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How Long Before Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Takes Effect?

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Valacycovir is an antiviral medication. It is used to treat infections caused by certain types of herpes viruses. It helps to lessen the number of outbreaks, and to shorten the time of an outbreak. It also helps to lessen the severity of the symptoms of an outbreak.

Millions of people have herpes, and a majority of those people don't even know that they've contracted the virus. The infection is highly contagious, and it can be spread from person to person by skin-to-skin contact during outbreaks. In fact, the herpes virus can live for a long period of time on objects and surfaces, so you can contract the disease simply by touching something that has been infected.


There are two main types of herpes simplex viruses that can cause disease in humans: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Cold sores are caused by HSV-1. Genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. The most common site of infection is the mouth or genitals.


Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is one of the most common viruses in the world. In fact, most of the population has been exposed to it at some point. It's spread through skin-to-skin contact, usually by kissing. Cold sores are highly contagious, but they can be controlled with medication.


This article will help you better understand Valtrex, and help inform you regarding how long before valacyclovir takes effect.

How Long Does it Take for Valacyclovir (Valtrex) to Take Effect?

How long before valacyclovir takes effect? This is a common question that many ask when they first start taking this medicine. Most people don't realize that it can take a little time to see results.


In fact, it can take several days to several weeks to see full effects of the medication. The reason that it takes a while for the medicine to take effect is because it has to build up in your system. Like most drugs, it takes time to build up to a therapeutic dose in your body.


Once your body has built up a sufficient amount of the drug in your system, then you will start to see the effects. Typically, most people will start to see the effects take place within the first week.


It is also important to understand that the effects of the medicine will also vary from person to person. Some people will start to notice effects within days, while others won't notice anything for a week or more.


There are a host of factors that can play into how long before valacyclovir takes effect. For instance, if you have an active infection, you may start to notice effects sooner.


It is also important to understand that there are other medications that can interfere with the effectiveness of your valacyclovir. If you are taking other medications, it is important to talk with your doctor about your other medications. Your doctor should be able to inform you regarding how much time before valacyclovir takes effect. Generally, your doctor will want to make sure that you are on the correct dose of valacyclovir, and that you aren't taking any other medications that may interfere with your treatment.


It is also important to understand that you should never stop taking valacyclovir without talking to your doctor first. This medicine is prescribed for a reason, and it is important that you always follow your doctor's orders. If you stop taking valacyclovir too soon, you can expose yourself to the risk of a herpes outbreak, which can be painful and take a long time to heal.

Does Valtrex Work for Shingles and Cold Sores?

Yes. Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a painful, itchy skin rash that occurs in some people who have had chickenpox. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and it is estimated that one in three Americans will develop shingles sometime during their lifetime.


Valtrex (valacyclovir) is a prescription antiviral medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex (cold sores). Valtrex doesn't cure shingles or cold sores, but it can lessen the severity and duration of symptoms.

Valtrex and Your First Outbreak

Valacyclovir is a prodrug, meaning that it is not an antiherpes medication per see, but is converted into acyclovir in the body. Acyclovir is the active component of Valtrex and other antiherpes medications. The effectiveness of Valtrex is based on the action of acyclovir, which is a highly effective antiherpes medication.


Valtrex should be taken at the first sign of an outbreak. The sooner you start taking it, the more effective it will be in reducing the severity of your symptoms. Once you have started taking it, your symptoms will reduce significantly. Acyclovir is most effective when it is taken at the first sign of an outbreak, so you may not experience any relief from your symptoms if you wait until the outbreak is raging.


Your dosage may change over time, depending on the severity of your outbreaks. Your doctor may want you to take Valtrex daily during the acute phase of your outbreaks, and then to take it a few times a week after symptoms are under control. Some people take it daily for two weeks during times of stress, and then stop. Others take it daily for the duration of their lives.


You should never take more than the recommended dosage without first talking to your doctor. Taking too much Valtrex can cause kidney damage, and can be fatal. The chances of toxicity are small, so do not be afraid to ask your doctor to increase your dosage.

Conclusion

Valtrex is a very effective antiherpes medication that can reduce the severity and duration of your outbreaks. If you take it at the first sign of an outbreak, you can decrease the severity of your symptoms. You should take Valtrex daily if you are experiencing frequent outbreaks, if your doctor recommends it, or if you are at risk of transmitting the virus to others.


Valtrex is a good medication for most people who suffer from herpes. However, it is not for everyone, so you should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your doctor.

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This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.

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