Valtrex
(Valacyclovir)
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Treats viral infections.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is a first choice treatment for herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. It won't cure the disease, but it'll control the signs and symptoms of an outbreak.
Lowest price near you
- Price before coupon$156.93
- Lowest price with coupon$23.4085% savings
Quick facts about Valtrex
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (valacyclovir)
Upsides
- Available as a generic, so it's relatively cheap.
- Valtrex (Valacyclovir) has very few interactions with other medications.
- Works well for most people to shorten the duration of outbreaks.
- You don't have to take this medicine as often as other antiviral alternatives.
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What to expect from Valtrex, on one page
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Downsides
- Taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir) for genital herpes doesn't prevent you from transmitting the virus to others.
- Finishing treatment with Valtrex (Valacyclovir) will not affect the severity and chance of getting a future herpes outbreak.
- Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects such as hallucinations, confusion, and delerium when taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir).
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Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Valtrex, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication that stops viruses from multiplying by preventing key steps in forming viral DNA.
Quick facts about Valtrex
- Drug class: Infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (valacyclovir)
Dosage forms
- Pill
Tried Valtrex? Write a review!
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 30 (1g) tablets of valacyclovir near
Pay as low as$18Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Get free coupon
$23.40 - Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$24.11
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$27.28
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Valtrex (Valacyclovir) for Shingles/Chickenpox
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Side effect rates for Valtrex (Valacyclovir)
From 95 clinical trials of Valtrex when taken for cold sores, ages 12-18yrs
- Headache17%17%3%3%
- Nausea8%8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Valtrex.
Valtrex (Valacyclovir)
Placebo
People taking Valtrex felt side effect more
People taking Valtrex felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Valtrex (Valacyclovir)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Dehydration
- › History of kidney damage
- › Concurrent use of drugs that harm the kidneys
Although rare, Valtrex (Valacyclovir) can seriously harm your kidneys, especially if you have a history of kidney damage. To avoid this, it is important to stay well hydrated while taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir).
Common concerns from people taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Interactions
- Valtrex (Valacyclovir) has very few interactions with other medications.
Food
- Worth itBig hassleReviewed Valtrexon 12/10/2016Works excellent at suppressing virus. If you miss a dose or drink heavily you may have an outbreak. I have taken for 15+ years. Very seldom get headache as side effect.40WomanGenital herpes
Kidneys and liver
- Although rare, Valtrex (Valacyclovir) can seriously harm your kidneys, especially if you have a history of kidney damage. To avoid this, it is important to stay well hydrated while taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir).
- Not worth itLow hassleReviewed ValtrexStay away if you have kidney problems or tummy troubles19Woman