Can You Get Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) Online?

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Allison Edwards, Sesame Medical Director.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Allison Edwards, Medical Director

Can You Get Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) Online?

Yes! Thanks to convenient telehealth platforms like Sesame you can get a prescription for valacyclovir online in minutes from a trusted doctor. Following a video consultation or in-person doctor appointment, doctors can write prescriptions for medication or refill an existing prescription. Note that doctors on Sesame cannot write prescriptions for controlled substances. Sesame offers same-day in-person and telehealth visits with real quality doctors who can chat with you about your condition and determine the best treatment options for your condition or symptoms.

Visit www.sesamecare.com to find a health care provider, book an appointment that’s convenient for you, and talk to your doctor about your condition. Sesame’s integrated prescription service lets your doctor write a prescription for the lowest price medication - often just $5 with free delivery on every prescription.

What is valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is a prescription antiviral medication used in the treatment of several conditions caused by an infection with the herpes virus. Specifically, valacyclovir can be used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes, and shingles (herpes zoster). While this medication cannot cure herpes - there is no known cure for herpes - taking valacyclovir can help alleviate and control outbreaks.

Why do doctors prescribe valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is prescribed by doctors to manage conditions caused by the herpes simplex virus, such as cold sores and genital herpes, as well as shingles, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

Valacyclovir does not eliminate the herpes simplex virus from the body. Once the virus has entered the body, it never fully leaves - even if symptoms have disappeared. This means that you may be at risk of developing shingles, cold sores, or genital herpes outbreak even years after your original infection.

While valacyclovir does not “cure” conditions caused by the herpes virus, it can help reduce symptoms of pain and itching. In addition, regular valacyclovir usage can help herpes sores heal and prevent future sores from breaking out.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can reactivate many times in a year. Genital herpes is most commonly spread via sexual contact. Symptoms of genital herpes include pain, itching, and lesions (abnormal skin tissue) in the genital region, or you may not show any symptoms at all. The virus will usually produce sores at the initial point of entry. By touching the sore and then rubbing or scratching another part of your body, including your eyes, you can spread the virus to other parts of your body. If you have been infected by genital herpes, it is important to know that you may be contagious even if you show no symptoms.

What are cold sores?

Cold sores (or fever blisters) are a common viral infection that impacts millions of Americans. Cold sores are tiny blisters that appear in and around your lips, often grouped in patches. Cold sores can spread through close contact, like kissing, sharing a glass, and more. Cold sores are part of the herpes simplex virus family and are typically caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), although some cold sores can be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). While there is no cure for cold sores, treatment can help manage your condition and reduce the severity, length, and frequency of outbreaks.

What are shingles?

Shingles, also known as varicella-zoster, is a viral infection that causes an outbreak of a painful rash or blisters on the skin. Shingles can appear anywhere on the body but commonly occur as a single stripe on one side of the body. The infection is caused by the same virus - the varicella- zoster virus- that causes chickenpox. Once you’ve had chickenpox as a child, the virus stays dormant in your nervous system even after you’ve recovered. Years later, the virus can reactivate and travel through nerve pathways, causing shingles.

How does valacyclovir work?

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug that works by limiting the virus’ ability to replicate within your body and infect healthy cells. By fighting the spread of the virus, valacyclovir reduces the possibility of future outbreaks. When taken to treat existing outbreaks, valacyclovir may help reduce pain and itching caused by herpes sores, as well as aid with the healing of these sores.

How should valacyclovir be taken?

Valacyclovir is most commonly available as an oral tablet. The initial dose of the tablet prescribed by doctors will depend on the condition it is being used to treat. Before starting treatment with valacyclovir, talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage for your needs, and the best times of day to take valacyclovir.

How long does it take for valacyclovir to work?

As an antiviral drug, valacyclovir is most effective when taken within the first few days of the onset of symptoms. In most cases, it will take about 2-3 days before you notice a significant reduction of pain and itching. It may take longer for sores to begin to heal.

It is important to note that while valacyclovir can help manage symptoms, it is not a cure for the condition. Herpes infections are still contagious even if you are currently taking valacyclovir; varicella-zoster blisters can be infectious as well. Because of this, it is recommended that you avoid direct, physical contact with others while sores are present or if you think you may be experiencing an outbreak.

What are the most common side effects of valacyclovir?

Adverse reactions to valacyclovir are rare. However, you may experience mild side effects while taking valacyclovir, including headache, nausea, and stomach pain.

Talk to your doctor if these mild side effects persist for several days. If you experience more serious side effects while taking valacyclovir, seek medical attention right away. Serious adverse reactions to valacyclovir are rare. However, serious side effects may include facial edema, hypertension, tachycardia, acute hypersensitivity, rash, aggressive behavior, agitation, ataxia, coma, confusion, decreased consciousness, encephalopathy, mania, psychosis, seizures, visual abnormalities, diarrhea, liver enzyme abnormalities, hepatitis, renal failure, renal pain, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and rashes.

This is not a complete list of side effects. To learn more about adverse conditions associated with valacyclovir, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed page.

Can you buy valacyclovir online?

Yes, it’s legal and possible to get a prescription for valacyclovir online by scheduling an appointment with a licensed medical provider. Fortunately, there are trusted telehealth and marketplaces like Sesame where you can find top-reviewed doctors online and near you, schedule appointments, and, if appropriate, get a prescription for escitalopram at the lowest cash price.

During your appointment, your doctor or provider will assess your medical condition and, if appropriate, write you a prescription. Our fully-integrated prescription service lets your doctor write you a prescription (or refill an existing one) during your visit. That way, you can focus on getting better and not worry about how and when you’ll get your prescription. Please note that all prescriptions are at the sole discretion of your provider.

Schedule an appointment today with a doctor to talk about an online prescription for valacyclovir (generic Valtrex).

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Medical disclaimer

Sesame content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern, it is critical to seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions. If you are facing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.