What are cold sore antivirals?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is one of the most effective prescription antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for herpes treatment - both to treat and prevent outbreaks that occur on the mouth and/or genitals. Valacyclovir stays in your body longer so you only have to take it once a day.

How often should I take antivirals for cold sores?

Suppressive treatment, taken everyday, can reduce your risk of an outbreak by at least 80%, and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others down to 1% of the time (taken daily, Valacyclovir has shown to reduce the chances of infecting a partner by 75%) Episodic treatment, taken just when you feel an outbreak coming, reduces the severity and duration of an outbreak but does not reduce your risk of getting an outbreak in the first place. Episodic treatment does not reduce your chance of spreading the virus to your sexual partner(s). When taken at the first sign of symptoms, episodic treatments can prevent an outbreak from fully forming.

What should I take to get rid of a herpes outbreak fast?

Taking Valacyclovir 1 gram is considered an effective "episodic" treatment that will stop an outbreak in the early stages. Using a home remedy for cold sores in mouth may not be as effective for early cold sore treatment as prescription herpes medication. To get rid of a cold sore asap, always take a trusted antiviral medication for cold sores at the first sign of a fever blister. However, sometimes the best cold sore medicine is to change the frequency and dosage of your antiviral prescription, i.e. taking a daily suppressive dose, instead of only when symptoms start, to prevent herpes outbreaks altogether.

Is there a daily medication I can just take that prevents outbreaks?

Yes! You can take this medication two ways: Just when you feel an outbreak coming (episodic), which is a 5-day treatment that speeds up recovery and reduces the severity and length of the outbreak but does not reduce your risk of getting an outbreak nor spreading the virus to your partners. Everyday (suppressive), which can reduce your risk of an outbreak by at least 70-80%, and reduce your risk of spreading the virus to sexual partners down to 1% of the time.

How quickly do cold sore pills work?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is one of the most effective drugs on the market today for treating cold sores, shingles and genital herpes outbreaks—they are also used to treat chickenpox (VZV). The most important thing for preventing an outbreak is beginning treatment within 48 hours of feeling the first symptoms in the area you're treating (itchiness, tingling, burning, pain). The quicker you take valacyclovir or acyclovir, the less likely (if at all) you are to experience an outbreak.

Do you require a herpes test for treatment?

No, our doctors will be able view your information and discuss your symptoms with you. Herpes testing is an antibody test and many patients experiencing their first outbreak will not test positive. Most physicians (in-person or through telemedicine) do not require a positive test for treatment.

How fast will meds be delivered to my house?

Our doctors will review your information within 1-2 hours and, if safe and appropriate, prescribe medication. We ship via USPS, and your package will arrive within 3-5 business days at no extra cost.

Do you accept insurance?

Wisp does not currently accept insurance for consultation or prescription costs. Our services are priced based on the cost of subscription and one-time purchase amount, and vary based on the needs of each patient. The medication cost is included in our prices when shipped from our pharmacy. Wisp Care access, included with subscription, is priced to provide access for anyone who needs access to a doctor regardless of insurance. If you have insurance, depending on your plan, it may be possible to bill insurance specifically for your meds if you choose same day pick up at the pharmacy.

Can I pay for wisp with FSA & HSA?

Yes! At checkout you will be able to enter a Credit Card and your FSA or HSA card.

How do I know wisp is legitimate?

You can check our LegitScript certification at the bottom of our site (a 3rd party accreditation service that Google uses and requires in order to advertise prescription drugs). All of our physicians and partner pharmacies are U.S. licensed & Board Certified (they can only dispense medication from certified manufacturers), we store all of your data in a HIPAA compliant manner, and our payment processing is PCI compliant.

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5 star customer review for Herpes Treatment with colorful product imagery in the background

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Valacyclovir tablet on a pink background

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Cold Sores

Valacyclovir & Acyclovir For HSV-1

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Valacyclovir (Valtrex) overview

Taking antiviral medication for Cold Sores can prevent a full-on outbreak and reduce transmission to loved ones. Cold sores are blisters that form around the exterior lips or inside the mouth, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. Anytime a single cold sore appears it is considered an outbreak, although outbreaks commonly produce multiple sores. Cold sores cause mild discomfort to extreme physical pain. Their severity usually depends on how many previous outbreaks have occurred, as well as how quickly an antiviral (Valacyclovir or Acyclovir) is administered. Keeping meds on hand means you take what you need, when you need it. Privately message a Wisp medical provider to adjust your prescription anytime and start living outbreak-free.

Symptoms of Cold Sores

Painful blisters on the mouth, lips, nose or throat
Fever and body aches (similar to flu-symptoms)
Mouth and throat pain
Blisters eventually pop and scab over in begin healing
Cold sore symptoms last about 12 days
Swelling in the neck

Medication Details

Cold Sore Treatment FAQ

Your Provider

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The prescription antivirals we offer are backed by science and FDA-approved to help lessen the frequency and intensity of cold sore flare-ups.

Suneer Chander, MD

Trusted by 1 Million+ Patients Nationwide

★★★★★

Cold sore

I was able to get my medicine the very next day and already my cold sore is starting to heal. Thank goodness—I need it gone by my birthday.

Shannon - June 12, 2024

★★★★★

I’ve struggled with cold sores ever since I was a little girl and have always used home remedies to alleviate my symptoms. However, with a big photo shoot coming up, I needed a faster remedy. Of course my cold sore would progress on a Sunday when my PCP’s office was closed, so I needed to get in contact with a doctor to get a prescription fast because we all know early treatment of the sore is the best treatment. My doctor at Wisp responded incredibly fast and put in a prescription for me. My lip was healed up just in time for my photos!

Kala - Jan 14, 2024

★★★★★

2nd Time Using Wisp…

This is my second time using Wisp and it really has been a lifesaver. I had a trip coming up when a cold sore unexpectedly started on my lip. I went to urgent care and after waiting a few minutes in a waiting room filled with tons of sick people coughing I decided that I didn’t want to risk getting sick. I went on Wisp and was able to get prescribed medication for the cold sore. I had my medication the same day just a few hours after using Wisp. The convenience of Wisp is so nice and especially if you are in a hurry and can’t get in to a doctors office right away.

MMarie - December 12, 2023

★★★★★

Same Day Service

I needed a prescription for herpes in a bit of a rush (e.g. same day). I was able to sign up, talk with a doctor, and get my prescription within the same day. The process was very simple and it was a huge relief.

Marcus - November 17, 2023

★★★★★

Truly incredible service

Truly incredible service. I am self employed and Healthcare stuff always gets a bit intimidating but Wisp made it so easy. I took at home test for a UTI, turned up positive and they were able to get me a prescription the very next day. I also suffer from terrible oral herpes and seeing that they offer medication that can be delivered within 24-48 hours literally brought a smile to my face. Thank you so much for what you do!

Sarah - September 02, 2022

★★★★★

I was extremely blown away

I was extremely blown away by how easy this whole process was. I would avoid going to a doctor because I hated those cold, glaring, seemingly judgmental stares that you get from regular practitioner. I think when you already know what is going on because you've experienced the condition most of your life, this service gives you a little bit of dignity.

Michelle - April 12, 2023

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Valacyclovir & Acyclovir For HSV-1