Valacyclovir (Valtrex) vs Acyclovir for Cold Sores & Shingles

Here’s Exactly How Valacyclovir and Acyclovir Work

Valacyclovir and acyclovir are very, very closely related drugs.

That’s a simple rule of thumb to remember, actually: Generally speaking, when two pharmaceutical products have similar names, they probably belong to the same family and do the same things.

(That isn’t necessarily a safe assumption to make, and isn’t always the case – but it can help with making sense of dense chemical-sounding names, sometimes!)

In this case, valacyclovir and acyclovir are actually more than just members of the same drug class.

Once a person takes valacyclovir, that person’s body turns the valacyclovir into acyclovir.

This makes valacyclovir something called a “prodrug” – a drug that turns into another drug once inside the body.

That might seem like an extra step to take toward treatment, but there are a few reasons why someone might want to take the prodrug over the drug. We’ll get into those reasons shortly.

For now, know this:

Both drugs target the herpes simplex virus and the varicella-zoster virus (the one responsible for shingles and chickenpox).

They work by interfering with the virus’s ability to replicate its DNA, helping stop new sores from forming and allowing your immune system to heal existing sores faster.

Here’s a little bit about how they differ:

Let’s go over that difference in a little more detail.

What would that mean for you and your body?

The Biggest Difference is All About Convenience and Dosing

Both antivirals are equally effective when taken correctly.

But valacyclovir (Valtrex) has one major advantage: it stays active in your system longer, so you don’t need to take it as often.

Here’s a quick look at typical doses of each drug for a few different conditions…

That difference in frequency from condition to condition can make taking valacyclovir a more convenient option. (This can be especially true for people who struggle to keep up with multiple daily doses.)

If you’re busy, traveling, or simply prefer simplicity, Valtrex may help improve adherence, which can translate to better outcomes.

On the other hand, if cost is a concern, acyclovir remains a tried-and-true, highly affordable alternative.

(Of course, price alone shouldn’t have to dictate your medication-taking experience. We may have a solution, but more on that in a moment.)

How Fast Does Valacyclovir Work for Cold Sores?

Valacyclovir works quite quickly for cold sores when taken as directed.

Most people begin to notice improvement within 24 to 48 hours of starting valacyclovir for cold sores. The tingling, burning, and pain usually lessen quickly. (This is especially true if you start taking the medication at the very first sign of a viral outbreak.)

The Pros and Cons of Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Let’s get a little bit more into what valacyclovir, or its branded equivalent Valtrex, brings to the table.

While both antivirals share the same active ingredient once processed in the body, Valtrex has a reputation as the more modern, patient-friendly option.

Why is that?

The Advantages of Valacyclovir

When used as directed, valacyclovir can help patients achieve the following benefits:

The Potential Downsides of Valacyclovir

No drug is perfect. Depending on your unique health goals and personal circumstances, there could be some potential cons to be aware of when it comes to valacyclovir, including its:

Still, for people who value convenience and rapid relief, especially those prone to frequent outbreaks, valacyclovir is often the top choice.

The Pros and Cons of Acyclovir

If Valtrex is the upgraded model, acyclovir is the reliable original.

It’s been in use since the 1980s and, today, acyclovir is still an affordable, effective antiviral for anyone managing herpes-related infections.

The Advantages of Acyclovir

When used as directed, acyclovir can help you experience:

The Potential Downsides of Acyclovir

Acyclovir comes with its fair share of possible cons, too.

These may not be dealbreakers, but, as you assess valacyclovir vs. acyclovir, it’s a good idea to be aware of the following:

Valacyclovir vs Acyclovir for Shingles

Both valacyclovir and acyclovir can reduce both the severity and duration of shingles symptoms.

For a few reasons, though, valacyclovir tends to be a bit more favored in clinical practice.

Here’s why:

Acyclovir can also be effective, especially for mild cases or when started early, but strict adherence to dosing is key.

