How fast does valacyclovir work for cold sores?

Cold sores can be quite painful. These are also known as fever-blisters; they are tiny, liquid-filled lesions. They may form on or near your lips. You may experience discomforts such as itchiness, burning or a tingling sensation. In this milieu, you need to know a viral strand called herpes simplex causes cold sores. Though there is no known cure for such sores, caregivers often prescribe antiviral meds as it is caused by a virus. Valacyclovir is a commonly used drug for the case-management of cold sores. But, how fast does valacyclovir work for cold sores? It is essential to know about this in greater detail.

Cold sores are likely to get cured on their own. It may take about a week’s time for self-healing. However, the first time you get these sores, these are likely to take a longer time to heal. Though not all people with cold sores may need drugs, caregivers do prescribe antiviral meds for select cases. Drugs are administered if you get sores frequently, and if you are prone to other risks due to a compromised immune system.

In this light, what is valacyclovir?

This is an antiviral med used for treating infections such as chicken pox, cold sores, shingles, etc. Chicken pox is triggered by varicella zoster; cold sores is caused by herpes simplex and shingles is by herpes zoster.

As an extended use, this med is taken for treating the onset of genital-herpes. Key ingredients of valacyclovir help reduce the frequency of such viral infections.

Valacyclovir functions by arresting the spread of virus; it however does not give a complete cure. In other words, the virus may continue living in between infectious spells. Also, valacyclovir can reduce the duration of each spell, and decreases severity levels. Its active chemicals help heal cold sores quicker, prevent possible new-incidence and reduce discomforts such as itchiness and pain.

How fast does valacyclovir work for cold sores?

Studies done indicate that those who took valacyclovir experienced a shortened spell of cold sores. In terms of timeline, spells of cold sores lasted for less than 24 hours upon taking valacyclovir; however, those who did not take an antiviral med had to wait for 6 – 7 days’ time for sores to heal on their own.

People who took this drug immediately i.e., soon upon spotting first signs saw a faster relief; taking it within 120 minutes ensured a quicker remedy.

Valacyclovir can be taken either before or after a meal. It is a good practice to drink a lot of fluids / water; it helps to flush the residue of this med out of your system. Keeping your body well-hydrated prevents from likely risks of renal malfunction or kidney damage.

While taking valacyclovir, you are advised to stay wary of a few adverse effects viz., abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and migraines. These are however minor side effects. A few severe side efforts may also show up; these are renal failure, mood shifts, decrease in blood cells, allergies like rashes, inflammation of oral parts, respiratory conditions, etc.

On encountering such severe side effects of valacyclovir, it is highly recommended to consult with your physician on an urgent basis. Those who are in the US need to contact 911 immediately. US residents may also get in touch with the helpdesk run by FDA.

In sum, valacyclovir shortens the duration of cold sores considerably. Those who used this med saw it last only for 24-hours. But, among those who did not take valacyclovir, sores persisted for a week’s time. A key thing is to take valacyclovir as soon as you witness the first symptoms of sores, to get a faster remedy.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.

Emily Harris

Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.