A 31-year-old member asked:
How effective is valtrex (valacyclovir) for cold sores?
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kyle Shankanswered
Dentistry 15 years experience
Very good: Valtrex (valacyclovir) is very effective for cold sores, although i typically prefer zovirax just because it's cheaper.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctor commented
A US doctor answered Learn more
The earlier an antiviral is started, the more effective it is in reducing symptoms.
Sep 1, 2012
Dr. Simon Rosenberganswered
Prosthodontics 48 years experience
Yes, Very Effective: Valtrex (valacyclovir) is a potent anti-viral against herpes simplex which is the cause of cold sores.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Krameranswered
Gynecology 38 years experience
effective if early: Anri-virals work best if taken when prodrome like tingling occurs. Or of frequent outbreaks then as daily preventative.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 46-year-old member asked:
Is there anything better than Valtrex (valacyclovir) for cold sores?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
48 years experience
Time: Any topical cream for cold sores helps with the pain however only time allows them to heal.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
How long are cold sores contagious after taking valtrex (valacyclovir)?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Nick Debnathanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 22 years experience
As long as sore is : ...Visible. Cold sores are contagious at all stages from the tingling stage to the weeping stage to the scabbing and healing stage. They are most contagious at the weeping stage when fluid comes out. Valtrex (valacyclovir) may shorten the duration of infection, but if the sores are still healing they are contagious.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Related questions
A 38-year-old member asked:
How can Valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva work with cold sores?
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
They are both: antiviral medications. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex which is a virus.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Which is better Valtrex (valacyclovir) and or zovirax for cold sores?
Dr. Charles Kattuahanswered
Dentistry 25 years experience
Neither: One med may not necessarily be better than the other. These are both antiviral medications of the same family. Kind of like the antibiotics Amoxicilli... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
View all answers
A 45-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me how could Valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva work with cold sores?
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Abreva/ Valtrex (valacyclovir): Abreva (topical Docosanol) is an antiviral medication that can be used to treat recurrent oral/ facial herpes simplex virus infections. Valtrex (Vala... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
View all answers
A 47-year-old member asked:
I have heard that Valtrex (valacyclovir) is good for getting rid of cold sores. Is there a better alternative?
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Any of antivirals: for herpetic infections is good (which includes Valtrex).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
View all answers
A 51-year-old female asked:
51 years old recurrent cold sores since fall. Had 4 since mid dec (heal 4-5 days)soon as stop 5 days of Valtrex (valacyclovir) 500mg twice daily i get another. Help?
Dr. Andrew Blazaranswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 64 years experience
Longer treatment: Once the virus is established , it is often necessary to treat for a long time. Fortunately, the medicine is usually well tolerated.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 12, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.