Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Persistent Cold Sore Even After Valtrex Usage?
Question: My doctor prescribed 2 tablets of valtrex 2x a day for 2 days (because it was already a few days in before I saw her). I took 2 at 7pm on Wed, 2 at 7am on Thurs, 2 at 7pm on Thurs, and 2 on Friday morning. But, I am not seeing much of a result. The scabs just keep breaking and it doesn't seem to be effective. They gave me 4 additional tablets to use in case of a recurring outbreak in the future. I called her today, but no one responded. I called the pharmacy and they said it was OK, but is it OK? I'm just not sure if I just stop taking anything and just let it go or if I should keep taking it.
Brief Answer:
Kindly send details & pictures of the cold sore
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum. I can understand your concern for the cold sore and it's related problems.
I can get from your query that you have been prescribed valacyclovir tablet for cold sore and you are not able to find any results after taking it.
In view to help you best I request you to kindly upload your pictures of the affected area. Also I request you to kindly provide me the details of your illness-
-since how many days you have this cold sore problem.
-Is it for the first time you have got this problem or are getting it recurrently. If yes then since when you had it for the first time.
-How many times in a year you get the cold sores.
-Kindly also let me know the dose of valacyclovir tablet. Is it 500 mg or 1 gm.
-Any previous medications taken for the same.
hope to hear soon from your side.
Take care.
Take care
Kindly send details & pictures of the cold sore
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum. I can understand your concern for the cold sore and it's related problems.
I can get from your query that you have been prescribed valacyclovir tablet for cold sore and you are not able to find any results after taking it.
In view to help you best I request you to kindly upload your pictures of the affected area. Also I request you to kindly provide me the details of your illness-
-since how many days you have this cold sore problem.
-Is it for the first time you have got this problem or are getting it recurrently. If yes then since when you had it for the first time.
-How many times in a year you get the cold sores.
-Kindly also let me know the dose of valacyclovir tablet. Is it 500 mg or 1 gm.
-Any previous medications taken for the same.
hope to hear soon from your side.
Take care.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I don't know how to attach a photo, but there are clearly still noticeable scabs after ending the last dose of Valtrex prescribed by my doctor. And after continuing with Abreva & Carmex (because it's better than nothing and relieves some symptoms). I do this with a qtip and not with my hand, being veer careful and washing my hands before and after anyway.
The cold sore started last Sunday. The Valtrex was prescribed Wednesday afternoon. I get maybe 1 outbreak a year from stress-related or immune compromised reasons. The dose was 2 grams every 12 hours for 2 doses.
I cut out gluten, chocolate, anything with nuts & have only been eating food that is high in lysine. It is so frustrating!
The cold sore started last Sunday. The Valtrex was prescribed Wednesday afternoon. I get maybe 1 outbreak a year from stress-related or immune compromised reasons. The dose was 2 grams every 12 hours for 2 doses.
I cut out gluten, chocolate, anything with nuts & have only been eating food that is high in lysine. It is so frustrating!
Brief Answer:
Valacyclovir has best effect within 72 hours
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your further follow up and adding details to you query.
After analyzing the complete query I can make out that you are suffering from Herpes simplex since last Sunday and the antiviral tablets were started on 4th day (Wednesday).
Now to tell you simply- herpes is a recurrent viral infection and once a year is normal and least possible usual occurrence.
Now a days the mainstay of treatment is by antiviral drugs where Valacyclovir is the latest and one of the best drugs for halting the activity of herpes virus.
It is to be noted that the antiviral tablet is to be started at the earliest possible. It means best at at the earliest possible as soon as the lesions of herpes (vesicles ) starts. If not possible then within 24 hours or by latest 72 hours of onset. After 72 hours the antiviral tablets have comparatively less effect.
So we can get from your query that you started the tablets at or around after 72 hours of onset. So the antiviral tablets were not able to produce its best effect.
I suggest you that whenever in next episode you feel any eruptions then should start the tablets at the earliest tpossible within 24 hours of onset. Delaying the tablets will lead to reduced effect.
For the present part of cold sore -as there is formation of scabs now so the viral activity is now halted and the scab will probably fall in next couple of days. In my patients with such stage of cold sore I generally suggest to apply an antibacterial cream such as fucidin or mupirocin in a thin layer for two times.
Let me also reassure you that once year episode is one the least possible episode and means good immunity taking care of you.
I hope these informations will help you. I will be glad to reply any further queries.
"Wish you good health"
Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology
Valacyclovir has best effect within 72 hours
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your further follow up and adding details to you query.
After analyzing the complete query I can make out that you are suffering from Herpes simplex since last Sunday and the antiviral tablets were started on 4th day (Wednesday).
Now to tell you simply- herpes is a recurrent viral infection and once a year is normal and least possible usual occurrence.
Now a days the mainstay of treatment is by antiviral drugs where Valacyclovir is the latest and one of the best drugs for halting the activity of herpes virus.
It is to be noted that the antiviral tablet is to be started at the earliest possible. It means best at at the earliest possible as soon as the lesions of herpes (vesicles ) starts. If not possible then within 24 hours or by latest 72 hours of onset. After 72 hours the antiviral tablets have comparatively less effect.
So we can get from your query that you started the tablets at or around after 72 hours of onset. So the antiviral tablets were not able to produce its best effect.
I suggest you that whenever in next episode you feel any eruptions then should start the tablets at the earliest tpossible within 24 hours of onset. Delaying the tablets will lead to reduced effect.
For the present part of cold sore -as there is formation of scabs now so the viral activity is now halted and the scab will probably fall in next couple of days. In my patients with such stage of cold sore I generally suggest to apply an antibacterial cream such as fucidin or mupirocin in a thin layer for two times.
Let me also reassure you that once year episode is one the least possible episode and means good immunity taking care of you.
I hope these informations will help you. I will be glad to reply any further queries.
"Wish you good health"
Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
