It does take at least 3 full days for it to start to work but the sooner you catch your next one the better.The first one will last a couple of weeks, hopefully less if you started the med soon enough. Read it carefully before using this medicine.Acyclovir is best used as soon as possible after the symptoms of herpes infection or shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear.If you are taking acyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking acyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash, usually within one day.Acyclovir capsules, tablets, and oral suspension may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach.Acyclovir is best taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.If you are using acyclovir oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. If the script has been in the cabinet for over a year is it still effectuve? How Long Does Valacyclovir (Valtrex®) Take to Work? Revision date: January 26, 2020.Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Do not double doses.Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. One of the most common questions we get from people is whether or not valacyclovir (Valtrex®) is used for shingles. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information - prevent shingles in patient without a normal immune system herpes simplex virus infection throughout a newborn's body inflammation of the liver caused by herpes simplex virus The last time by the time got my prescription from pharmacy it was too late to really work and it did not. Responses (1) … It is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.Medicines that interact with acyclovir may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with acyclovir. Please check your email for password reset instructions. The first outbreak is the worst by far. It also comes as a delayed-release buccal tablet to apply to the upper gum of the mouth. It can take up to 10 days for herpes sores and blisters to heal fully, which makes it all the more important to take Valtrex as soon as symptoms occur.Follow your doctor’s advice and take Valtrex for as long as prescribed.Once a person is a carrier of HSV-1 or HSV-2, they may experience Valtrex typically relieves symptoms of repeated outbreaks rapidly. Medically reviewed by Mary Lucas, RN Written by Our Editorial Team Last updated 4/26/2020 Valacyclovir (commonly sold as Valtrex) is one of the most widely used and effective drugs on the market for treating and controlling cold sores, shingles and genital herpes. Shingles recovery tends to follow a pattern and may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks or more. Common medications that may interact with acyclovir include:Alcohol should be avoided while taking acyclovir because it weakens the immune system and may exacerbate the side effects of acyclovir.Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with acyclovir. Shingles is an itchy, ... acyclovir (Zovirax) Your doctor ... feelings of pain remain long after the blisters have cleared up. Asked 28 Dec 2015 by Asmitty1022 Updated 30 December 2015 Topics acyclovir, prescription. The acyclovir oral tablet is used to treat viral infections such as shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox. The tablets, capsules, and suspension are usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. If your herpes outbreak is severe, it could take a little longer for Valtrex to stop HSV from replicating. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. How long does it take for valacyclovir to start working? Valtrex (also commonly known as valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Used Acyclovir for several years, but not feeling tingling still often took it too late to avoid the breakout. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Importantly, even after taking Valtrex, HSV continues to be contagious. You’ve successfully logged in. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Select one or more newsletters to continue. However, you must tell your partner if you have HSV-2 because they should be allowed to make up their own minds about the risks involved.