickenpox<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caused by the varicella zoster virus, chickenpox mainly affects young children under the age of 10. It&#8217;s easily identified by its itchy, blistery rash that appears all over the body, and is considered to be highly contagious. Valtrex can help bring symptomatic relief to children with chickenpox.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shingles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shingles manifest as a painful, blistery rash that often appears on one side of the body. If someone\u2019s had chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus that caused it still lives in their body. The virus can flare up again later in life, causing shingles. Shingles can be very painful and can lead to other complications as well. Older adults are the most common age group to experience shingles, but younger people can get shingles, too. Valtrex helps minimize the pain, rash, and blisters that come from having shingles. Read SingleCare\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/shingles-treatment-and-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shingles treatment and medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to learn more about shingles.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genital herpes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Herpes viruses 1 and 2 cause genital herpes, which is considered to be a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealth.gov\/a-z-topics\/genital-herpes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sexually transmitted disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (STD) that spreads by vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Genital herpes is contagious, so direct or sexual contact of any kind during an outbreak should be avoided. Outbreaks are characterized by the appearance of genital pain and sores. Even if you aren\u2019t having an outbreak, safer sex practices like using a condom properly (although it is important to note that condoms may not fully protect you) can help keep genital herpes from spreading to others. Valtrex can help genital herpes sores go away quicker and help treat recurrent genital herpes for immunocompetent adults.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex dosages<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a herpes simplex or varicella zoster virus infection, the amount of Valtrex you\u2019ll need to take will vary depending on your individual symptoms and age. Valtrex tablets are most common, but it&#8217;s also available as a liquid suspension. Your doctor will prescribe the right form of Valtrex for you when he or she writes your prescription. For the best results, Valtrex should be taken as soon as possible after symptoms start, so do not delay in contacting your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following table lists standard doses of Valtrex for adults:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Cold Sores<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Shingles<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Genital herpes<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 grams taken twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 gram taken 3 times per day for 7 days<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 gram taken twice daily for 10 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These dosages are general guidelines. Your doctor may ask you to take Valtrex more or less frequently depending on what type of infection you have and how severe your symptoms are. It\u2019s safe to take Valtrex every day as long as you\u2019ve been instructed to do so by your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the standard doses of Valtrex for children with cold sores or chickenpox:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Cold Sores<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Chickenpox\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Age<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients 12 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients 2 years to less than 18 years<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 grams taken twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varies based on weight<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum dose is 1 gram taken 3 times daily for 5 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>How long does it take Valtrex to clear up an outbreak?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking Valtrex with a full glass of water helps make sure your kidneys can process it efficiently. Valtrex starts working to treat symptoms right away. Even though it starts working right away, it may take several days for you to notice a difference in your symptoms. Valtrex stays in the body for about 24 hours after ingestion and is eliminated from the system if another dose isn\u2019t taken.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can take up to 10 days for Valtrex to start working. The amount of time it takes your symptoms to go away will depend on your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your metabolism. However, symptom relief from Valtrex is not a cure for herpes simplex or varicella zoster viruses.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you miss a dose of Valtrex, you should take the next dose as soon as possible. Taking your missed dose as soon as you remember you\u2019ve missed it will help keep your herpes infection from worsening. If it is almost time for your next dose, just resume the schedule and do not take a double dose.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep Valtrex at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children, who might accidentally mistake it for candy or food. If your child accidentally takes Valtrex, you should seek medical advice immediately.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Warnings<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though Valtrex is very effective at treating herpes virus infections, it shouldn\u2019t be taken by everyone. You should talk with your doctor before taking Valtrex if you have any of the following medical conditions:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Kidney problems or kidney disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. People with kidney problems or kidney disease can potentially experience a worsening of symptoms if they use Valtrex.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>HIV\/AIDS<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Having HIV suppresses the immune system, increasing the probability of getting other medical conditions. People with HIV or AIDS who take Valtrex greatly increase their risk of a serious blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura\/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP\/HUS).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Kidney or bone marrow transplants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re taking Valtrex and are about to have a bone marrow or kidney transplant, you should talk with your doctor. Your risk of getting TTP\/HUS will greatly increase if you take Valtrex during your transplant process.