{"id":59689,"date":"2024-02-28T06:10:44","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T06:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medsname.com\/valcosign\/"},"modified":"2026-05-03T06:09:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T06:09:49","slug":"valcosign","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/valcosign\/","title":{"rendered":"Valcosign"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- medsbase-tldr-answer --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff8e1;border-left:4px solid #f5a623;padding:18px 22px;margin:18px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;\"><strong>\ud83d\udca1 Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0;\"><strong>Valcosign<\/strong> is <strong>valacyclovir<\/strong>, a prescription antiviral used for genital herpes (HSV-2), cold sores (HSV-1), and shingles (VZV). Daily dosing can reduce outbreak frequency by up to 75% and lowers partner transmission risk. Take with or without food; start within 24 hours of symptom onset for episodic treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"medsbase-trust-strip\" style=\"background:#f6f7fb;border:1px solid #e3e5ee;border-radius:8px;padding:14px 18px;margin:18px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.55;\"><strong>What you get with MedsBase:<\/strong> Sourced from a WHO-GMP certified manufacturer &middot; Discreet packaging &middot; Worldwide Shipping &middot; <a href=\"\/reviews\/\" rel=\"noopener\">1,400+ verified customer reviews<\/a><\/div>\n<p class=\"medsbase-reship-line\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:8px 0 18px;\">\ud83d\udce6 Every order is covered by our <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/medsbase-re-shipment-assurance-policy\/\"><strong>Reshipment Assurance Policy<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 if your parcel does not arrive within 20 business days, we reship it.<\/p>\n<h3>Why order from MedsBase<\/h3>\n<p>Ordering from MedsBase gives you sourcing from a WHO-GMP-certified manufacturer, discreet plain-envelope packaging, worldwide shipping, and 4.9&#9733; ratings from over 1,400 verified customers. Card payments are routed via a regulated crypto on-ramp &mdash; the statement descriptor on your bank statement will show the processor name (a regulated card-payment processor), never &ldquo;MedsBase&rdquo; or any medication name. Every parcel is covered by our <a href=\"\/medsbase-re-shipment-assurance-policy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Reshipment Assurance Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Is Valcosign?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Valcosign is a branded generic of <strong>valacyclovir<\/strong>, the L-valyl ester prodrug of aciclovir. After oral dosing, valacyclovir is rapidly converted to aciclovir, delivering <strong>3\u20135\u00d7 higher plasma levels than oral aciclovir<\/strong> at the same dose frequency. This lets most adults dose twice daily instead of five times daily, improving adherence without sacrificing efficacy.<\/p>\n<p>Valacyclovir treats three main conditions: genital herpes (HSV-2), oral herpes \/ cold sores (HSV-1), and shingles (varicella-zoster virus). It is available in strengths of <strong>500 mg, 1000 mg<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Clinical Uses<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Genital herpes (first episode):<\/strong> 1000 mg twice daily for 10 days<\/li>\n<li><strong>Genital herpes (recurrent episodic):<\/strong> 500 mg twice daily for 3 days \u2014 start within 24 hours of prodrome<\/li>\n<li><strong>Genital herpes (suppressive):<\/strong> 500 mg once daily (up to 1000 mg daily for \u226510 outbreaks\/year)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reducing partner transmission:<\/strong> 500 mg once daily \u2014 shown to reduce transmission by ~48% in heterosexual serodiscordant couples (Corey et al., 2004)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cold sores (herpes labialis):<\/strong> 2000 mg twice daily for one day (two doses 12 hours apart)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shingles (herpes zoster):<\/strong> 1000 mg three times daily for 7 days \u2014 start within 72 hours of rash onset<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>How to Take<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. With or without food \u2014 either is fine.<\/li>\n<li>Stay well hydrated. Valacyclovir is cleared renally; dehydration plus high doses can crystallise in tubules (rare but reversible).<\/li>\n<li>For episodic genital or oral herpes, <strong>start dosing at the first sign<\/strong> (tingling, itching, burning) \u2014 every hour of delay reduces benefit.<\/li>\n<li>For daily suppressive therapy, take at the same time each day; missing doses reduces suppression effectiveness.<\/li>\n<li>Complete the full course even if symptoms resolve.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>Renal Dosing Adjustment<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Valacyclovir is almost entirely cleared by the kidneys. Standard doses may require reduction in renal impairment:<\/p>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:12px 0;\">\n<tr style=\"background:#2c7cb0;color:#fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Creatinine clearance (mL\/min)<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Dose adjustment<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">\u226550<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">No adjustment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">30\u201349<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Reduce dose or extend interval (e.g. 1000 mg every 12 h \u2192 every 24 h)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">10\u201329<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Significant reduction; consult clinician<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background:#f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">&lt;10<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Specialist dosing required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h2><strong>Side Effects<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Common (\u22651%):<\/strong> headache, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue. Usually mild and self-limiting.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Less common:<\/strong> dizziness, rash, photosensitivity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Serious (rare):<\/strong> thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura \/ hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP\/HUS) has been reported at very high doses in severely immunocompromised patients. Acute kidney injury in dehydrated patients at high doses. Neurotoxicity (confusion, hallucinations) rare and usually associated with renal impairment + high dose.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Who Should Not Take Valcosign<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Known hypersensitivity to valacyclovir or aciclovir<\/li>\n<li>Severe immunodeficiency without specialist supervision (TTP\/HUS risk)<\/li>\n<li>Caution in renal impairment \u2014 dose adjustment required<\/li>\n<li>Caution in pregnancy \/ breastfeeding \u2014 discuss with clinician (category B in most jurisdictions; widely used but individual risk-benefit assessment required)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Drug Interactions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Probenecid + cimetidine:<\/strong> reduce renal clearance of aciclovir \u2014 may raise plasma levels. Clinically significant only at high doses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mycophenolate mofetil:<\/strong> may increase valacyclovir plasma concentration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other nephrotoxic drugs<\/strong> (aminoglycosides, high-dose NSAIDs, amphotericin B): combined use requires careful hydration and renal monitoring.