There are many cold sore treatments on the market, and their price has been reduced from recent years with the appearance of generic brands. One such brand is Valacyclovir, which is also marketed as Valtrex. But what exactly is Valacyclovir, how does it stop the spread of cold sores, and does it work?

Overview

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug that can be used to manage infections caused by herpes simplex, herpes B, and herpes zoster. It has been available in its generic form since 2009. Valacyclovir is marketed as Valacyclovir HCL.

Valacyclovir HCL

Valacyclovir HCL or Valacyclovir hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Valacyclovir-based drugs, including Valtrex. It is rapidly metabolized by the body with the hydrochloride group attached.

Other ingredients in Valtrex, as well as in some Valacyclovir-based drugs, might include carnauba wax, cellulose, titanium dioxide, and artificial colors. Although Valacyclovir HCL can work against herpes viruses, it is not a cure for herpes. It will only ease the symptoms and pain associated with cold sores.

How It Works

Valacyclovir HCL is the active ingredient, but it is first metabolized by the body into acyclovir. After conversion by the body into several compounds, the final compound blocks the action of viral enzymes and interrupts viral DNA replication. This, in turn, can stop the replication of the viruses that cause cold sores. Aside from working against the herpes family of viruses, Valacyclovir has some activity against cytomegalovirus, the Epstein-Barr virus, and the Varicella zoster virus.

Dosage

Valacyclovir HCL is taken with or without food, once a day, and according to doctors’ instructions. Valacyclovir HCL is typically offered in tablet form, in both 5000 mg and 1 g dosages. Valacyclovir is taken at the first sign of an outbreak of cold sores. An overdose of Valacyclovir might lead to vomiting, nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. Rare side effects of an overdose might include allergies, weakness, constipation,
tremors, fatigue, and anorexia, among others. Valacyclovir and Acyclovir are similar to each other. However, they should not be taken together.

Products

Valacyclovir is marketed under the brand names Zelitrex (which is available in Australia, Germany, and other countries aside from the U.S.) and Valtrex.

Manufacturer

Both Zelitrex and Valtrex are manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, a British multinational company. In the United States, GlaxoSmithKline is based in Philadelphia. It is also the maker of drugs such as Abreva.

Price

Valtrex and Zelitrex can both be purchased online, but it is recommended that they be purchased at licensed pharmacies such as those at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and CVS. Valtrex is purchased only with a prescription. It can cost around $110 for a set of 500 mg tablets, depending on where the purchase is made and if the buyer has insurance. There might also be taxes and fees depending on where it is bought.

Zelitrex, on the other hand, can be purchased online, although it should be taken only with doctors’ recommendations. Prices for Zelitrex will vary around the world.

Reviews

The reviews for Valacyclovir have been very good so far. Many people report that it is an effective treatment against breakouts of herpes, and even with repeated use over a long period of time, the medication still remains effective. However, not all users report positively on the effects of Valacyclovir on breakouts. For instance, some users say that Valtrex does not work, or outbreaks continue to occur periodically  even with Valacyclovir.