Valtrex tablets belong to a group of medicines called antivirals. They are used for the treatment of genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), ophthalmic zoster (shingles affecting the eye region) and cold sores (herpes labialis). It also used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease following solid organ transplantation. CMV is another type of herpes virus that can cause symptoms similar to glandular fever (high temperature, sore throat and swollen glands).
Valtrex tablets work by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes herpes, shingles and 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 herpes, shingles and cold sores. Valtrex does not eliminate the herpes virus (Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV) from the body.
It is important the treatment for shingles is started within the first three days of the shingles attack.
For the treatment of cold sores, the tablets should be taken at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g. tingling, itching, or burning).
For the treatment of herpes simplex, start taking the tablets as soon as you feel an outbreak starting, as you may prevent the blisters from developing, or help the blisters to heal more quickly.
Valtrex tablets can also be taken long term to help prevent or reduce recurrent outbreaks of HSV and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus that causes genital herpes but does not cure or completely eliminate the risk of transmission.