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Zidovudine:<\/strong> may increase neurotoxicity risk in combination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Storage<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Store at room temperature (15\u201330 \u00b0C \/ 59\u201386 \u00b0F) away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tablets in the original foil blister. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the printed expiry date.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Valcosign vs Aciclovir<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Valacyclovir is a prodrug of aciclovir with much better bioavailability (~55% vs ~15\u201320%). Practical implication: twice-daily valacyclovir produces the same antiviral effect as five-times-daily aciclovir, making it far easier to stick with. Most modern herpes guidelines (CDC, BASHH, WHO) list valacyclovir as first-line for outpatient use. Aciclovir remains standard when cost is the primary constraint or for IV administration.<\/p>\n<p>See our detailed comparison: <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/valacyclovir-vs-acyclovir\/\"><strong>Valacyclovir vs Acyclovir<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faqs\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does Valcosign cure herpes?<\/h3>\n<p>No. There is no cure for herpes \u2014 the virus remains latent in nerve ganglia for life. Valcosign suppresses viral replication, shortens outbreaks, reduces outbreak frequency, and lowers partner transmission risk, but cannot eliminate the virus from the body.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How quickly does Valcosign work?<\/h3>\n<p>For episodic treatment, most patients report symptom improvement within 24\u201348 hours of starting. Lesions heal ~1\u20132 days faster than untreated. For suppressive daily dosing, full effect (reduced outbreak frequency) builds over the first month.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I drink alcohol while taking Valcosign?<\/h3>\n<p>Alcohol does not directly interact with valacyclovir, but dehydration from heavy drinking can stress the kidneys (valacyclovir clears renally). Moderate intake is generally fine; hydrate well.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take Valcosign during pregnancy?<\/h3>\n<p>Valacyclovir is Category B in most jurisdictions and is widely used in pregnancy, particularly near term to reduce neonatal herpes risk in women with active genital herpes. Always discuss with your obstetrician.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will Valcosign protect my partner?<\/h3>\n<p>Daily suppressive valacyclovir reduces heterosexual transmission by ~48% (Corey et al., 2004). It is not 100% protective \u2014 consistent condom use and avoiding sex during outbreaks remain important.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long can I stay on suppressive therapy?<\/h3>\n<p>Years, safely. Long-term studies show valacyclovir is well tolerated for suppressive use over 5+ years with no cumulative toxicity at standard doses in people with normal kidney function.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I miss a dose?<\/h3>\n<p>Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose \u2014 in that case skip and continue. Do not double-dose.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take Valcosign for shingles?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes \u2014 1000 mg three times daily for 7 days, started within 72 hours of rash onset. Earlier treatment reduces pain, speeds healing, and lowers post-herpetic neuralgia risk.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Products &amp; Guides<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/valacyclovir-vs-acyclovir\/\">Valacyclovir vs Acyclovir Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/herpes-antivirals-daily-vs-episodic-treatment\/\">Daily vs Episodic Herpes Treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/valclovir\/\">Valclovir (Valacyclovir)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/valovera\/\">Valovera (Valacyclovir)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/acivir-200-dt\/\">Acivir 200 DT (Aciclovir)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/zovirax-suspension\/\">Zovirax Suspension (Aciclovir)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background:#fff3f3;border-left:4px solid #d9534f;padding:14px 20px;margin:16px 0;border-radius:4px;font-size:0.9em;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;\"><strong>\u2695\ufe0f Medical Disclaimer:<\/strong> Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Prescription products should be used only under medical supervision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"medsbase-link-boost-2026-05-03\" data-marker=\"mb-link-boost-centrex\">Patients ordering <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/valcosign\/\">Valcosign (valacyclovir 500 mg)<\/a> for HSV suppression sometimes need the higher 1 g strength for shingles or a single-day cold-sore course \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/centrex\/\">Centrex (valacyclovir 500 \/ 1000 mg)<\/a> carries both strengths and the same WHO-GMP valacyclovir hydrochloride.<\/p>\n<p><!-- medsbase-related-alts-v1 --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Alternatives<\/h3>\n<p>Other products in <strong>Sexual Health<\/strong> that customers also view:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/penvir\/\">Penvir<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/valclovir\/\">Valclovir<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/neckcin-100-dt\/\">Neckcin 100 DT<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/neckcin-250-dt\/\">Neckcin 250 DT<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/asitomycin-250\/\">Asitomycin 250<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2705 Treats herpes infections<br \/>\n\u2705 Reduces severity of outbreaks<br \/>\n\u2705 Shortens healing time<br \/>\n\u2705 Relieves pain and itching<br \/>\n\u2705 Prevents viral spread<\/p>\n<p>Valcosign contains Valacyclovir.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":59690,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[3141,3342,3832,3337],"product_tag":[3313,4729],"class_list":{"0":"post-59689","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-category-overview","7":"product_cat-general-health","8":"product_cat-genital-herpes-treatment","9":"product_cat-sexual-health","10":"product_tag-valacyclovir","11":"product_tag-valcosign","13":"first","14":"instock","15":"shipping-taxable","16":"purchasable","17":"product-type-variable","18":"has-default-attributes"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/59689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59689"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59690"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=59689"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=59689"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=59689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}