Important safety information
What should you know before taking valacyclovir.
Over 1,000,000+ Ro members
Fast-acting cold sores relief
Take control of cold sores outbreaks at the first symptom.
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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).
Can it be treated?
Yes. FDA-approved medication is available to treat and suppress outbreaks as well as reduce the risk of transmission. A Ro-affiliated provider will answer your questions about treatment and create a personalized treatment plan for you.
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.
Typically within 24 hours
Hear from a provider
A licensed healthcare provider will review your information and find the best treatment plan for you.
4-7 days
Get your medication
If prescribed, your medication will ship in discreet packaging.
You’re on your way
Begin treatment
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.
What is valacyclovir (generic for Valtrex®)?
Valacyclovir is used for treating cold sores and genital herpes. Valacyclovir starts to work immediately in the body after you take it. It can help shorten the duration of an outbreak and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
How does valacyclovir work?
Valacyclovir acts through multiple mechanisms to prevent the replication of herpes DNA, preventing the virus from making copies of itself, which is how the virus causes outbreaks. Valacyclovir is active against HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV (the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles), and to a lesser extent, other herpes viruses, like CMV. When viral DNA is prevented from replicating, the virus cannot multiply and infect uninfected cells. This is how valacyclovir works:
Stops or shortens outbreaks of genital herpes and oral herpes
Prevents outbreaks of genital and oral herpes
Decreases the risk of infecting an uninfected partner
How long does it take for valacyclovir to work?
Once in the body, valacyclovir starts to work almost immediately. Since it specifically attacks the DNA replication process, it will only attack herpes viruses that are multiplying. While it starts to work on an active infection very quickly, it will not fight the inactive virus hiding in the nervous system.
While it goes to work within hours of taking the medication, the symptoms and sores of an outbreak may take days to heal, and the virus can stay active throughout the healing process.
How valacyclovir helps
01
Herpes viruses are basically just DNA wrapped in a protein coating.
02
In order for the virus to be able to multiply, it needs to first replicate its DNA.
03
Valacyclovir acts through multiple mechanisms to prevent the replication of herpes DNA.
FAQ
How does cold sore (oral herpes) treatment with Ro work?
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.
What type of cold sore medication do you prescribe?
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.
Is there suppressive therapy for cold sores?
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.
Is cold sore medication effective?
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.
What are the side effects of valacyclovir?
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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