Skip to main content

Valacyclovir User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Valtrex

Valacyclovir has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 484 reviews on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 12% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Valacyclovir

  • Hybrids
  • September 9, 2016

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself. So maybe you'll have to take my word on it. But this medicine is absolutely a lifesaver. This is my third cold sore. My first time was years ago I had no idea what it was or when I did it was to late and had to deal alone. The second time was a year ago I called my dr who prescribed a round of valtrex, because I caught it kinda early it still progressed but was nothing like the first time. So my third time is happening right now. But since my last outbreak I begged my dr for a daily script . Wednesday I woke with a small lump and I knew. I took 1000mg and watched it slightly raised and I could see the pustules under the bump.. I took another 1000 at night . It never progressed past that."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • Samuel
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 19, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I took Valtrex in the beginning of symptoms of blister , 500 Mg, dose of 2 pills per day for 3 days and it worked but symptoms came back after a month or so. I got some advise from alternative medicine Doctor ,he recommended to drop red and white meat, actually no animal protein ,mostly vegetable and grains , I did it, and it's about 6 months I have not seen any symptoms or breakouts no pills either, it worked great for me so far. Meat has high levels of arginine protein which virus needs to replicate so avoiding it helps stop virus - you can also take lysine which helps too."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 14, 2013

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "I'm 27 years old and been a cold sore sufferer ever since I can remember. I've Tried everything under the sun to keep my outbreaks under control but nothing seemed to work. I went to my dermatologist and he prescribed this medicine. I usually get about 4 cold sores a year and since I have been prescribed this medicine I literally have not had one! I take 2 pills when I feel it coming on and it stops it dead in its tracks. This medication is a miracle to me, as we all know how embarrassing having a cold sore is. It has saved me from many Friday nights spent in bed hiding my face while all my friends are out and having fun. 10 out of 10!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
51 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anony...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2019

For Herpes Zoster "I am one week shy of my 50th birthday. Shingles appeared on my left torso and abdomen. I was prescribed Valcyclovir HCL 1 gram tablet 3 times a day for a week. As someone that is severely emetophobic, I am terrified to take any prescription drug. I already take too many for various issues. Of course the internet makes it worse when you read about the side effects. I am happy to report that I have had ZERO side effects on this medication. Nothing! My shingles started to go away on day three, and it is now day five. I still have them, but the medication is working! No question! I think what helps with side effects is that I take this with 24 oz (3 cups) of water. I was told to take this with a lot of water. I am so relieved to have this going away. It is really debilitating!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • NoRai...
  • November 11, 2013

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host "I was infected with HSV 2 about two weeks ago in the genital area, pubic area to be exact. Only took 2 days before typical symptoms showed but I waited 4 days before going to the ER thinking the OB was folliculitis. I was prescribed Valtrex 1gm 2xs a day for ten days. After 2.5 days I noticed that the herpes stopped spreading and the pain was gone. After 5 days it was already healing/drying up. After 10 days it is almost completely healed/few scabs left. This drug is very effective but you have to take it on time every 12 hours or as instructed by your Dr. Side effects were fatigue, dry skin, dry eyes/ slight redness at times, mood swings, hives, and sleeplessness."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Candice...
  • October 16, 2014

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "This medicine is a miracle. Sore clears up within 3 days and faster when I take as soon as I see on-set of sore. I take 2-500mg on first dose and one as directed. Do not hesitate having these on hand in case a flare up occurs. Unbelievable and I pass this info on to others I know and they are so grateful."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
44 Report
  • Lorib...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 6, 2019

For Herpes Zoster "I'm a 56 year old woman in great health- I had some weird on and off annoying stabbing nerve pain on my right side followed by an itchy welty rash. I had no idea what it was but I decided to see my dermatologist because I wanted to make sure it wasn't from spiders or bedbugs or worse. He knew what it was right away- the dreaded Shingles- and got me started on Valtrex. I guess I started taking it early enough because it stopped the progression in its tracks. I had NO pain and the blisters never surfaced. I'm going to ask for a refill so I can have it on hand just in case it ever flares up again!!! My pharmacist said to make sure to take Valtrex with lots of water as it could cause kidney stones."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Joana...
  • April 12, 2017

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "This drug has been 100% effective, I first start taking 500mg and had just had mild out breaks, decided to up the dose to 1mg a day and had no outbreaks since then. Highly recommend taking it for those who experience more than 12 outbreaks a year."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • Cinci...
  • November 17, 2016

