Medications · FAQ
What does valacyclovir treat?
Short answer
Valacyclovir is a prescription antiviral used to treat cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It slows the growth of certain herpes viruses but does not cure the infection. Treatment may shorten an outbreak or ease symptoms. Results vary. A licensed physician in your state decides whether it is appropriate for you.
Valacyclovir treats infections caused by certain herpes viruses. These include cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Cold sores and genital herpes are caused by herpes simplex viruses. Shingles is caused by the virus that causes chickenpox, which can stay in the body and become active again later.
Valacyclovir may help an outbreak heal sooner or make symptoms less severe. Results vary. It does not remove the virus from your body or prevent every future outbreak. It is not an antibiotic and does not treat bacterial infections or every type of rash or sore.
The treatment plan depends on which infection you have, when symptoms began, and your health history. Some people take a short course for an outbreak. Others take daily treatment for repeated genital herpes outbreaks. A licensed physician in your state decides if valacyclovir is appropriate. Tell them if this is your first outbreak, if your diagnosis is uncertain, or if symptoms involve your eyes.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.