Valacyclovir for Cold Sores User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2023

"Woke up on Monday and immediately felt a tingle on my chin. Freaked out as I am going on a really nice vacation this Friday. Got up and saw that they were starting to form. Put some Abreva on and then used Teladoc to see if anything could be prescribed. Doctor recommended valacyclovir, and I was able to pick it up about 4 hrs later. Took 2 g, and then 12 hrs later the other 2 g before I went to bed. At this time, it had stopped hurting, and the sores were flatter than they usually are at this stage. Got up the following morning, and it was already healing! Sores were scabbing, so put some more Abreva on it. Woke up on Wednesday, and it was pretty much gone, just a little red. I can't express how grateful I am!! 2 days instead of 10. This is truly a miracle."

• Anonymous
• April 22, 2010

Valacyclovir "I got a small dot on my lip on Tuesday at work and thought it might be a cold sore coming on, but I wasn't sure. By Tuesday evening, however, I was sure it was a cold sore and started putting Abreva on it. By the time I woke up on Wednesday, it was a full-blown cold sore. The doctor prescribed Valtrex, 2 pills (1000 mg each) to take immediately and 2 pills (1000 mg each) to take 12 hours later. I was skeptical after reading mixed reviews online, but when I woke up this morning, it had already started to scab. Had I not gone to the doctor, this would have dragged out for at least 4-5 more days before it even got to the scab phase. I am so relieved to have found this product."

• Say...
• November 30, 2014

Valacyclovir "I ALWAYS get cold sores every time I get sick, so this morning when I woke up (after being sick all night) I noticed a little bump. I was so upset, I got so tired of cold sores. Every time I get them, they are huge and awful looking. So, I went to the doctor for the first time about my cold sores and was prescribed Valtrex, and I was only given 4 pills, and it was instructed to take all 4 pills in one day. I was a bit disappointed in that, though. I took all 4 and went to bed. Usually by the next morning (without medication) the cold sore gets bigger, but this time it didn't! I still had a small bump, but it would have been worse without the medication. From someone who suffers from bad cold sores, I am SO happy with this medicine!"

• Zig...
• February 6, 2014

"This is practically a miracle product. I've been getting cold sores since I was about 2 years old. My whole life, whenever I would get a cold sore, it would be a 10-day ordeal. They were embarrassing and painful. Now, the second I know that there is a cold sore coming, I take the medication, and the sore will stop in its tracks and scab up 24 hours later. It is the best thing for any cold sore sufferer. Don't bother with Abreva or any of those ointments at the pharmacy."

• ABf...
• December 9, 2016

Valacyclovir "I've gotten cold sores for years. I've had some disfiguring experiences with larger ones that scab over on or around my lips. They started in my 30s and, over thirty years, have always been with me. Sometimes I go for 7-8 months without being affected, but they never cease completely. There are times when I get one, it runs its course for about 10 days, then in a week or two, I get another that can be more severe. Generally, it works well. Although it is still effective at controlling an outbreak and reducing healing time, it is far from a cure, and outbreaks can still result in blisters even when taken A.S.A.P. after the first signs. TIMING IS IMPORTANT. Take at first tingle is a good rule, but if an outbreak occurs during sleep, not much can be done."

• Dzw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

Valacyclovir "Valtrex was a wonder drug for me. I used to get 1 to 2 cold sores monthly, especially in the wintertime. After taking one round of this medication, I have NEVER had any cold sores return... and that has been over 2 years now! I am free from the multiple, painful blisters that used to make me miserable for weeks until they went away. Nothing ever worked for me before... this medication has changed my life."

• Isa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2018

Valacyclovir "As an anxious person, I was worried when I saw how many pills to ingest and the possible side effects. Decided to jump in and let me tell you, the benefits outweighed my fears. I could feel it erupting - took the medication and the very next day I was 95% healed. There will be no more Abreva / Blistex for me. This is the way to go. Thank you, Valtrex. (Took the generic form)"

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2010

Valacyclovir "Great medication! I am a hygienist and have been looking for a treatment for cold sores for my patients. I learned about Valtrex in school, but had not had a chance to try it until I got an outbreak recently. I had my doctor prescribe me 2 g to take 12 hours apart as the herpes labialis prescription suggests, and it worked wonders. I got tingling on Tuesday, took medication on Wednesday (had a small blister forming at the time), and on Thursday it is a small healing scab. Never got big enough for anyone to notice unless I pointed it out (which I did to everyone in my dental office because the healing was so great, they agreed). I am going to recommend it for my patients who suffer from frequent cold sores."

• Jet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 29, 2014

Valacyclovir "I have been getting cold sores since I was in the 6th grade. Unfortunately, I am a special case, I have NEVER had one on my lip! They always appear either on my chin or my nose. It's awful, especially on the nose. I am giving this a 7 due to the fact it's no longer reducing the size of my breakouts anymore, even with the topical cream. It only seems to reduce the healing period, which isn't that great when I get one on my nose (yes, you guessed it, it's the tip), and I end up looking like a clown. I even got three breakouts in just this past March! It's definitely not working like it used to, and I am only 19, so I am now fearful for the years to come. I'm hoping it was just a little expired and will be going back to the doctor for a refill."

