Valacyclovir

Genital Herpes Treatment

When it comes to genital herpes, it’s easy to feel out of control. You just don’t know when a breakout might happen—and that stress can feel far heavier than the breakout itself. But with valacyclovir, an oral, antiviral medication, you can help keep your breakouts at bay. And avoid taking a trip to the doctor’s office while you’re at it.

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Important safety information

* Prescription products require an online consultation with a physician who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Valacyclovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or dizziness.

This page has been medically reviewed by Patrick Carroll, MD.

How do I use valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir can be used as an episodic therapy or suppressive therapy to treat genital herpes. As an episodic therapy, valacyclovir can treat an individual breakout as it occurs, if the treatment is started within one day of noticing symptoms. As suppressive therapy, valacyclovir is taken on a daily basis to help keep breakouts from occurring. This is often recommended for people who experience frequent or severe recurrences, or would like to reduce the risk of transmission to a sexual partner. A doctor will evaluate you and determine if either approach is appropriate for you.

Breakouts, managed

Although not curable, genital herpes can be treatable with an antiviral medication like valacyclovir. When you take valacyclovir every day (suppressive therapy), asymptomatic viral shedding can be reduced by 70-80%. This means that you may lessen the frequency and severity of your genital herpes outbreaks as well as reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes to your sexual partner when used in conjunction with safe sex practices (i.e., latex or polyurethane condoms).

LEARN: Herpes Outbreak Frequency

Why Hims?

Privacy for your privates

Your discussion with doctors through our platform will be kept confidential. Not only that, but your medication is shipped in a generic Hims box—with no treatment info.

LEARN: ABOUT HERPES MEDICATION

Convenience is king

By going through Hims, you don’t have to see a doctor in-person or pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. Your treatment will be shipped quickly and discreetly to your door.

LEARN: VALACYCLOVIR DOSAGE FOR HERPES

Stay safe

Side effects may occur with any prescription medicine. Talk to a doctor through our platform if you are concerned about side effects or if you experience any side effects while using the Valacyclovir.