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I had my first outbreak at 19 and maybe 1-2 minor outbreaks. At 38, my outbreaks became noticeable and frequent- as soon as the itching subsided, it would appear again 3 days later. Then my anus started to itch. After a visit to my gynecologist, I walked away with a prescription for 500 mg of valacyclovir to be taken daily. One week later I had an outbreak similar to my first, except now my buttocks and thighs were included. I had a 1 inch lesion on my inner buttocks and my vagina was swollen and weeping (the itching was unlike anything I've ever experienced). I stopped the valacyclovir after about 20 days. The symptoms abated 3 days later."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • D Mom
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 22, 2013

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Varicella-Zoster "At the age of 61 I had Shingles. This medication helped with the pain as well as the blisters. After only 3 or 4 days on Valtrex my blisters began diminishing. I would estimate somewhere between 40 to 60 percent of the blisters were gone. It is now day six and I am looking forward to a complete recovery soon."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 31, 2016

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "I had suffered through many cold sores, and spent tons of money on abreva. When my doctor prescribed me valtrex I was finally satisfied because within the first tingling feeling , and me taking valtrex most times the cold sore just disappears. I can take valtrex at the first symptom , and it's no longer an issue. Most times not even my boyfriend will see the bump , and I have to point it out. I love valtrex, and am extremely happy with my results."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • Livin...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 2, 2018

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Amazing drug, been using it during outbreaks for 2 years. Clears up within 3 days normally, and never get open sores while taking it. This drug has made my life so much better during outbreaks. If you don't have insurance though it can cost you $300 plus for a bottle. My advice is to shop around pharmacies first. I started out 1000 mg 3x a day first time. Now only takes 500mg 2x a day for 3 days and I'm good to go. All hope is not lost just because you were unlucky enough to get genital herpes. Each year the outbreaks happen less and less and are never as bad as the first two. It gets better, stay positive."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
28 Report
  • La Divo
  • January 16, 2014

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "I got cold sores since I was kid. I'm 24 yrs old now and get them about 4 times a year due to stress or if I get sick or something. I got prescribed Valtrex 3 years ago and it has done wonders. Once I feel the tingling I would take a pill and literally the cold sore would stop in its tracks. Even if it starts to show a little such as a deep red I just take a Valtrex and it would stop and then I would get some make up and cover the redness and you wouldn't even be able to tell."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Tee
  • July 11, 2019

For Cold Sores "I’ve been getting cold sores since I was a kid. Never bugged me until adulthood, where it became 2 weeks of feeling really sad and unlike myself. After talking to my doctor he prescribed me Valacyclovir and I decided to keep a refill with me. This week I woke up with tingling on Monday. Took my first dose 6 hrs after (4 caps, 500mg). Another dose 12 hrs later. While a small cluster of blisters formed, they were hardly noticeable at all. Today is Wed. evening and the sore is pretty much flat. Never got red, bigger or reached the weepy oozing stage. A little over 48 hrs later and it’s literally gone. Just a small dry patch. I came across this forum the last time I had one and didn’t have access to a prescription. If that’s you, ride it out, but know a game changer is available. See your doctor ASAP & keep capsules handy. Don’t let cold sores rule your life. I never write reviews, but if this can help anyone who struggles and feels hopeless when a sore pops up, I’m happy."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • blkstn
  • August 8, 2008

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Zoster "I was able to take Valtrex within 14 hours of the onset of the rash and I feel that it helped suppress what could have been a disaster. It has been three days on Valtrex and I am beginning to feel myself. The rash suppressed it's growth and is beginning the second and third cycle of healing."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
58 Report
  • JanH
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 21, 2013

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Varicella-Zoster "I am 54 years old and I suddenly came down with shingles on my right side of shoulder and back. When I took the Valtrex after 30 minutes I felt sudden relief. It didn't take away the pain but in combination with the Percocet I was able to live, not survive. Shingles are very painful and I don't know what I would have done without Valtrex. I would recommend it to anyone suffering from a viral."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
45 Report
  • Light...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 18, 2019

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "I actually am not sure if what I had was herpes but the side effects I experienced from just taking one dose of this drug were scary. I could barely wake up in the morning my head was hurting so much, I felt sick all day, like I was going to throw up, and I took three naps and STILL felt exhausted. I ran to the bathroom a few times thinking I was about to throw up, leaving my 4 month old alone while I did so. And I could not eat anything all day because of the nausea."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • ArtInAZ
  • December 26, 2015

