Valacyclovir is the most widely prescribed antiviral for genital herpes management, available through Eros MD with a confidential physician consultation. Suppressive or episodic dosing, delivered in plain packaging.
about valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication FDA-approved for the treatment and suppression of genital herpes (HSV-2), as well as cold sores (HSV-1) and shingles (herpes zoster). It is the generic form of brand-name Valtrex, therapeutically identical at a significantly lower cost.
Valacyclovir is a prodrug. After oral administration, it is rapidly converted in the body to acyclovir, the active antiviral compound. Acyclovir works by interfering with the herpes virus's ability to replicate DNA, effectively suppressing viral activity. It does not eliminate the virus from the body, but it substantially reduces the virus's ability to replicate and cause outbreaks.
Valacyclovir has a well-established safety and efficacy profile accumulated over decades of clinical use. It is the first-line recommended antiviral for genital herpes by major medical organizations including the CDC and ACOG.
What is valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is the generic form of Valtrex, an antiviral FDA-approved for genital herpes (HSV-2), cold sores (HSV-1), and shingles. It is the first-line antiviral recommended by the CDC and ACOG for genital herpes management, with decades of accumulated clinical safety and efficacy data.
generic equivalence
Nothing clinically significant. Generic valacyclovir contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Valtrex, in the same FDA-approved doses, manufactured to the same bioequivalence standards. The only meaningful difference is cost. Generic valacyclovir is a fraction of the price.
protocol comparison
Suppressive Therapy
Episodic Therapy
Dosing
Purpose
When to Take
Best For
Transmission Benefit
500mg or 1,000mg once daily, continuous
Prevent outbreaks, reduce viral shedding, lower transmission risk
Every day, regardless of symptoms
Frequent outbreaks (6+ per year), transmission prevention priority, peace of mind
Yes, reduces shedding and transmission risk
1,000mg twice daily for 5 days, at onset of outbreak
Shorten outbreak duration and reduce severity
At first sign of outbreak, most effective within 24 hours
Infrequent outbreaks, preference to avoid daily medication
Less, does not affect asymptomatic shedding between outbreaks
the details
Your Eros MD provider will recommend suppressive or episodic dosing based on your outbreak history, relationship status, and goals. Both protocols are available through Eros MD.
Important Note
Valacyclovir is processed by the kidneys. Dose adjustment may be required for patients with reduced kidney function. Your Eros MD provider screens for this during your assessment. Maintain good hydration while taking valacyclovir.
500mg to 1g once daily, taken ongoing. Reduces outbreak frequency and lowers transmission risk to a partner.
1g twice daily for 5 days, started at the first sign of an outbreak. Shortens outbreak duration and reduces severity.
1g twice daily for 7 to 10 days. First outbreaks benefit from a longer-course regimen.
the fine print
Common Side Effects
Headache (most common)
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Dizziness (less common)
Most side effects are mild and self-limiting
Serious Considerations
Kidney function: valacyclovir is processed by the kidneys, and dose adjustment may be required for patients with reduced kidney function. Your provider screens for this during assessment.
Immunocompromised patients: higher doses may be needed and closer monitoring is required.
Drug interactions are minimal. Your provider reviews all current medications during assessment.
Long-Term Safety
Daily suppressive valacyclovir has been studied for use over multiple years with a consistent safety profile. Ongoing physician monitoring is part of all Eros MD treatment plans.
How it works
Discreet, physician-led, no in-person visit required for most patients.
Complete your confidential herpes assessment, covers your diagnosis, outbreak history, current medications, and whether you are seeking suppressive or episodic treatment.
A licensed Eros MD physician reviews your assessment and determines the appropriate valacyclovir protocol for your situation.
If prescribed, valacyclovir is dispensed at your provider-specified dose from a licensed US pharmacy.
Delivered in plain, unmarked packaging, no identifying information on the outside of the package.
Follow-up support is included. Your provider can adjust your dosing protocol or answer questions at any point.
Questions worth asking
Yes. Valacyclovir is the generic name for the medication sold under the brand name Valtrex. Generic valacyclovir contains the same active ingredient at the same doses, manufactured to the same FDA bioequivalence standards. It is therapeutically identical to Valtrex at a lower cost.
For episodic treatment, valacyclovir is most effective when started within 24 hours of the first signs of an outbreak. Suppressive therapy typically reduces outbreak frequency within 1 to 2 months of consistent daily use, with full suppressive effect accumulating over time.
Yes. Daily suppressive valacyclovir has been studied for extended long-term use and is considered safe for most immunocompetent adults. Ongoing physician monitoring is recommended, which Eros MD provides as part of all treatment plans.
Yes. Daily suppressive valacyclovir has been shown to reduce the risk of herpes transmission to uninfected partners. A large clinical study found approximately 48 percent reduction in transmission risk in heterosexual couples. Combined with consistent condom use, the risk reduction is greater.
Eros MD providers can evaluate your symptoms and history to assess whether valacyclovir is appropriate. A confirmed diagnosis is preferable and in some cases required. If you have not been tested, your provider can advise on the appropriate next steps.
The active medication is the same. The dosing protocols differ. Cold sore (oral HSV) treatment typically uses a shorter, higher-dose episodic regimen. Genital herpes treatment uses lower doses for suppressive therapy or standard episodic dosing. Your Eros MD provider prescribes the appropriate protocol for your specific indication.