
It depends on the indication for which you are using Valacyclovir. If it is for cold sores, Abreva would be the closest over the counter alternative. There are no over the counter antiviral medicines for genital herpes, but pain relievers like Tylenol and Motrin can be used until your pharmacy opens.
Is valacyclovir the best herpes treatment?
Valacyclovir Alternatives – What Are Your Options? Valacyclovir, under the brand name Valtrex, is one of a number of antivirals available for the treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Sometimes it may not be the best choice, in which case the following valacyclovir alternatives might be a better fit.
What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication and is a first choice treatment for herpes virus infections including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It can also be used to treat chickenpox in children. What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)?
Is there a generic version of valacyclovir?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Is acyclovir available over the counter?
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication for the treatment and suppression of infections caused by the herpes virus. It can be applied topically or can be taken orally in the form of tablets or a liquid suspension. Not all options are available over-the-counter.

What can I take instead of valacyclovir?
The most popular, effective and widely used herpes medications currently available are valacyclovir (or Valtrex), acyclovir (or Zovirax) and famciclovir (or Famvir). All of these drugs work through a similar mechanism, and all have their place in treating cases of HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Can I buy valacyclovir over the counter?
Valtrex is a prescription medication, and cannot be supplied over the counter without a prescription from a doctor.
What is equivalent to acyclovir over the counter?
Topical acyclovir is also used, but is not FDA approved. Abreva (docosanol 10% cream, GlaxoSmithKline) is an over-the-counter (OTC) alternative to these agents. It is currently the only FDA approved nonprescription medication available for the treatment of cold sores.
Can you get antivirals over the counter?
Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from a health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections.
What over the counter medicine is good for cold sores?
The over-the-counter cold sore ointment docosanol (Abreva) may shorten the healing time of a cold sore. At the first sign of symptoms, apply it to the affected skin as directed on the package. Use a cotton-tipped swab to put medicine on a cold sore.
What is the generic for valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir is the generic form of the brand Valtrex®. Both medications work similarly in the body. Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that is used to treat oral herpes and genital herpes, which are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
How much is valacyclovir at Walmart?
Average 12 Month Prices for Valtrex (Brand) & Valacyclovir Hcl (Generic)PharmacyValtrex Retail PriceValacyclovir Hcl Retail PriceWalmart$459.30$144.67Walgreens$473.86$105.47Kroger Pharmacy-$69.57Albertsons Pharmacy-$105.602 more rows
Can I buy acyclovir over the counter?
Are Aciclovir tablets available over the counter? No – Aciclovir is a prescription-only treatment that must be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. You can purchase Aciclovir through The Independent Pharmacy following an online consultation.
What is the cost of valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir Hcl costs $185.08 at full price. A SingleCare Valacyclovir Hcl coupon reduces that price to $9.26 for 30, 500MG Tablet.
Is Valtrex and valacyclovir the same thing?
The antivirals acyclovir (generic for Zovirax and Sitavig) and valacyclovir (generic for Valtrex) are used to treat or prevent infections caused by the herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and varicella-zoster viruses.
What is acyclovir used for?
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that treats infections caused by HSV-1, HSV-2, and varicella-zoster viruses such as chickenpox, genital herpes, and shingles. It is most effective when started within… View.
Is Valacyclovir a cure for cold sores?
Valacyclovir is an antiviral prodrug that is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these…
What are the other options for Valtrex?
Other Options For Valtrex: Promoting Vaginal Care
What is the name of the drug that slows the spread of herpes?
Valtrex is a brand name for the antiviral drug valacyclovir. This medication slows the growth and spread of herpes while helping your body fight off the infection. It’s used to treat infections that are caused by the herpes virus. These infections include cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles.
Is Valtrex over the counter?
There is. Valtrex is a prescription medication , so there is really no over the counter equivalent, however, you can get the exact same medication delivered right to your door within a day and in discreet packaging.
Can you get treatment for herpes?
I honestly think that this service is a game-changer for many of us. Especially since herpes isn’t the only condition that you can get treatment for. You can get the medications you need to treat a variety of viruses and conditions like yeast infections, UTIs, and BV (bacterial vaginosis).
Can you get a Valtrex prescription without a doctor?
If you’re looking for an alternative to going to your doctor for a Valtrex prescription, then 100% yes, give Hello Wisp a try. You’re going to get the exact same medication (valacyclovir), but you aren’t going to have to deal with the shame and embarrassment of visiting your doctor or going to the pharmacy.
What is the purpose of valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication, meaning it works to stop the herpes virus from spreading to other cells within the body. Other herpes medications, such as famciclovir and acyclovir, work using a similar principle, helping to slow down or stop the rate of viral replication.
