Valtrex for Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters result from a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. More often than not these blisters appear on the lips, and are nothing but fluid-filled lesions. If you have had cold cores outbreak before, it is most likely that you would get a tingling feeling on the area, one or two days prior to the appearance of the blisters. The symptoms usually stay for 10 days to a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, if the virus makes its entry into the body, it stays there for life. And from time to time, with the help of a few triggers, it will reactivate and cause the outbreak in the form of blisters. What I mean to say is, cold sores have no cure. But the good news is, they usually do not require any treatment, as they generally disappear within about two weeks, as mentioned above. However, taking oral or topical medications may help in relieving the unpleasant symptoms. And one of the topical medications is Valtrex, whose generic name is Valacyclovir.

How Does Valtrex Work to Relieve Cold Sore Symptoms?
To repeat what I have cited above, the herpes virus is too stubborn to get out of the system it has infected. After infecting the person, it may remain dormant for several years, only to be triggered and become active thus, causing the symptoms. Now what Valtrex does is, it inhibits the multiplication of this virus in the body. In this way, it helps in lessening the outbreaks and the severity of the symptoms.

Valtrex for Other Medical Conditions
Valtrex is also used for treating conditions such as shingles, chickenpox, genital herpes, and for lessening the probability of spread of herpes infection among sexual partners.

Dosage
Dosage depends upon the age of the person, and if he is already on some other kinds of medications. Also, weight and other underlying medical conditions are also taken into consideration. With cold sores, the recommended dosage is about 2000 mg. This has to be administered twice a day, and for one day. Also, the dosages must have a gap of 12 hours between. This dosage applies for adults and children above 12 years of age. Off late, generic Valtrex for cold sore has started becoming available. The drug comes in strength of 500 mg and 1000 mg.

Side Effects
As with all other medication, Valtrex too has its own share of side effects. But the good news is, most people are known to tolerate the side effects well. The possible side effects may include:

• Headache is one side effect that may occur in most people.
• Then comes nausea, which is also common in some people.
• Abdominal pain may also be a possible side effect, but less common than this could be depression.
• About 8% of women using Valtrex might experience painful menstrual periods.
• And other less common symptoms are joint pain, dizzy spells and increased liver enzymes.

Precautions
Before going for this drug, you must consult your health care provider, or a doctor, if you are suffering from or had:

• Any kind of kidney disease
• Kidney transplant
• HIV/AIDS
• Depression
• Autoimmune disorder
• Allergic reactions

The effectiveness of Valtrex in the treatment of cold sores is well-known by most. However, it may vary depending upon the severity of the outbreak and the correct dosage. Also its use must be supervised by a doctor, especially for expecting and nursing mothers.