How to take valtrex for cold sores?
Cold sores are a real downer, and not the kind of “downer” where we sit on our couch all day eating fries. Instead, they force us into hiding away in dark rooms and avoiding public spaces like the plague with pus-filled pustules covering our lips. But fear not! We have got you covered with this guide on how to take Valtrex for cold sores.
What is Valtrex?
Valtrex is an antiviral medication that can be used to treat cold sores. According to medical professionals (who seem like know-it-alls), it works by stopping the herpes virus from replicating in your body’s cells.
What Are Cold Sores?
Before we go any further let’s cover what causes these pesky little things – apparently they are caused by something called HSV-1 (short for Herpes Simplex Virus). It typically starts off as a tingling sensation which transforms into a blister filled with fluid before bursting leaving behind those unsightly scabs.
When Should You Take Valtrex for Cold Sores?
When discussing when to take medication people often say things like ‘take it when you’re feeling poorly’ or ‘when symptoms start appearing’. However,they can’t always be taken at face value particularly regarding taking antiviral medication such as valacyclovir HCL (meanie term prescribed name) . For best results start taking them early enough, don’t wait until “it becomes full-blown.”
Typically once a person is infected with HSV-1 they’ll experience outbreaks—sometimes frequently–often triggered by stress, anxiety or other factors such as exposure to sun rays but frequency may vary from person-to-person —even most experts might tell victims there’s no definitive answer about when to begin treatment, it kind of varies depending on the person.
How Long Should You Take Valtrex for Cold Sores?
Like we say, valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that works by helping your body fight off infections like cold sores caused by herpes. This means that duration depends on the severity or extent of the outbreak at which point you can expect a prescription from the moustache doctor or lady with impeccable makeup (i.e., dermatologist) who will determine how long you should take it.
Treatment Options
Commonly prescribed doses are 2 grams twice daily for 1 day then ‘wait and watch’ if symptoms persist – this regime has been shown to effectively lessen pain, chance of blistering and hasten healing. Additionally, taking Valtrex every day (between 500mg–1000mg/day) can also help prevent future outbreaks as well.
How Should You Take Valtrex For Cold Sores?
Good question!
- Follow these steps:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get comfy ‘cos this might stink!
- Dry lips with a clean towel
- Open package gently without tearing pouch apart
- Squeeze out drug cream onto fingertip/s
- Apply directly onto ONLY affected area around/ under lip by massaging gently in circles until fully absorbed into skin
(much like applying lipstick but no need to pucker up —Unless you lead THAT typea life!)
Here’s where reading instructions carefully comes in handy!
Ask yourself
‘What did I wear last Wednesday?’
If you have the answer great – memory still pretty sharp ,you are ready for what comes next:
For one-time use only, discard any unused medicine – DO NOT REUSE as they may be contaminated if used again .
Apply right away after opening— followed quickly with washing hands…wash them good most doctors would say….or alternatively sing: ‘happy birthday’ twice , now that’s an adequate wash! OR MY personal fav…Josie’s underrated ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’.
Any Side Effects?
Using the drug as recommended in most cases has shown to be safe with no side effects ; most pharmacies state this fact when you pick up valacyclovir. However,sometimes there are facial rashes, hives or difficulty breathing may occur resulting from taking it so speak to your doctor if any of these symptoms persist.
Precautions About Taking Valtrex for Cold Sores
- Before starting on Valtrex tell your doc about any allergies, kidney / liver problems or potential interactions with other medications you may have.
- Best not dispense either tablet (if prescribed) into smaller dosages …
-similarly do not share ointments/creams …other loved ones should ideally get their own!
Using some semblance of common sense and consulting a medical professional can go a long way towards preventing future unwanted issues arising .
Conclusion
Cold sores suck but medication options such as using Valtrex (or Valacyclovir) certainly make coping with them easier. Use the information provided here (and supplemented by your trusted physician )(they know more than you think – trust us!) for successful management and better chances of keeping outbreaks at bay while still maintaining pleasurable lively habits uninterrupted .