Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). In the United States, about 1 in 6 people between the ages of 14 to 49 have genital herpes.¹ Most people with genital herpes are asymptomatic, or have mild symptoms that get mistaken for other skin conditions. When symptoms occur, they typically appear as small blisters or sores around the genitals or anus. If left untreated, these sores can worsen into painful ulcers or lesions. Fortunately, there are many effective and proven treatments available. And with Cue, it's easy to get prescriptions and medications delivered to you quickly and discreetly.

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat genital herpes. Valacyclovir does not cure genital herpes; however, it slows viral growth, which helps lessen symptoms, decrease outbreaks, and lower the risk of passing the virus to others. When you take valacyclovir, chemical reactions happen in your body to transform it into a different compound—acyclovir triphosphate (ACV-TP). ACV-TP inhibits important mechanisms needed for the virus to replicate its DNA. As a result, the virus is less capable of reproducing, which prevents it from spreading to nearby healthy cells. This helps reduce the symptoms of your outbreak, and gives your immune system a chance to bring you back to an asymptomatic state.

The information packet that comes with your prescription will have in-depth instructions on how to take valacyclovir. Generally, it comes as a tablet to be taken orally once or twice per day, depending on your symptoms. Your clinician will tell you how many days you should take valacyclovir for. You should continue taking valacyclovir for the entirety of your prescribed regimen, even if your symptoms go away. Do not take valacyclovir outside of your prescribed dosage.

Valacyclovir does not cure genital herpes.

It is not known if valacyclovir is safe and effective in:
• people with weakened immune systems, other than for control of outbreaks of genital herpes in people with HIV-1
• people 18 years of age and older with chickenpox
• children who are:
• less than 12 years of age with cold sores
• less than 2 years of age with chickenpox
• less than 18 years of age with genital herpes or shingles

Do not take valacyclovir if you have ever had an allergic reaction to:
• valacyclovir (Valtrex) or acyclovir

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
• shortness of breath
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
• rash, itching or hives on the skin
Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you have any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction listed above.

Before you take valacyclovir, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
• have had a bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant, or if you have advanced HIV-1 infection or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• have kidney problems, including if you receive dialysis
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if valacyclovir will harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you will take valacyclovir if you are pregnant.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Valacyclovir may pass into your breastmilk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your child if you take valacyclovir.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Take valacyclovir as soon as you have the first symptoms of infection such as tingling, itching, or burning, or when the sore appears.

While you are taking valacyclovir:
• take valacyclovir exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it
• your dose of valacyclovir and length of treatment will depend on the type of infection that you have and any other medical problems that you have
• drink plenty of fluids. It is important to stay well hydrated during treatment.
• tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or are trying to become pregnant or intend to breastfeed while you are taking this medicine
• if you miss a dose of valacyclovir, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or take more valacyclovir than prescribed.
• if you take too much valacyclovir, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away

Do not have sexual contact with a partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes. Use a condom and safer sex practices whenever you have sexual contact. You can still transmit herpes even when you are asymptomatic.

The below list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalization:
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) - TTP and HUS have happened in people with weakened immune systems taking valacyclovir and have led to death. TTP and HUS are disorders that can cause small blood clots to form throughout the body and decrease blood flow to body organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. Your healthcare provider will stop treatment with Valtrex if you have signs or symptoms of TTP and HUS.
• Kidney Failure
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of these signs or symptoms of nervous system problems during treatment:
• aggressive behavior
• unsteady movement
• shaky movements
• confusion
• speech problems
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there)
• seizures
• coma

Elderly people are more likely to get certain side effects.

The most commonly reported side effects of valacyclovir are:
• headache
• nausea
• stomach (abdominal) pain

INDICATION
Valacyclovir works by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes genital herpes. It can reduce the length and severity of an outbreak and duration of pain, and shorten the healing time of crusts, associated with genital herpes. Valacyclovir does not eliminate the herpes virus (Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV) from the body.

For a full list of side effects, interactions, and contraindications, please visit medlineplus.gov.

Prescription medications are not currently available in the following states: Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and West Virginia. This list is subject to change.