Rx · Prescription required

Valacyclovir

Valtrex®

FDA-approved for cold sores, genital herpes (treatment, suppression and reducing transmission), shingles and chickenpox in eligible patients.

Drug class: Antiviral (nucleoside analog)
How it is given: Tablet
Prescription: Required
Dispensed by: DiRx Inc. · licensed pharmacy

FDA status: Valtrex® and the other brand-name versions listed are FDA-approved medicines. Generic versions, where available, are FDA-approved equivalents.

Locked

Pricing is shared after you speak with our team and a licensed doctor approves treatment. Clinics see pricing after account verification.

Talk to our team Call (954) 420-7747

Important safety information

Valacyclovir is a prescription medicine. It is not right for everyone: known allergy to acyclovir or valacyclovir; severe kidney disease without dose adjustment. Tell your doctor about every condition you have and every medicine and supplement you take.

Common side effects are described below. Stop and seek care for any severe or unexpected reaction. This page is education, not medical advice; your doctor and pharmacist give the instructions for your treatment.

How to get started

Message us on WhatsApp or call (954) 420-7747.
Talk with a licensed doctor, who reviews your health history and decides if this medicine is right for you.
If prescribed, our team shares pricing and a licensed pharmacy fills your order.

Plain-language guide

Valacyclovir, explained by our clinical team

What it is

Valacyclovir is a prodrug of acyclovir with much better absorption, so fewer tablets are needed. Taken at the first tingle it shortens outbreaks; taken daily it reduces how often they happen and lowers the chance of passing herpes to a partner.

It is one of the most common telehealth prescriptions because the diagnosis is usually clear and treatment is time-sensitive.

FDA-approved uses

Cold sores (herpes labialis)
Genital herpes: initial and recurrent episodes, daily suppression, and reduction of transmission
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Chickenpox in children 2 to 18

Our doctors prescribe for approved uses. Any other use is a decision made only by your doctor, for you, after evaluation.

How it is taken

For cold sores, two large doses 12 hours apart at the first sign. For recurrent genital herpes, twice daily for three days. For suppression, once daily. Drink plenty of water.

What to expect

Shorter, milder outbreaks when started early. Headache and nausea are the main side effects; kidney function matters at high doses.

Who should not take it

Known allergy to acyclovir or valacyclovir
Severe kidney disease without dose adjustment

Questions we hear

Should I take it daily?

If outbreaks are frequent or you want to protect a partner, suppression is an option your doctor can prescribe.

Does it cure herpes?

No; it controls the virus.

Can I start before a confirmed diagnosis?

Your doctor will decide based on your history and symptoms.

Real molecular structure

The molecule: Valacyclovir

Drag to rotate. Every atom and bond below comes from the public PubChem database of the U.S. National Institutes of Health; nothing is drawn by AI.

3D conformer — drag to rotateCNOS

Formula: C13H20N6O4
Molar mass: 324.3 g/mol
Heavy atoms: 23
PubChem CID: 135398742 ↗

Source: PubChem, National Library of Medicine (public domain).

Watch & learn

Videos: how it works and how it is used

Independent videos from doctors, hospitals and health educators on YouTube. They are for general education; your doctor gives the instructions for your treatment.

How to use