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "Like so many others here, I've had cold sore outbreaks here and there since I was a little kid. It was Always a source of anxiety for me, either when I had one, or just worrying about when the next one was coming. I'm in my 30s now. About 2 years ago, I had my dentist call in a prescription when I had felt one coming on for a few hours ( the bump was forming ) not knowing what would happen. He called it in. I took my first dose within an hour. It never really formed, just stayed a bump for a half day or so and then flattened out and healed quickly. Since then I've always made sure to keep it on hand at home at my office. I've taken it several times since at the first signal and its been all clear. Cannot recommend enough!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • The...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 12, 2016

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I gotta say it really works - I thought I had a bad heat rash but it wasn't clearing up I finally asked my mom to take me to hospital and when they told me what it was I said no way and how - I still wonder why it was me out of everyone I got it - makes you feel horrible inside - but it's not the end - I've got a boyfriend who supports me through all this - thankfully he doesn't have it and doctors said I might have gotten it from a past boyfriend - but they gave me a shot in the hip and 4000 mg of valtrex - I went home still think I did not have it and that it was just a basic rash - stopped putting ointments on it and stopped all treatments I did it started to clear up - lab result later said I was positive - I cried - valtrex does work !"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • LadyT...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2016

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I can remember getting my first outbreak around 14yrs old, I had suffered from chickenpox in my younger days. I didnt know what to do about these sores. I was so embarrassed going to school, would even cry. My parents never took me to the Dr. For this. This continued throughtout my adult life. In 2012 I went to the Bahamas for vacation. Laid out in the sun, enjoyed the ocean. Woke up to tingling...couple hrs later a gigantic blister. It was soooo ugly. Tried to supress it witb alcohol or seabreeze, thats all I had then. As I took flight, seemed like it got even bigger and the itching was unbearable. That was enough. The beginning of this year I finally seeked medical attention. When I say the generic Valtrex is great...! It is!"

Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Milit...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 5, 2016

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was unfortunately diagnosed in February 2015 with HSV-2 when I experienced my first outbreak. It was horrible and devastating. I continued to get outbreaks monthly until I had enough and finally went to my doctor in July of 2015. He put me on 1 gram dose of Valtrex daily and I have not had an outbreak since. This drug is a total life saver. Couldn't be happier with the results."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • kergin
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2019

For Herpes Zoster "Valacyclovir is a miracle drug! My outward symptoms started in one little spot near my right eye, first with stabbing pain and then an itchy spot. By day 2 the outbreak had spread enough for me to start thinking it might be shingles so in going to the clinic right away it was caught early. I was on the antiviral immediately and over the next couple of days the rash spread slightly, then day 3 the drug really kicked in. One week later and I'm left with just a small spot where it originally started. My prescription is for 10 days, which I'll finish. I've had none of the possible side effects."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
23 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 15, 2020

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was diagnosed with hsv 1 &2 1 year ago. I Had my first outbreak when I hit a vaccine shot. I was experiencing outbreaks twice a month so I decided to get on medication daily. I started taking 1g Valaciclovir. Yet, on medication I was still experiencing outbreaks usually during the time I was ending my menstrual cycle. I do have an auto immune condition might this be the reason why I’m having constant outbreaks? Does this occurs to anyone else ?"

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • MaryM...
  • March 20, 2016

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Had my first outbreak about two weeks ago, it was excruciatingly painful. Couldn't urinate without being In the bath tub or running water over the sores....this outbreak had been going on for a whole two weeks almost so I went to my doctor and she prescribed me valtrex 500mg 2x a day. By the second day of taking the medication the burning while urinating went away. I am now on day 6 and the sores are almost all gone, I have maybe one left but there's little to no feeling in it. This was my first outbreak and I just turned 21, it flared up right after I got the flu and had a high fever. Apparently hsv can stay dormant in your body for some time until your immune system is shot...but I'm finally feeling normal again and the meds for sure work"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • Shoeg...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 19, 2015

Valtrex (valacyclovir) for Cold Sores "Valtrex is the only way to go. I have suffered with fever blisters as long as I can remember and they are just miserable. I get them when I run fever, sunburn on my lips, or are really stressed. Woke up with one this morning...I took Valtrex, and it will be gone by nightfall. My son also has problems with fever blisters, but they break out underneath his eye. Since he has been taking Valtrex, he has not had any problems. I also had the Shingles vaccine, which has cut down on my fever blister outbreaks unbelievably. I still get them, but usually as a result of illness. This is the best medication to come out to fight the herpes virus, ever!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.