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Valtrex (valacyclovir)

With our quick and easy online prescription process, you can manage your health effortlessly — whether you need a first-time prescription for Valtrex (valacyclovir) or a refill of an existing one.

Licensed providers in all 50 states

Expert-guided, evidence-based treatments

Skip the trip to the doctor's office

Visit options

Costs shown are for the visit only. You'll pay for medication at your preferred pharmacy.

Video Visit

$25

Est. or $100 w/o insurance

Chat Visit

$30

w/o insurance

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified clinicians

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)?

Valtrex is an antiviral medication used to treat and suppress herpes infections—including genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. It's a prodrug of acyclovir, meaning the body converts it into acyclovir after absorption, achieving higher blood levels than acyclovir taken directly. Valtrex works by interfering with the herpes virus's ability to replicate its DNA inside infected cells. It can be taken episodically to shorten outbreaks or as daily suppressive therapy to reduce outbreak frequency and lower the risk of transmitting herpes to a partner.

Viral DNA replication inhibition

Valacyclovir is converted to acyclovir, which is then activated by a viral enzyme and incorporated into the virus's DNA chain—halting replication and preventing the virus from producing new infectious particles.

Prodrug bioavailability advantage

As a prodrug, Valacyclovir achieves 3–5 times higher blood levels of acyclovir than oral acyclovir itself, allowing for less frequent dosing with better antiviral coverage.

Suppressive therapy option

Taken daily at a lower dose, Valtrex reduces outbreak frequency by 70–80% and significantly lowers the risk of transmitting herpes to uninfected partners—making it a tool for both symptom management and transmission prevention.

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

What our customers have to say

“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”

Emerald

“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”

Kaylee

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”

Nika

Get the care you need, without the wait.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between using Valtrex for an outbreak vs. daily suppression?

For outbreaks, it's taken at higher doses for 3–5 days to shorten the episode. For suppression, a lower daily dose reduces outbreak frequency and lowers the risk of transmitting herpes to a partner.

Does Valtrex cure herpes?

No. Valtrex manages the herpes virus — reducing outbreak frequency and severity — but does not eliminate it from the body. The virus remains dormant in nerve tissue even during symptom-free periods.

How much does daily Valtrex reduce transmission risk?

Clinical studies show daily suppressive Valtrex reduces the risk of transmitting genital herpes to an uninfected partner by approximately 48%. Using condoms in addition provides further risk reduction.

What side effects might I experience?

Valtrex is generally very well tolerated. Headache and nausea are the most commonly reported effects. Rare but serious kidney effects can occur at very high doses — staying well hydrated is recommended.

Should I take Valtrex even if I have no symptoms?

For daily suppressive therapy, yes — the goal is to maintain consistent antiviral levels to reduce both symptomatic outbreaks and asymptomatic viral shedding, which can also transmit the virus.