Valtrex® (Valacyclovir) Tablets for Cold Sores, Genital Herpes, and Shingles

What Valtrex® Is and How It Works

Valtrex is the brand name for valacyclovir, an oral antiviral. It helps treat herpes viruses, including herpes simplex (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and varicella zoster (shingles). You can buy Valtrex online at Canadian prices through YouDrugstore. It comes as film-coated tablets in 500 mg and 1 g strengths for episodic and suppressive therapy.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing, and we offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices.

Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir. After you swallow a tablet, the body converts it to acyclovir. Acyclovir blocks viral DNA polymerase. This slows viral replication and helps your immune system control the infection. Starting treatment at the first sign of symptoms can shorten outbreaks and reduce pain.

Common uses include cold sores around the mouth, recurrent genital herpes, first-episode genital herpes, and shingles. For more on conditions, see Cold Sores, Genital Herpes, and Shingles. Dosing varies by indication and is usually once, twice, or three times daily for a set number of days. Many patients use daily Valtrex for suppression.

Dosage and Usage

• Cold sores (adults): 2 g at first sign, then 2 g 12 hours later (1 day total).
• First-episode genital herpes: 1 g twice daily for 10 days.
• Recurrent genital herpes (episodic): 500 mg twice daily for 3 days, or 1 g once daily for 5 days.
• Suppressive therapy: 500 mg once daily for many patients; 1 g once daily for frequent recurrences.
• Shingles: 1 g three times daily for 7 days.
• Swallow tablets with water. Take with or without food. Hydration helps kidney clearance.
• Renal impairment: dose adjustments are required; prescribers set the plan.
• Missed dose: take as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double dose.
• Start treatment at the earliest sign of tingling, burning, or pain for best effect.
• Sexual transmission risk remains with HSV. Barrier protection helps reduce risk.

• Storage: store at 15–25°C (59–77°F) in a dry place. Keep tablets in the original bottle.
• Protect from moisture and heat. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Travel: carry your medication in hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Do not freeze. Do not leave in hot cars.
• If tablets are damaged or discolored, contact your pharmacist for guidance.

Benefits and Savings

Valtrex helps shorten outbreak duration and reduces lesion pain. Suppressive therapy lowers recurrence frequency and may reduce HSV-2 transmission risk when combined with safer-sex practices. Once-daily maintenance is simple for many patients, especially with 500 mg daily or a 1 g tablet for those with frequent recurrences.

Tablet strengths are flexible. You can use 500 mg tablets or a 1 g option depending on the plan. Many find valacyclovir 1 gram tablet convenient for shingles and first-episode therapy. Others prefer valacyclovir HCl 500 mg tablet for daily suppression.

Ordering is straightforward. You can order valacyclovir or purchase Valtrex with your valid prescription. Multi-month supplies often lower the per‑month valtrex cost, and we offer reorder reminders. Typical savings are 60–80% compared with usual US pricing, which helps if you monitor the valacyclovir price over time.

We work with licensed, audited partner pharmacies worldwide to supply authentic brands and a wide selection at competitive prices.

If you track valtrex price regularly, consider generic valacyclovir for extra value. You can also buy valacyclovir online and compare strengths like valtrex 500 mg and valtrex 1 g based on your prescription.

For deals, check our valtrex coupon to see current promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Nausea or stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Rash or itching
• Elevated liver enzymes (usually mild)
• Kidney-related changes in those with renal impairment

Serious effects are uncommon. Rare events include allergic reactions, confusion or agitation (often in older adults or those with kidney disease), and kidney injury. Very rare cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome have occurred in severely immunocompromised patients. Use caution with other nephrotoxic drugs and ensure adequate hydration.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: data are limited but reassuring for short-term use. For valtrex breastfeeding questions, clinicians often consider benefits and the low levels of acyclovir found in breast milk. Decisions should be individualized by a healthcare professional.

Onset Time

Episodic treatment for cold sores works best when started at the prodrome. Many patients see shorter symptom duration by about one day, with improvement within 24–48 hours. For genital herpes recurrences, starting early can shorten symptoms by 1–2 days.

For shingles, pain and rash often begin improving within 2–3 days, with continued gains over the 7‑day course. For suppression, reduced outbreak frequency is usually seen within the first month, and benefits can persist with daily use.

Compare With Alternatives

Generic valacyclovir offers the same active ingredient as Valtrex at a lower cost. You can compare strengths and pricing on Valacyclovir and choose the option that matches your prescription and budget.

Acyclovir is the older antiviral in this class. It is effective but often requires more frequent dosing. Topical acyclovir can help with cold sores when added to oral therapy. See Zovirax® Cr 5 or Zovirax® Oint 5 for topical options used on lesions at the lip or skin.

Famciclovir is another oral alternative. It has different dosing schedules but similar effectiveness for HSV and shingles. Choice depends on prescriber preference, kidney function, access, and cost.

Combination Therapy

• Oral valacyclovir plus topical acyclovir for cold sores at the lip.
• Oral antivirals plus analgesics (acetaminophen or NSAIDs) for pain control in shingles.
• Suppressive valacyclovir with consistent barrier protection to help reduce HSV-2 transmission risk.
• Adjust doses in renal impairment to reduce adverse effects.
• Avoid combining with other nephrotoxic drugs when possible; monitor if needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Valtrex is commonly prescribed for adults and adolescents with HSV infections and shingles. It is not active against bacteria or fungi. People with significant kidney disease need dose adjustments. Older adults may be more sensitive to neurologic effects with high levels, especially if dehydrated.

Those with a history of allergy to acyclovir or valacyclovir should avoid this medicine. Immunocompromised patients may require different dosing and close supervision. Discuss use in pregnancy and lactation with a clinician who can assess risks and benefits for the specific case.

To lower the valtrex price, compare brand and generic options. A 90‑day supply can reduce the per‑month valacyclovir price. You can set a gentle reminder to reorder so you never run out. If you find expired valtrex at home, do not use it. You can replace it with a fresh supply through your account.

You can place your order online or by phone where available. Upload your prescription, choose quantities of valacyclovir HCl 500 mg tablet or valacyclovir HCl 1 gram, and select your shipping option. We offer prompt, express delivery to the US.

Authoritative Sources

GSK Valtrex prescribing information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: valacyclovir entries

FDA label: valacyclovir tablets

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

This material is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.