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I use Valtrex, have for years. Before that I used ...

Sent to Health Experts November 09, 2005 6:36 p.m.

I use Valtrex, have for years. Before that I used Acyclovir. I'm wondering what the difference is between these two drugs. I know Valtrex is stronger, but are they the same drug, more or less? Mom and I both get cold sores when we're stressed, have since forever. Mom uses Acyclovir at a fraction of the cost of my Valtrex. It's just cold sores. I have no insurance and I'm wondering if the cost of the Valtrex is worth it! It's $180 for 30 pills of Valtrex! Your thoughts?

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Female , Age: 43

Already Tried:
Acyclovir and Valtrex

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $5

Answer
November 09, 2005 6:41 p.m. (5 minutes and 1 second later)

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Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Click here for an article that claims valtrex works faster, but has the same effect in the long run.

Valtrex is valacyclovir, a "pro-drug" of acyclovir that gets turned into acyclovir as soon as it's absorbed, but which achieves higher drug levels. Both can be used for the prevention of herpes outbreaks: Zovirax (acyclovir) at a dose of 400 mg twice daily, and Valtrex at a dose of 500 mg once daily.

Other than the convenience of taking a pill once a day instead of twice, there's probably no advantage to Valtrex: they both work well.
source

Hope that helps!

Kerry

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Sent November 09, 2005 6:50 p.m. (8 minutes and 28 seconds later)

Thank Kerry! Got all the info I need now to make an educated decision! Thank you for your help.-----------Robin

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November 09, 2005 6:54 p.m. (3 minutes and 55 seconds later)

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Kerry -- Nurse (RN) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 3798 Health Accepts
35 years in Nursing: OB/GYN, Peds, Oncology, hospice, Ortho, Neuro, Addiction, Recovery, Geriatrics

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