Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). In the United States, it's estimated that between 50% and 80% of adults have oral herpes.¹ Most people with oral 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 mouth. 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.

Valtrex is an antiviral medication used to treat cold sores. Valtrex does not cure cold sores; however, it slows viral growth, which helps lessen symptoms and makes them go away sooner. When you take Valtrex, 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 Valtrex. Generally, it comes as a tablet to be taken twice for one day, as soon as you have warning signs of a mouth sore (such as burning or tingling). Do not take Valtrex outside of your prescribed dosage.

When prescribed for cold sores in adults, Valtrex is typically taken at a dosage of 2 g every 12 hours for one day. Your clinician will ultimately determine whether you qualify for your prescription and dosage, if applicable.

Valtrex does not cure cold sores.

It is not known if Valtrex 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 Valtrex if you have ever had an allergic reaction to:
• valacyclovir 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 Valtrex, 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 Valtrex will harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you will take Valtrex if you are pregnant.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Valtrex may pass into your breastmilk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your child if you take Valtrex.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Take Valtrex 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 Valtrex:
• take Valtrex exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it
• your dose of Valtrex 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 Valtrex, 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 Valtrex than prescribed.
• if you take too much Valtrex, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away

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 Valtrex 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 Valtrex are:
• headache
• nausea
• stomach (abdominal) pain

INDICATION
Valtrex works by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes cold sores. It can reduce the length and severity of an outbreak and duration of pain, and shorten the healing time of crusts, associated with cold sores. Valtrex 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.