Skin assessment
- Medical questionnaire and photo review
- Personalized treatment plan
- Prescription when appropriate
CA$175
per consultation
Modern Dermatology
Valacyclovir
Prescription only
Valacyclovir prescribed online
Valacyclovir is an antiviral tablet for cold sores, genital herpes and shingles. A Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews your history and decides if it is right for you.
Start my assessmentAt a glance
- Oral antiviral tablet (valacyclovir)
- For cold sores, genital herpes and shingles
- Works best when started early
Why Modern Dermatology
- Canadian-licensed medical professionals, 100% online
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy or delivered
- Follow-up and refills through your Care Team
Used forCold soresGenital herpesShingles
Get urgent care for a shingles rash near the eye, severe headache with stiff neck, confusion, or very little urine. Start valacyclovir as early as possible after the first sign of an outbreak, as your clinician directs.
Choosing the right plan for you
Your clinician sets the dose and how long to take it. The plan differs for a short outbreak, for shingles and for daily prevention. Your kidney health also matters.
Considerations include
- Type of infection (cold sore, genital herpes or shingles)
- First outbreak or repeat outbreaks
- How often outbreaks return
- Kidney health and age
- Immune system health and other medicines
How valacyclovir works
Valacyclovir stops the herpes virus from copying itself
Your body turns valacyclovir into acyclovir. Acyclovir enters cells infected by the virus. There, it blocks the enzyme that the virus uses to copy its genetic material.
With less copying, the outbreak is shorter and milder. It works best when you start early, before the virus has spread much.
Modern Dermatology
Valacyclovir
Prescription only
Recommended for
- Cold sores that keep coming back
- Genital herpes outbreaks
- Shingles, when started early
- People who want a plan for outbreaks
- Adults with healthy kidneys
Your clinician reviews your skin and history, and confirms that this treatment is right for you before prescribing.
Becomes acyclovir in the body
The active antiviral form
Blocks viral copying
The virus cannot multiply well
Shortens outbreaks
Faster healing, milder symptoms
Reduces repeat outbreaks
When used daily as advised
How it works.
- 01
Tell us about your skin
Complete a quick medical questionnaire and upload a few photos of your skin concerns. No appointment needed.
- 02
Get your personalized treatment plan
A Canadian-licensed medical professional will review your information and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions when appropriate. Most conditions can be assessed without a video consultation.
- 03
Start your treatment
Get your prescribed medications delivered right to your door. Medication costs are billed separately from your consultation.
- 04
Follow up on your progress
At a follow-up, your clinician can review your progress, discuss side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.
Clear answers.
Have more questions? See our full FAQ or Contact us.
Still have questions? Reach our care team at 514 111 1111
Start my assessmentYes, when it is appropriate for you. You fill in a short online intake, and a Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews it. Your clinician decides if valacyclovir is right for you.
Your body turns valacyclovir into acyclovir. Acyclovir blocks the enzyme that herpes viruses use to copy themselves. The outbreak then stays shorter and milder.
It works best when you start at the first tingle of a cold sore, or soon after a shingles rash appears. Many people feel better within a few days. Your clinician tells you how long to take it.
Valacyclovir can shorten an outbreak and ease pain and itch. It does not cure herpes, and outbreaks can return. For frequent outbreaks, your clinician may discuss daily use. It does not fully remove the risk of passing the virus to a partner.
Common effects are headache, nausea, stomach pain and dizziness. Rare effects include kidney problems and confusion. Drink enough fluids. Tell your clinician right away about little urine, confusion or a new rash.
Do not take it if you were allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir. Tell your clinician about kidney disease or a weak immune system. Shingles near the eye needs in-person care. Your clinician checks suitability before prescribing.
Other antiviral tablets include acyclovir and famciclovir. They work in a similar way. Your clinician chooses based on your infection, your kidneys, your medicines and how you take pills.
Often yes. Tell your clinician about every prescription, over-the-counter product and supplement, especially medicines that affect the kidneys. Do not take other herpes antivirals with it unless your clinician says so.
Your clinician weighs the benefits and risks. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding. Small amounts of the drug pass into breast milk. Never stop or start it on your own.
Each consultation costs CA$175. Your pharmacy charges separately for medication. Ask your insurer whether your plan covers the prescribed treatment.
Yes. Valtrex is the original brand, and many generic valacyclovir tablets are sold in Canada with the same active ingredient. Health Canada sets quality standards for generics. Your pharmacist can tell you which one they stock.
Your clinician decides if you need a refill, usually after a follow-up. Your Care Team sends the request to your pharmacy. Contact your Care Team before your supply runs out.
Simple pricing for your skin care.
Medication costs are separate. Ask your insurer whether your plan reimburses online consultations.
Start my assessment
Related treatments
Your clinician can suggest another option when this one is not the right fit.