What is this medication for?
Valacyclovir is a member of the class of medications known as antivirals. It is used:
- to treat a viral infection of the skin known as shingles (herpes zoster) in adults
- to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) in adults and children 12 years of age and older
- to treat and prevent recurrences of genital herpes in adults
- to treat chickenpox in children 2 to 18 years of age
It does not cure shingles, cold sores, chickenpox, or genital herpes, but it does help the sores to heal more quickly and it relieves pain and discomfort. When used to prevent recurrences of herpes, it also reduces the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Valtrex® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
For treatment of shingles, the recommended dose of valacyclovir is 1 g taken 3 times daily for 7 days. The treatment should be started within 48 hours of the beginnings of the rash.
For treatment of an initial episode of genital herpes, the recommended dose is 1 g taken twice daily for 10 days, starting within 48 hours of onset of the rash.
For treatment of recurrent genital herpes, the dose of valacyclovir is 500 mg taken twice daily for 3 days. Treatment should be started at the beginnings of symptoms such as a rash.
For prevention of recurrences of genital herpes, the recommended dose is 500 mg to 1 g taken once daily depending on the rate of recurrences per year.
For treatment of cold sores, the usual dose of valacyclovir is 2 g twice daily taken 12 hours apart for one day. It should be taken as soon as symptoms (itching, tingling, or burning) appear.
For treatment of chickenpox, the usual dose is based on the child's body weight as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken 3 times daily for 5 days. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of onset of the rash.
Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any of the ingredients of the medication.