What is the best medicine for herpes sores?
As far as how to heal herpes sores faster goes, for that, you’ll need to take valacyclovir or another antiviral medication.
What is the best treatment for herpes simplex?
Valacyclovir, or Valtrex, is one of the most widely used and highly effective drugs for HSV-1 and HSV-2, the two types of the herpes simplex virus. It’s usually the first medication doctors will use to treat herpes infections, from initial outbreaks of the virus to recurring oral or genital herpes.
Is it good to keep herpes sores dry?
Like most home remedies and natural cures, this one is part fact and part fiction. The reality is that keeping areas affected by herpes sores dry is a good thing, since it prevents bacteria from growing in the moisture and infecting the herpes lesions.
How to heal genital herpes?
Soaking in a Warm Bath. Soaking in a warm bath is often recommended online as a home treatment for speeding up the healing process if you have genital herpes. The theory behind this home remedy is that the hot water in the bathtub “kills” the virus and helps the skin heal faster.
Is there a contest between Valacyclovir and Herpes?
Alternative Herpes Treatments” debate, there‘s no contest. Valacyclovir wins every time. And here’s why:
Can you cure herpes naturally?
Despite this, many people claim that home remedies and alternative treatments can be effective in helping to treat herpes symptoms. In fact, we’ve even seen articles claiming they know how to cure herpes naturally forever (even though herpes is a virus with no known cure). Can’t make this stuff up, guys.
How can I get an Acyclovir prescription?
You can make an appointment with a doctor or healthcare provider to get a prescription for acyclovir . If it is your first herpes breakout, you should see a doctor to ensure you have the right diagnosis.
How to treat cold sores with acyclovir?
Acyclovir for cold sores. To treat cold sores (fever blisters), your doctor may prescribe acyclovir cream (Zovirax) or an ointment containing the active ingredient . Make sure you wash your hands before touching the infected area. Apply a thin layer of the cream up to 5 times a day, 4 hours apart. In most cases, topical treatment will last 5 …
What to do for genital herpes blisters?
If your immune system is very weak or this is your first genital herpes outbreak, your doctor may prescribe acyclovir cream in addition to tablets to treat the blisters.
What is the best medication for genital herpes?
Acyclovir for genital herpes. Your healthcare provider will usually prescribe acyclovir tablets (200mg or 400mg) or an oral suspension (200mg) to treat genital herpes. Genital herpes causes blisters, itching and discomfort in the genital and anal areas. It is spread via sexual contact and bodily fluids.
What is acyclovir used for?
What is Acyclovir? Acyclovir (aciclovir) is used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), which can cause cold sores (HSV-1 only) and genital herpes. It is also prescribed to individuals infected by herpes zoster (shingles), varicella zoster virus …
What is the only topical treatment approved for over the counter sales?
The only topical treatment approved for over-the-counter sales is Abreva which contains docosanal (10%) as its active ingredient. You need a prescription from a doctor or a consultation with an online pharmacist to buy: Acyclovir cream/ointments (5%) Acyclovir tablets/capsules (200mg, 400mg) Acyclovir suspension (200mg)
How long does it take for acyclovir to work?
It is recommended that you begin treatment as soon as symptoms occur (within 48 hours) to speed up recovery. In most cases, patients are prescribed 200 mg of acyclovir to be taken 5 times a day, at 4-hour intervals for 5 days.
How much does Valtrex (valacyclovir) cost?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication that prevents the herpes virus from making copies of itself.
What are the side effects of Valtrex (valacyclovir)?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
What is the best medicine for herpes?
Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication and is a first choice treatment for herpes virus infections including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It can also be used to treat chickenpox in children.
How to prevent kidney damage from Valtrex?
Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated while taking Valtrex (valacyclovir). This can help prevent potential kidney damage.
How long does it take for Valtrex to heal?
In clinical trials, people taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) reported loss of pain after an average of 3 days, and healed lesions after an average of 4 days.
How long does it take to take 500 mg of herpes?
Genital herpes (first outbreak): Take 1 gram by mouth twice daily for 10 days. Genital herpes (recurrent outbreaks): Take 500 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days . Genital herpes (reduction of recurrent outbreaks): Take 500 mg to 1 gram by mouth once daily. For people who also have HIV, the dose would be 500 mg by mouth twice daily.

Risks
Medical uses
-
USES: Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. In children, it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth. Valacyclovir is also used to treat …
See more on healthwarehouse.com
Administration
-
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking valacyclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take valacyclovir by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the chance of side effects. The dosage an…
Side effects
-
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tel…
Interactions
-
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosag…
Contraindications
-
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.