Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication that helps slow the growth and spread of the herpes virus, allowing the immune system to manage the infection. It is used to treat herpes-related infections, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles in adults. In children, Valtrex is prescribed for cold sores (ages 12 and older) and chickenpox (ages 2 and older). While Valtrex does not cure herpes or prevent its transmission, it can reduce the frequency, symptoms, and severity of outbreaks.
Prescription required. May be split. Product of Australia. Shipped from Australia.
Prescription required. May be split. Product of Australia. Shipped from Australia.
Prescription required. May be split. Product of New Zealand. Shipped from New Zealand.
Prescription required. May be split. Product of New Zealand. Shipped from New Zealand.
To comply with Canadian International Pharmacy Association regulations you are permitted to order a 3-month supply or the closest package size available based on your personal prescription. read more
Valtrex can cause mild to severe side effects. Some of these may require immediate medical attention.
Nausea
Stomach pain
Headache
Dizziness
Contact a healthcare provider if any of the following occur:
Confusion, aggression, hallucinations, or speech problems (may be more likely to occur in individuals over the age of 65)
Seizures (convulsions)
Kidney issues (little or no urination, painful urination, swelling, fatigue)
Symptoms of blood cell damage (fever, pale skin, unusual bleeding, red or pink urine, weakness, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, swelling in the face, hands, or feet) have been reported. These have been associated with HIV and transplant patients.
Older adults (65 and older) may be more susceptible to severe side effects.
Valtrex is commonly prescribed for the treatment of:
Genital Herpes: Helps reduce outbreaks and manage symptoms
Cold Sores: Used in both adults and children (12 and older)
Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Reduces pain and healing time in adults
Chickenpox: Treats symptoms in children (ages 2 and older)
Valtrex does not eliminate the herpes virus but reduces its symptoms and frequency of outbreaks.
Take Valtrex exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Recommended doses vary. Follow the dosing instructions carefully.
Start treatment at the first sign of symptoms (e.g., tingling, burning, or blisters).
Some herpes infections require longer treatment—complete the full course as directed.
Skipping doses can increase resistance to antiviral treatment.
Can be taken with or without food.
Drink plenty of water to support kidney function.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip it—do not double the dose.
Overdose symptoms may align with acute kidney failure and require emergency medical attention. Early symptoms may include little or no urination, painful urination, swelling, and fatigue.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: While no major risks have been established, the data is limited. It’s important to discuss use with a doctor if pregnant or nursing.
Herpes Prevention: Valtrex does not prevent transmission—protection is still needed during intercourse.
Hygiene: Keep lesions clean and dry, avoid touching infected areas, and wash hands frequently.
Valacyclovir (val ay sye' kloe veer) Valtrex®
Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from forming. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Valacyclovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take valacyclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Continue to take valacyclovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking valacyclovir without talking to your doctor.
Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, problems with your immune system, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking valacyclovir, call your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Valacyclovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache upset stomach vomiting diarrhea or loose stools constipation If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately: rash itching confusion yellowness of the skin or eyes fever blood in the urine If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to valacyclovir. Do not have sexual intercourse when you can see the genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be spread even when there are no symptoms. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the valacyclovir, call your doctor. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.