Both drugs should ideally be started within 72 hours of the first shingles rash or pain to achieve the best results.

Valacyclovir vs Acyclovir Side Effects

Both valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir are generally well-tolerated.

Further, since valacyclovir converts into acyclovir once inside your body, their side effect profiles are nearly identical.

Common Side Effects of Both Medications Include…

Rare or Serious Side Effects of Both Medications Include…

Which Causes More Side Effects?

Most people tolerate both equally well.

That said, because acyclovir requires a more frequent dosing schedule, side effects like nausea or headache can occur slightly more often simply because of the higher number of doses.

Cost and Availability: Valacyclovir vs Acyclovir

If you’re living in America, there’s a very good chance that one of the deciding factors for you, here, is cost.

We deeply do not believe that the skyrocketing price of antiviral medications should decide which medication you can take, which is why we provide a simple way to access reliably low prices for both of these drugs (and many, many other prescription and non-prescription treatments).

Buying these two medications without insurance and in a typical American pharmacy can result in a very varied experience.

Acyclovir is one of the most affordable antivirals available. A full course for cold sores or shingles can cost just a few dollars, especially when purchased as a generic.

Valacyclovir (or Valtrex) is more expensive, but it’s also available in generic form, which significantly lowers the price compared to brand-name Valtrex.

Here’s the thing, though: You might not be able to find the generic versions of these drugs, and even generic versions can be priced oddly high.

For those managing chronic herpes or shingles outbreaks, those cost differences add up … especially if you find yourself requiring these medications on a regular basis.

Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy both valacyclovir and acyclovir for extremely low prices.

You can buy brand-name Valtrex through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $7.50 per tablet.

You can buy generic valacyclovir through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $3.00 per tablet.

And you can buy generic acyclovir through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $0.25 per tablet.

And all with the convenience of shipping your cold sore or shingles meds directly to your front door!

Special Considerations: Seniors, Kidney Health, and Long-Term Use

Both acyclovir and valacyclovir are safe for use in older adults, but some precautions apply. Because kidney function naturally decreases with age, the drugs may take longer to clear from the body.

For some people, this can increase the risk of their experiencing some mild side effects, including dizziness, confusion, or fatigue.

Since this is the case, many healthcare providers prefer valacyclovir for seniors since it requires fewer doses per day, lowering the chance of missed or accidental extra doses.

Kidney or Liver Conditions

If you have kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe lower doses or longer intervals between doses of either valacyclovir or acyclovir. This is just to make sure your body has a break to clear the medication appropriately, and to make sure you don’t suffer undue side effects.

The same goes for liver conditions, though serious complications are rare.

In either case, your doctor will likely want you to go in for routine blood work, just to make sure you’re doing okay and these medications are working as hard as possible for you and your health!

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Both valacyclovir and acyclovir are considered generally safe in pregnancy when used as prescribed. They’ve been studied extensively, and no increase in birth defects or other undue, dangerous side effects has been observed.

That said, if you are pregnant (or could become pregnant) or are nursing (or plan to nurse), it’s a good idea to consult your provider to confirm that you have the right medication, the right dose, and the right schedule.

Ordering Antivirals Safely from Canada: Your Quickstart Guide

Whether you and your doctor have determined that valacyclovir or acyclovir is the right medication for you, you’re in the right place.

Both of these medications are available through this online and international and Canadian pharmacy websites for reliably low prices.

Here, you’ll find and benefit from:

Once you have an updated, valid prescription for the medication you need, you can upload it to our site, navigate to the acyclovir or valacyclovir product pages, select your dosage, and click “add to cart.”

We’ll guide you through our safe, brief ordering process from there.

Before you know it, your medication will be shipped discreetly and safely to your door.

By working with your doctor and ordering through a reputable online pharmacy, you can access the right medication at the right price at the right time … and focus on healing faster and living well. The entire team here at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to supporting you and your healthcare journey.