Valacyclovir

Use Valacyclovir (oral antiviral medication) as prescribed to help treat cold sores (herpes labialis) by inhibiting the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Customized prescription treatments for cold sore within 24 hours
Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy (*often covered by insurance)
Convenient fast treatments 100% online

What is Valacyclovir, and how does it treat cold sores?

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that converts into Acyclovir in the body, providing effective treatment for cold sores. It stops the herpes virus from multiplying, reducing outbreak severity and speeding up recovery.

How is Valacyclovir different from Acyclovir?

Valacyclovir has better absorption in the body, allowing for less frequent dosing compared to Acyclovir while maintaining the same effectiveness.

Who is a good candidate for Valacyclovir?

It is ideal for individuals who prefer less frequent dosing and those with recurrent or severe cold sores.

Valacyclovir is prescribed for adults with recurrent cold sores and is most effective when taken at the first sign of symptoms, such as tingling, burning, or itching. Patients with kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should consult their clinician before use. See pricing details here.

Real patients, real results

“The tingling and swelling settled quickly, and the sore healed smoothly.”

Jessica

DermOnDemand patient

“The pain reduced fast, and there was barely any visible mark left.”

Lauren

DermOnDemand patient

“I treated it early, and the blister never fully developed.”

Andrew

DermOnDemand patient

“Healing was much quicker than my previous outbreaks.”

Sarah

DermOnDemand patient

“What used to last over a week cleared in just a few days.”

Michael

DermOnDemand patient

How effective is accutane

Up to 1–2 days faster healing

and reduced symptom severity when valacyclovir is taken early during a cold sore outbreak.*

Clinical studies demonstrate that Valacyclovir shortens healing time and decreases pain, helping cold sores resolve more quickly compared to no antiviral treatment.

*In clinical studies, patients treated with valacyclovir at the onset of symptoms experienced significantly shorter outbreak duration versus placebo.

Valacyclovir should be taken only as prescribed. For more details, see Important Safety Information.

How DermOnDemand Works

01

Answer questions & submit photos

Quickly share your skin concerns by answering a few questions and uploading photos—it takes just 5 minutes.

02

Quick expert evaluation

Our dermatology team will carefully review your information, diagnose your condition, and create a tailored plan within 24 hours.

03

Personalized treatment

Your customized plan will be sent directly to you, and prescriptions (if needed) will go straight to your pharmacy.

Common Question

How quickly does Valacyclovir work for cold sores?

When taken at the first sign of symptoms, Valacyclovir can shorten cold sore healing time to 3–4 days.

What are the side effects of Valacyclovir?

Common side effects include headache, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. Rarely, it may cause
dizziness or fatigue.

Can Valacyclovir be used to prevent cold sores?

Yes, Valacyclovir can be used as a daily preventive treatment for individuals with frequent outbreaks.

Can Valacyclovir be taken with food?

Yes, Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with a meal may help.