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Valtrex
Valtrex (valacyclovir) prescription available online
Valtrex, a prescription medication for herpes, shingles, and cold sores, has never been more accessible or affordable. Get a new prescription or refill from a board-certified doctor online today.
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Medication services available for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
Insurance accepted but not required
Prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy*
*Prescriptions provided at the doctor’s discretion
Most major insurance plans accepted
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Paying without insurance? New patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $99 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
3 simple steps to request your Valtrex prescription today
Step 1
Book a Valtrex prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Valtrex prescription.
Visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Valtrex prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Valtrex prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Valtrex prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Valtrex prescription FAQs
How much does Valtrex cost?
The cost of Valtrex can differ based on the specific dosage strength and the number of capsules you are prescribed. A higher dose of the medication will cost more. If you need to use Valtrex for a more extended period, it will also be a monthly expense.
How can I refill my Valtrex prescription?
There are two primary methods that you can use to refill a prescription of Valtrex. This includes a local pharmacy, as well as online prescription filling services.
What should I avoid while taking Valtrex?
Try to avoid or limit alcohol consumption when you use Valtrex. You should also avoid the use of any medication that can have an impact on kidney health. Valtrex affects the kidneys, further increasing the risk of kidney problems.
What time of day should I take Valtrex?
The ideal timing for Valtrex depends on the number of doses you should take per day. You usually take the tablet in the morning, but your healthcare provider might make other suggestions.
How many days in a row can you take Valtrex?
The dosage time depends on the condition that is being treated with Valtrex. The most extended treatment time is for genital herpes, which usually lasts for around 10 consecutive days. If you have recurrent herpes, you might be provided a prescription for only three days. The doctor will analyze the severity of your condition and consider the ideal course duration based on this information.
How many hours apart should you take Valtrex?
It is important not to take two doses too close to each other. You should usually allow at least 12 hours to pass before taking the next dose. This accounts for cases where you treat cold sores and any other herpes infections.
Who should not take Valtrex?
Valtrex is not advised for people who have existing kidney disease. This could cause a worsening of the problems that you currently experience with your kidneys. You should also not take Valtrex if you are already receiving treatment for a viral infection associated with herpes.
What happens if I miss a dose of Valtrex?
Take the missed dose, but not if it is within a two hour period of the next dose that you need to take. You should not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose. If it is too close to the next dose, then skip the missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Valtrex?
Never take more Valtrex than what your doctor prescribed. A high dose of the active chemicals can lead to more severe side effects. It can also increase the risk of the more serious adverse effects associated with the drug. You can call your local poison control center for medical assistance.
About Valtrex
Valtrex is considered an antiviral medication that slows the growth of certain viruses that cause infection in the body. It can also help to reduce the spreading of viruses. It is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Like any antiviral drug, this medication can only be used for infections associated with specific viruses. It is ineffective against bacterial and fungal infections because it will not affect the microorganisms that cause them. Valtrex is also important to note that it is only effective against viruses in the herpes strains. The medication will not provide an effective treatment for viral infections that are caused by other types of viruses.
Some conditions that Valtrex is used to treat include cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Valtrex is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Valacyclovir.
Valtrex may be prescribed as a capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Valtrex, complete the entire course of the antiviral drugs unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
The antiviral medication may only fully treat your viral infection if you complete your prescription. In some cases, you will only be prescribed a short-term dose of the medicine. Failure to complete the entire course may cause the viral infection to return or not go away. If the viral infection recurs, it may be worse than it was initially in some instances.
Valtrex uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Valtrex, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how it is prescribed.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral infection that affects the skin and is most commonly diagnosed in children. It is a classic kid’s illness that affects most children eventually. This condition is highly contagious and is caused by a virus known as the varicella-zoster virus. When a kid has chickenpox, they generally develop anywhere from 250 to 500 blisters over their body. The blisters are itchy and can become serious if not treated.
Valtrex is a good treatment option for chickenpox in children. With this said, it is essential to avoid using Valtrex in children under the age of two years. A smaller dose of the medication will be provided to kids two years or older diagnosed with chickenpox.
It is important to note that the antiviral drug can also be used for herpes zoster. The herpes zoster virus is usually behind a condition known as Shingles.Cold Sores
A cold sore can develop suddenly and unexpectedly. They generally form around the mouth and sometimes directly on the lips. These sores are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex. These herpes infections are not the same as genital herpes. This is a contagious type of viral infection that can be transferred from one person to another through kissing and other forms of close contact. Some people experience blisters around their mouth irregularly.