• Som...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2019

Valacyclovir "I’m a 37-year-old healthy male and competitive athlete. I've gotten “cold sores” inside my mouth perhaps once or twice a year since my early 20s. Eight weeks ago, I developed a single small sore. Before it went away, I got another... then another... This has continued for 2 months, and I haven’t had a day where I haven’t had at least one since May. I’m not sure what’s up to cause this other than workouts have been hard for a while leading up to a competition I have in August, but yesterday I woke up with 4 small lesions (one brand new from the night before) and decided to go see a doctor. I received 5 days' worth (10 pills) of 1G Valtrex to be taken 2 times per day. So far, I have taken 2 pills, and 24 hours later, all four sores are healing, I feel great, and I have no new ones. I’m pretty ecstatic right now. This stuff works very fast if you’re lucky."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2011

Valacyclovir "I've had cold sores my entire life, recently, I've been getting outbreak after outbreak, each one increasing in severity. Last week, I started to get what I thought was going to be a minor outbreak, as I had just recovered from my last one the week before. I got online and started researching homeopathic remedies, OTC (Abreva, Releev, L-lysine, Campho) only seems to work if I use it at just the right time. So I started trying all the home remedies I read about: hydrogen peroxide, ice, tea bag, toothpaste, etc. Well, nothing worked. After missing four days of school and barely sleeping all week, I went to urgent care, and I was prescribed Valtrex. The new sores stopped forming almost immediately, and the older ones started healing very fast."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2012

Valacyclovir "When I say I have NEVER, EVER taken/applied any medication to my cold sores before that is as effective as Valtrex, I MEAN IT. I have been dealing with this virus forever, and I have tried everything. My doctor gave me a prescription to have on hand, and 3 weeks ago, I was afraid to ask for it at the pharmacy. 2 days ago, though, when I woke up with that infamous tingle, I ran and filled it up. I messed up the dosage, but once I caught up, it REALLY began to disappear. By mid 2nd day, it was practically flat, and I typically swell badly. It's day 3, and I'm back to normal. Thank God for Valtrex! Try it."

• Jes...
• November 14, 2018

"I have been getting cold sores ever since I could remember. I have tried everything! Carmex, Abreva, tea tree oil, and other over-the-counter cold sore medications with minimal luck. I even used acyclovir, which I thought was the best thing out there until I got valacyclovir. I felt a raging bump on my upper lip 2 days ago and took 2g about 4 hrs after I felt it. After 12 hrs, the bump increased in size and I was absolutely devastated, but took another 2g. After 12 hrs, the bump looked like it was about to burst, but it didn’t, in fact, it shrunk. Took another 2g and after 4 hrs, the thing is almost gone. There is no crusting, no oozing, just a small, dry, red, slightly scaly base. I am not on suppressive therapy, so I take this as soon as I feel the bump coming on. I take 2 grams every 12 hrs and it has been a lifesaver."

• Liz...
• January 23, 2014

"Seriously, this product will change your life. I'm 22 and have had cold sores since I was little. I get them when I'm sick, but now I have been getting them whenever I'm stressed out. Just this past year alone, I have gotten one almost every other month, and this month I've already gotten two. It's really frustrating and embarrassing. It takes two weeks to heal, and lately, I have been left with big scars around my lips, which are really noticeable. I happened to be at my OBGYN's office, and I mentioned it to him. He prescribed me this medication, and in just two days (2g every 12 hours), my sore has already completely scabbed and healed. Now I take 1 500 mg every day to help prevent any from coming. My doctor said it will cut down my sores from 5-6 a year to 1."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 2, 2012

Valacyclovir "I got my first cold sore when I was 3 years old. I am now 36 and have tried every topical ointment available over that time frame, both prescription and OTC. If you have recurrent cold sores, you know all too well the stress associated with having one. A few years ago, my doctor's assistant suggested I take a sample of Valtrex, keep it on hand, and when I first sense a cold sore coming, take 1 gram, then wait 12 hours and take another gram, and do this for 2 full days - or 4 total doses. I was nearly sore-free in 2 days. It works best if you catch it early but still can be effective on a developed sore. I now ask my doctor for a 30-pill supply and keep it at the ready. I find I fill it once a year."

• ste...
• December 10, 2014

Valacyclovir "I get cold sores maybe once or twice a year. I keep Valtrex on hand, and if I take it quick enough when I have the feeling one is coming on, it won't even appear. If I wake up and I have the tingly feeling on my lip and I take it, it will reduce it significantly. When you feel the tingling, make sure you take the full dose, not just one. Also, the cold sore healing patches by Polysporin are amazing! If you get a full-blown cold sore and put these on, it will shrink it almost down to nothing."

