Valacyclovir Tablets for Herpes Treatment – Generic of Valtrex®

What Valacyclovir Is and How It Works

Valacyclovir is an oral antiviral used for herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and shingles (herpes zoster). It is the prodrug of acyclovir. After you swallow a tablet, it converts to acyclovir in your body and blocks viral DNA replication. If you compare valacyclovir price without insurance and want a reliable source, you can order valacyclovir online at Canadian pricing.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba, and a licensed pharmacist reviews each prescription before dispensing.

We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies worldwide to supply authentic brand and generic options at fair prices and a broad selection.

Forms include 500 mg and 1 gram (1 gm) tablets, often labeled as valacyclovir HCl 500 mg or valacyclovir HCl 1 gram tablet. Common uses include cold sores (herpes labialis), initial and recurrent genital herpes, suppressive therapy to reduce outbreaks and transmission risk, and shingles. Tablets are taken by mouth, with or without food, usually once to three times daily depending on the indication.

Dosage and Usage

• Cold sores (herpes labialis): 2 grams twice in one day (about 12 hours apart). Start at the first tingling, burning, or redness.
• Initial genital herpes: 1 gram twice daily for 10 days. Begin as early as possible after symptoms start.
• Recurrent genital herpes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days, or 1 gram once daily for 5 days, as directed.
• Suppressive therapy (recurrent genital herpes): 500 mg once daily (up to 1 gram once daily if outbreaks are frequent). For discordant couples, 500 mg once daily helps lower transmission risk when combined with safer-sex practices.
• Shingles (herpes zoster): 1 gram three times daily for 7 days. Begin at the first sign of rash or nerve pain.
• Renal impairment: Dose adjustments are required. Your prescriber will set the schedule and strength.
• Administration tips: Take tablets with water. Food is optional. Swallow whole; only split if your prescriber directs and the tablet is scored.
• Missed dose: Take it when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double up.

• Storage: Store tablets at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a dry place. Keep in the original, tightly closed bottle. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
• Travel: Pack in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription. Avoid heat in cars or sunny windows. Do not freeze. Use a pill organizer only if you can keep tablets dry.
• Handling: Check the expiry date before travel. Keep doses on schedule when crossing time zones by spacing doses evenly.

Benefits and Savings

Valacyclovir shortens outbreak duration and reduces pain and viral shedding. For suppression, once-daily dosing is convenient and can cut genital herpes recurrences significantly. Starting at the first symptom gives the best chance to limit blistering and speed healing. In shingles, early treatment helps reduce acute pain and promotes faster crusting of lesions.

You can expect 60–80% savings compared with typical US pharmacy prices. Generic valacyclovir gives the same active ingredient as Valtrex at a lower cost. If you pay cash, checking valacyclovir cost without insurance and choosing a multi-month supply can reduce the per-month price. Reorder reminders help you stay on therapy and avoid last-minute rush fees. Bulk promotions may also lower your total spend.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Rash or itching

Serious effects are uncommon but need prompt medical care. These include signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, trouble breathing), kidney problems (little urine, swelling, sudden weight gain), agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or unusual bleeding. Rare hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura can occur, mainly in immunocompromised patients. Drink adequate fluids and follow renal dose guidance if you have kidney disease.

Onset Time

Cold sores often feel better within 24–48 hours when treatment starts early. Blisters crust sooner, and healing may complete in 3–4 days instead of a week. For recurrent genital herpes, symptoms usually improve within 2–3 days, with faster healing compared with no treatment. Suppressive therapy often reduces outbreaks within the first month, with continued benefit over time.

For shingles, pain relief can start in 2–3 days as the viral load falls, with crusting typically by 7–10 days. Post-herpetic neuralgia risk depends on age and timing; starting treatment promptly offers the best chance to limit persistent nerve pain.

Compare With Alternatives

Valacyclovir is the generic of the brand antiviral Valtrex®. Both contain the same active ingredient and provide equivalent clinical results when taken as prescribed. Many people choose generic for cost savings while keeping the same dosing schedules and expected benefits.

Acyclovir is an older option that requires more frequent daily dosing. Some patients prefer valacyclovir’s simpler schedules. For localized lesions, a topical acyclovir product such as Zovirax® Cr 5 may be used alongside oral therapy, as directed by a prescriber.

Famciclovir is another oral antiviral alternative. It has similar efficacy to valacyclovir for cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles, with different dosing schedules. Choice often depends on cost, availability, and prescriber preference.

Combination Therapy

• Oral valacyclovir with topical anesthetics (lidocaine or benzocaine) for local pain relief during outbreaks.
• Oral valacyclovir with topical acyclovir for targeted lesion care when recommended.
• Valacyclovir with analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs to manage pain and fever.
• Shingles pain plans may include gabapentin or a tricyclic antidepressant if pain persists.
• Ensure good hydration and review other nephrotoxic medicines to reduce kidney strain.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with recurrent cold sores or genital herpes, and adults with shingles, are typical candidates for valacyclovir treatment. People with frequent HSV outbreaks may benefit from daily suppressive therapy. Those with kidney disease, older adults, and immunocompromised patients may need adjusted doses and closer monitoring.

Do not use valacyclovir if you have a known allergy to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Discuss risks and benefits if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Start therapy at the earliest sign of an outbreak when your prescriber has given an advance prescription plan. Hydration helps support kidney function during treatment.

To lower costs, consider generic valacyclovir 500 mg or 1 gm tablet strengths based on your prescribed regimen. A multi-month supply can reduce your per-month price, and reorder reminders help prevent gaps. If you are comparing valacyclovir price without insurance, generic tablets often provide the best value while matching the brand’s active ingredient.

Authoritative Sources

US FDA Prescribing Information for Valtrex (valacyclovir)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Valacyclovir

Manufacturer Product Information: Valtrex

Order valacyclovir from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient information leaflet in your package.