Cold Sore (Valtrex – Valacyclovir/Acyclovir)

Act early to make a cold-sore outbreak shorter and more manageable.

How treatment may help: Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus. Prescription antivirals such as valacyclovir or acyclovir slow viral replication, helping lesions heal faster and reducing pain when taken promptly. They control an outbreak but do not remove the virus from the body or guarantee that future outbreaks will not occur.

What to expect: Your clinician will confirm that the symptoms fit a cold sore and select a drug and dose based on timing, outbreak history, kidney health, pregnancy, and other medications. Keep the area clean, avoid picking, and reduce close skin-to-skin contact while lesions are active. Eye pain, lesions near the eye, severe illness, dehydration, or a first severe outbreak needs prompt in-person care.