• Max...
• October 27, 2016

Valacyclovir "I have had intermittent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) since 2012, presenting with viral-like symptoms. My ID, Dr. found that a local renowned university is treating CFS with anti-virals, and we decided to give it a shot. It took about 4 months to work, but at the moment I am currently in a 7-month remission, which is unprecedented (the longest remission previous was 2 months). I still have the fear that my symptoms may one day return, but at the moment it looks like Valtrex is keeping them at bay. For CFS sufferers who test positive for HSV-1, HHV-6, EBV, etc., I would recommend asking your Dr. about this medicine."

• sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2020

"I am 22 years old, and I seem to get a cold sore at least once a month. Sometimes I go longer without one, but they have pretty much ruined my self-esteem when I have them. So I went to the doctor with a full-blown, weeping sore, and I was prescribed valacyclovir. Within a couple of hours, the cold sore had dried up and was beginning to heal. I have never turned back since. If I take four 500 mg pills when I feel the tingle, the cold sore won't even form! When I can't catch it before it forms, taking four 500 mg will shorten the length to a couple of days. ALWAYS HAVE THIS HANDY."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2012

Valacyclovir "Been dealing with cold sores for 26 years now. As soon as I feel the tingle, I grab 2 Valtrex from my glove compartment or backpack combined with Denavir cream, and I'm going on 2 years with no visible outbreaks. Officially have the perfect herpes weapon. Even though the medication is expensive, it is so worth it because you only take it when you need it if you're able to tell when you may get one."

• Anonymous
• April 1, 2015

Valacyclovir "I've had cold sores since I was a kid and have only recently started taking Valtrex, but I have to say, this stuff is a game changer! I usually get a cold sore about once a year, and it lasts anywhere from a week to two weeks. I'm an entertainer, so they always seem to pop up right around a big gig, so you can imagine the anguish it creates. I eat healthy and work out regularly, so that cuts down on their frequency, but they still occasionally pop up. My doctor recently prescribed me the medication, and I had completely forgotten about it until I woke up the day before a big gig with a significant bump and serious redness. I immediately took two 1 mg tablets and two more later before bed in conjunction with Abreva. By morning, it was gone!"

• Anonymous
• November 12, 2012

Valacyclovir "I have had cold sores since I was a little kid, and I'm always super mad and shocked a lot of the time that I wake up and find one. You would think after getting them forever that you would know when you are getting one. Have used Zovirax, then Abreva became available, and if you could time it right, it worked awesome. I'm a smoker, so I frequently spread the cold sores around my mouth, just as one is healing, another will show up. Two months of continuous cold sores hurts and is embarrassing. My friend told me about Valtrex a year ago after having cold sore after cold sore. After the first dose, the sore shriveled up, second dose, they were scabbed and healing. Huge help with the pain factor too. Amazing, if you haven't already, try it!"

• oka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2018

"Sad to say, I thought this would work since many people claim it's life-saving. Took the 2 pills 2x a day, 1g each, and it only made it worse. Even tried acyclovir 400 mg, and nothing helps. It has only gotten bigger and more fluid-filled bumps visible. Also, I never get it on my right lip, only on the left side, and after taking acyclovir, I got my first right side sore."

• Anonymous
• December 14, 2009

Valacyclovir "I have been taking Valtrex for the past 3 months or so, with no outbreaks. I have been dealing with cold sores for over 10 years, and this past year was what made me talk to my doctor about getting a prescription. I typically get them when it's cold outside, my immune system is down, or I am stressed. So far, so good. I take them every day with my pillbox so I can remember. Works wonders so far. I hate those little buggers, this has been a lifesaver during the times I have been stressed."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2011

Valacyclovir "I don't write too many reviews, but I wanted to let you know that this medicine really works. I woke up with tingling on my lip and knew exactly what it was, then, 4 hours later, another one appeared. I immediately started putting Zovirax on my cold sores every 2 hours. I woke up the next morning to find another one starting. I knew that I couldn't handle 3 of these hideous things on my face, and I had heard from a drug rep that Valtrex really worked. But she wasn't sure if it worked AFTER they had been present for a day or two. I called my doctor, and she prescribed Valtrex 36 hrs after they started. I can honestly say that it worked. In 3 days, there was nothing but a simple little red mark on my lips."

• col...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2012

Valacyclovir "I have suffered from cold sores since I was 3 months old. I'm now 25, I suffered bad cold sores with anything that I was emotional over. The big one is stress. My problem was I always missed the tingle, I would go to bed fine and wake up the next day with my whole bottom lip swollen, full of blisters. Over time, it progressed to my cheek, above my eyebrow, my chin, and all my glands would swell. One day, I woke up and couldn't open my eye. I had blisters all over my eyelid, and it was completely swollen from my forehead down my cheek and the area in between. I was on every medicine. I was put on Valtrex 500 mg, and for the last 3 years, I have had very little breakouts, and the severity has decreased. The only side effect was dry skin, but it won't stop me from taking it, I never felt so confident."