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re pregnant and are considering taking Valtrex, you should talk with your doctor to learn how Valtrex might affect your pregnancy. You might not be able to take the medication at all. It\u2019s possible for Valtrex to pass from mothers to infants via breast milk, and there is no data on the effects of this. Talking with your doctor before breastfeeding your baby is the best way to avoid any harm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Interactions<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking Valtrex at the same time as certain other medications may cause side effects to worsen or cause additional health problems. You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Valtrex if you\u2019re taking any of the following medications:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varicella virus vaccine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoster virus vaccine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foscarnet\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nephrotoxic agents\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacitracin\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methotrexate\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancer medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arthritis medications\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications used to prevent organ transplant rejections\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to learn more about Valtrex and any potential drug interactions is to talk with your healthcare provider. Bringing a complete list of all the prescription drugs you\u2019re taking will help them decide if Valtrex is right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the side effects of Valtrex?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking Valtrex may cause side effects that feel uncomfortable. If you\u2019re taking Valtrex, here are some possible side effects you might experience:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain\/abdominal pain\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble concentrating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joint pain\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it\u2019s rare, Valtrex can cause more serious side effects that might require medical attention. If you\u2019re taking Valtrex and start to have hallucinations, aggressive behavior, or seizures, you should contact your doctor right away. Valtrex might also cause confusion and speech problems that require a doctor\u2019s attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking Valtrex very rarely causes kidney problems or kidney failure that could potentially be life-threatening. If you have kidney problems you should talk to your doctor before taking Valtrex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As stated earlier, Valtrex can also cause a rare blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura\/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP\/HUS). This blood disorder can be very serious and potentially life-threatening and is more of a risk for immunosuppressed patients that have an underlying health condition like HIV or AIDS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to learn more about any side effects you might experience from taking Valtrex is to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there alternatives to Valtrex?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no over-the-counter version of Valtrex, but some people take the generic version of Valtrex, valacyclovir. Valtrex isn&#8217;t the only antiviral medication that can treat herpes virus and varicella zoster virus infections. If someone is allergic to Valtrex or has an underlying medical condition that prevents him or her from taking it, a doctor may recommend another antiviral.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some alternative medications to Valtrex:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/acyclovir\"><b>Acyclovir<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0is a generic medication used to treat herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. It\u2019s available in generic form or under the brand name <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zovirax\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zovirax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It treats the same conditions as Valtrex, but its bioavailability is lower, which means that lower concentrations of it are absorbed by the body. Learn more about the difference between acyclovir and Valtrex <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/acyclovir-vs-valacyclovir\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/famciclovir\"><b>Famciclovir<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic medication typically used to treat varicella zoster virus infections like shingles. Also known under the brand name Famvir, famciclovir is a good alternative to Valtrex for people with compromised immune systems.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Home remedies for herpes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to taking medication, many people treat their herpes virus infections with natural and home remedies. Natural remedies shouldn\u2019t be a substitute for antiviral drugs, but many people find that they help heal painful sores and blisters.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some natural and home remedies that could possibly help your herpes virus infection:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Drinking echinacea tea<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Echinacea is an herb. Echinacea tea can boost the immune system, helping the body fight off virus outbreaks that manifest as cold sores, shingles, genital herpes, or chickenpox.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Using hydrogen peroxide for cold sores<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Hydrogen peroxide can clean cold sores and help them heal faster because of its antiseptic properties.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Eating foods rich in L-lysine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some studies suggest that the amino acid <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.icaas-org.com\/lysine-and-herpes-recurrence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">L-lysine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help keep the herpes virus from replicating. Taking a lysine supplement or eating foods that contain L-lysine like vegetables, legumes, and fish can help keep your herpes virus infection from worsening.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Applying cool compresses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For genital herpes, applying a cool compress to the affected area can help alleviate pain and itching that come from sores and blisters.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to learn more about possible alternatives to Valtrex is to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider. There\u2019s no one size fits all medication or treatment plan that\u2019s best for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experiencing outbreaks of cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes can be uncomfortable to deal with both physically and emotionally. These are all examples of herpes virus infections that can be treated with antivirals. Valtrex is an antiviral medication that could help treat all three of these conditions. Here, we discuss what Valtrex is, why it\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":10333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[17777,8670],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-10283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-mens-health","tag-womens-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Valtrex?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication that treats herpes infections, like cold sores. 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