Valtrex for Cold Sores - Too Often?

[RTG22]

I get cold sores and was recently prescribed valtrex for outbreaks. Trouble is, it isn't always obvious that I'm going to have an outbreak. I'd rather be safe than sorry - but don't want to take valtrex too often if it isn't safe.

Would it be a problem if I took the one day 2,000 mg maybe twice per month when I thought an outbreak might be coming on?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be ebst if you could consult your doctor anout the dosing schedule and then take the drug accordingly.

As you might be well aware of, no medication is without side effects.

Do keep us posted on how you are doing and if you need any other information.

Regards.

[RTG22]

I understand it is not to be used for suppression. I take it only when I think i might be having an outbreak - but I'm not always sure if it is a "real outbreak" coming on - so sometimes I may take it a bit more than needed.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I can understand the trouble you may be going through.

Valtrex has been recognized to be useful in both Genital Herpes as well as Cold sores. However, it id not approved for suppression of Cold sores as you have asked. Therefore you may not take this drug in a such fashion.

Cold sores are also known as Herpes Labialis and are caused by reactivation of latent Herpes viruses.

Hope this helped. let me know if you may need any more information.

Best regards