Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is a prescription medication, so you’ll need to consult with a doctor or nurse practitioner in order to legally obtain it.

However, telehealth platforms like Sesame allow you to book same-day visits online to get a new valacyclovir prescription or refill (if medically appropriate), so you won’t need to wait for an in-person doctor’s visit.

After you take valacyclovir (Valtrex), your body converts it into acyclovir, the active form of the medicine. Acyclovir works by interfering with the herpes virus’s ability to make copies of itself.

This slows the spread of the herpes virus in your body, giving your immune system a chance to control the infection. As a result, outbreaks may be shorter, symptoms can be milder, and cold sores and genital herpes sores can heal faster.

In addition to treating herpes infections, doses of valacyclovir (Valtrex) are sometimes prescribed off-label to:

• Prevent recurrent genital herpes outbreaks
• Prevent genital herpes transmission to sexual partners (when used in combination with safe sex practices)
• Manage herpes infections in immunocompromised individuals
• Treat Bell’s palsy
• Prevent illness in those who are immunocompromised or who have received a transplant

If you have questions about alternate uses for valacyclovir, your Sesame provider can help you walk through your concerns and treatment options.

Prescription antiviral drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir (Valtrex) and famciclovir are the fastest way to get heal cold sores.

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications like docosanol (generic for Abreva) can also help heal cold sores faster, while lidocaine and benzocaine can help soothe pain caused by cold sore lesions.

Yes, you can still be contagious while taking valacyclovir. The medicine lowers the amount of virus in your body and helps cold sores and genital herpes sores heal faster. However, it doesn’t completely stop the virus from being spread.

So if you have a tingling or an active sore, it’s best to avoid close contact like kissing or oral sex until the sore is fully healed.