Valacyclovir: what it does, how to use it, and how to buy safely
Struggling with cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes? Valacyclovir is one of the most common antivirals doctors prescribe. It’s a prodrug of acyclovir — which just means your body turns it into the active medicine after you take it. That makes dosing simpler and often more convenient than acyclovir.
How valacyclovir works and common doses
Valacyclovir stops viruses from copying themselves. That shortens outbreaks and lowers how long symptoms last. Typical dosing depends on the problem:
- Cold sores (herpes labialis): often 2 g twice in one day at first signs, or a short course started when you feel the tingle.
- Genital herpes (first episode): commonly 1 g twice daily for 7–10 days. For recurrent episodes, shorter courses like 1 g twice daily for 1 day or 500 mg twice daily for 3 days are used depending on the situation.
- Suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences: lower daily doses such as 500 mg to 1 g once daily, based on doctor advice.
- Shingles (herpes zoster): usually 1 g three times daily for 7 days, started as soon as possible after the rash appears.
These are typical ranges. Your doctor will pick the right dose for your age, kidney function, and health history.
Safety, side effects, and buying tips
Common side effects are mild: headache, nausea, and stomach upset. More serious issues are rare but important: confusion, hallucinations, or kidney problems can happen — mainly in older adults or people with poor kidney function. If you have kidney disease, your doctor will lower the dose.
Watch for allergic reactions (hives, swelling, trouble breathing) and get urgent care if that happens. If you notice changes in thinking, severe dizziness, or unusual tiredness, call your provider right away.
Thinking about buying valacyclovir online? Be careful. Follow these quick checks:
- Require a prescription: any reputable pharmacy will ask for one.
- Check for a real pharmacist contact and a physical address. No contact info is a red flag.
- Look for licensing or verification from recognized pharmacy bodies (provincial or national).
- Avoid sites with wildly low prices and no prescription requirement — they often sell fake or unsafe meds.
Finally, keep medicine in a cool, dry place and follow the full course your doctor prescribes. If you’re unsure whether valacyclovir is right for you, or how much to take, talk to your healthcare provider — that’s the safest move.