In cases where the patient has recurrent cases of cold sores and symptoms of oral herpes, their healthcare provider might suggest a course of Valtrex as an antiviral drug to help clear up the symptoms and speed up the recovery process. Valtrex has been shown to provide an efficient action against viral infections that are caused by herpes simplex.Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmittable infection associated with the herpes simplex virus strain. This, however, is a different strain than what causes oral herpes and the development of cold sores. When a person obtains genital herpes, it causes fluid-filled blisters to develop on their genitals and in the surrounding area. The sores can sometimes burst open, leading to pain, itchiness, tenderness, and even swelling in the region. It is possible to spread genital herpes through sexual intercourse.
When a person has genital herpes, Valtrex may be used to treat genital herpes symptoms. It may also reduce the recurrence of the symptoms. It is, however, essential to note that Valtrex will not cure the person of genital herpes. When treatment is stopped, the person may experience a flare-up of these blisters on their genitals again. This is why treatment with Valtrex for genital herpes usually lasts longer than other prescription drugs. When Valtrex is used to treat herpes, it does not prevent you from passing genital herpes to another person.
Valtrex side effects
The side effects associated with taking Valtrex are typically mild. Most Valtrex side effects are associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Valtrex has some common side effects. They may include:
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Damage To Red Blood Cells: In very rare cases, Valtrex may harm red blood cell production and health. Should the patient experience any of these signs, then it is essential that they immediately stop using Valtrex. The individual should also contact their healthcare provider directly. Some symptoms of this side effect include a weak and tired feeling, severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and bleeding of the gums and nose. Some people may experience pale skin, develop a fever, and experience the development of red spots on their skin. Swelling also sometimes occurs in the feet and hands, as well as the face.
Allergic Reaction: It is also possible for the patient to experience an allergic reaction to the valacyclovir chemical that these drugs use, as well as other ingredients that the manufacturer uses in the formulation of the medication. In this case, the patient may experience hallucinations, speech difficulty, confusion, a feeling of being unsteady, and possibly experience a seizure.
Kidney Problems: Another serious side-effect that people should look out for is problems with their kidneys. If the medication affects the kidneys, it can cause problems with the renal system. This can lead to swollen feet and ankles. The patient will also feel tired and may experience shortness of breath. It is also possible for these kidney problems to cause problems with urination. This may include little to no liquid coming out during urination. Some patients complain about pain symptoms when they urinate.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Careful assessment is essential when using Valtrex in children under 12. The drug should also never be given to children with chickenpox if they are younger than two years old.
How to take Valtrex
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Valtrex prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Valtrex can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The instructions depend on the situation. Your healthcare provider must carefully assess your illness and consider the ideal treatment you require. Children will receive a lower dose than adults when treated with this medication. You may also need to use the medicine longer if you are being treated for a condition like genital herpes. You may be advised to take the drug once a day or more. It is essential to ensure you start therapy using Valtrex as soon as the symptoms appear. This helps the sores heal faster when treating a herpes infection.
What to avoid while taking Valtrex
Valtrex has more than eight drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
You can experience possible drug interactions when you combine Valtrex with Talimogene laherparepvec or bacitracin. The medication may also interact with cimetidine, tenofovir DF, cobicistat, emtricitabine, probenecid, and zidovudine.
It is important to tell your doctor about any other medication that you take when they prescribe Valtrex. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or have experienced acute renal failure. A medical history of kidney problems should also be discussed with your healthcare provider.
You should also check to see if your current medication may affect your kidneys. If this happens to be the case, you should make sure you talk with your doctor before starting the course of Valtrex.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Valtrex.
Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may harm the immune system. A strong immune system can greatly help to improve the recovery time and the treatment of your viral infection. If you decide to use alcohol with Valtrex, it makes it harder for the drug to treat the infection you have been diagnosed with.
Medication alternatives to Valtrex
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another nucleoside analog DNA polymerase inhibitor or an antiviral medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Cold Sores
If Valtrex does not effectively relieve cold sores, your healthcare provider may suggest another antiviral medication. These may include:
Genital Herpes
Some patients with kidney problems may need to consider alternative options than Valtrex. This also accounts for situations where Valtrex does not seem to reduce the flare-ups that the patient experiences effectively. A few examples of these alternative drugs include: