Valtrex

(Valacyclovir)

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Treats viral infections.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

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.

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  • Price before coupon
    $146.11
  • Lowest price with coupon
    $16.26
    89% savings
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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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What to expect from Valtrex, on one page

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How 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)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
Tried Valtrex? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Valtrex (Valacyclovir) for Shingles/Chickenpox

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
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Side effect rates for Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

From 95 clinical trials of Valtrex when taken for cold sores, ages 12-18yrs
  • Headache
    17%17%
    3%3%
  • Nausea
    8%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)

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    • 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)

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Interactions
  • Valtrex (Valacyclovir) has very few interactions with other medications.
Food
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Big hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    40
    Woman
    Genital 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 it
    Didn’t work
    Low hassle
    Reviewed ValtrexStay away if you have kidney problems or tummy troubles
    19
    Woman