Over 1,000,000+ Ro members

Fast-acting cold sores relief

Take control of cold sores outbreaks at the first symptom.

100% online with no in-person visit, at no cost

Medical provider will get back to you within 24 hours

Shorten how long cold sores last, if taken at symptom onset

Outbreaks and preventative treatments available, if prescribed

About Cold Sores

It's more common than you think.

48% of Americans ages 14–49 have oral herpes.

Oral herpes (also known as cold sores) are painful sores on or around the lips caused by HSV-1 (and rarely HSV-2).

What to expect

Valacyclovir will get to work as soon as the medication is in your system, but the time it takes to see noticeable results varies from person to person.

Treatment updates: If you still don’t see results, your provider may be able to recommend a different treatment plan.

Help with side effects: If you experience side effects, message your provider and they’ll help determine if a different medication or dose is better for you.

How to get cold sores treatment through Ro

Today

Tell us about your health

Answer some questions about your medical history and symptoms in the online provider evaluation, which typically takes 20 minutes to complete. Your first outbreak must be diagnosed by an in-person medical provider to be eligible for treatment through the Ro platform.

man smiling with phone

A licensed healthcare provider will review your information and find the best treatment plan for you.

If prescribed, your medication will ship in discreet packaging.

We're here for you from beginning to end. You may need to adjust your medication to get optimal results. That's why members always get free, unlimited follow-ups with their provider.

How valacyclovir helps

FAQ

Ro is a telemedicine company that provides a discreet, convenient, and affordable way to help patients receive prescription cold sore treatment from a healthcare provider—all without leaving the couch. It starts with an online visit. During the online visit, you will answer questions about your symptoms, medical history, and other basic information. You'll also be asked to upload your photo ID to verify your identity. A healthcare provider will review your information to determine if you're a good candidate for treatment through telemedicine and craft a personalized treatment plan for you.

Ro-affiliated healthcare providers prescribe valacyclovir (generic for Valtrex) to treat cold sores (oral herpes). When used properly, this medication can stop an outbreak at the first sign that one is coming on or lessen its severity.

Your provider may prescribe valacyclovir as a daily treatment to prevent cold sores. This is an off-label use of the drug, which means that the FDA hasn’t approved valacyclovir as a suppressive treatment for cold sores. Healthcare professionals are allowed to prescribe FDA-approved medications for off-label uses if they think it is the best course of treatment for their patients. If you have questions about using valacyclovir for cold sore suppression, talk to your provider.

Cold sore (oral herpes) medication works extremely well. For the treatment to work, it’s important that you understand how to use it. Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for maximum success.

They will help you learn how to identify the specific symptoms that indicate that you’re about to have an outbreak (prodrome) and use your medication to shorten or stop the outbreak from occurring.

Common side effects include headache, nausea, and stomach pain. More serious side effects can occur and are more likely if you have a weakened immune system or are elderly.

For more comprehensive information on side effects that can occur with valacyclovir, see full Important safety information.

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