{"id":15215,"date":"2020-09-02T13:00:38","date_gmt":"2020-09-02T17:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=15215"},"modified":"2025-10-21T14:45:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T18:45:19","slug":"valtrex-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/valtrex-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Valtrex side effects, interactions, warnings, and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever had shingles or cold sores, you know how uncomfortable these infections can be. Valtrex is an antiviral medication<\/a> that can help relieve symptoms from viral infections like shingles or chickenpox. This article gives an overview of drug information, including Valtrex side effects, warnings, and drug interactions that you should be aware of before taking the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Valtrex?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Valtrex<\/span><\/a> belongs to a group of medications called antivirals that work by slowing down the growth and spread of viruses like herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and varicella-zoster viruses. <\/span>Valtrex<\/span><\/a> is the brand name for <\/span>valacyclovir hydrochloride<\/span><\/a>. The brand and generic versions of the medication are chemically the same, work the same way, and are equally effective at treating herpes virus infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Herpes virus infections include <\/span>cold sores<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>genital herpes<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>shingles<\/span><\/a>, and chickenpox. Valtrex can\u2019t cure herpes infections but can help <\/span>treat symptoms<\/span><\/a> like herpes sores and blisters. Valtrex is not an over-the-counter medication, so if you have a herpes infection, you\u2019ll need a prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Valtrex can take up to seven to 10 days to start working for some people, while others may feel relief from their symptoms after a day or two. The amount of time it takes your symptoms to go away will depend on factors such as your age, severity, and metabolism.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valtrex for cold sores<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many people wonder whether Valtrex will stop cold sores from forming. Valtrex should be taken at the first signs of a cold sore (tingling, itching, burning) to prevent them from worsening and keep other cold sores from developing. However, it is not a cure for cold sores. It only treats them as a symptom of a viral infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valtrex for genital herpes<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even if you\u2019re taking Valtrex, it\u2019s still possible to have an outbreak. If you\u2019re taking Valtrex for recurrent <\/span>genital herpes<\/span><\/a> and have an outbreak, it\u2019s important to avoid sexual contact with your partner to keep the virus from spreading to them. Even if you\u2019re not experiencing an outbreak, using condoms is important to help prevent transmission of the herpes virus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you\u2019re wondering if your uninfected partner can take Valtrex to avoid becoming affected, the answer is no. Someone without herpes simplex virus shouldn\u2019t take medication for something they don\u2019t have. This could cause serious side effects or health problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Valtrex\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Taking Valtrex may cause possible side effects, such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n