How quickly does valacyclovir work?

For most initial herpes outbreaks and cases of recurring herpes, valacyclovir takes effect very quickly and provides some level of relief in as little as two to three days. Generally, the sooner you take valacyclovir after noticing symptoms, the faster it will be to provide relief.

What are common side effects of valacyclovir?

The more common side effects of valacyclovir can include:

  • headache.
  • nausea.
  • vomiting.
  • dizziness.
  • pain in your stomach area.

Is valacyclovir considered an antibiotic?

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks.

Does valacyclovir work for shingles?

Although valacyclovir will not cure shingles or genital herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster. Valacyclovir is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Do you have to take valacyclovir everyday for the rest of life?

To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

When is it best to take valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir works best if it is used within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or genital herpes (e.g., pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear.

What else can valacyclovir be used for?

Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults. It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children.

Can valacyclovir cause weight gain?

No, there is currently no cure for herpes. Valtrex (valacyclovir) and other antiviral medications can only treat the symptoms associated with herpes infections and shorten outbreaks. Does Valtrex (valacyclovir) make you gain weight? Weight changes are not commonly reported with the use of Valtrex (valacyclovir).

What does valacyclovir do for shingles?

Doctors, for example, may prescribe the medication valaciclovir (Valtrex) when you have shingles to help reduce the duration of your symptoms. Valtrex is an antiviral medication that can help stop the shingles virus from replicating. The symptoms of shingles can last anywhere between 3 and 5 weeks .

Should valacyclovir be taken with food?

Valacyclovir may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.

What can valacyclovir be used for in adults?

In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth. Valacyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes.

Can you take valacyclovir for genital herpes?

Although valacyclovir will not cure shingles or genital herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster. Valacyclovir is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

How does valacyclovir work on sores and itching?

Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal.

How much is the generic version of valacyclovir?

It is available in generic and brand versions. Generic valacyclovir is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of valacyclovir is around $25.60, 85% off the average retail price of $176.24. Skip secondary navigation.