What it's used for
Valacyclovir is used in adults for cold sores, genital herpes treatment and suppression, reduction of genital herpes transmission, and shingles, as well as for cold sores and chickenpox in pediatric patients.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
Valacyclovir tablets may be given without regard to meals, and oral suspensions can be prepared for pediatric patients who cannot swallow solid dosage forms.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Common side effects
Serious adverse reactions discussed in labeling include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome and acute renal failure.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other antibiotics & antivirals medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.
Valacyclovir cost without insurance
Cash prices for Valacyclovir without insurance vary widely by pharmacy, strength and quantity — the same prescription can cost very different amounts at two pharmacies in the same town. That is the problem a membership solves.
Valacyclovir is on Tab's covered $0 generic list. With an active Tab membership, every covered strength is $0 — not a percentage off, not a coupon that changes month to month — at participating pharmacies nationwide or through mail order. You do not need insurance, and Tab works whether or not you have a health plan.
Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Valacyclovir dosage and administration
Valacyclovir tablets may be given without regard to meals. Valacyclovir oral suspension (25 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL) may be prepared extemporaneously from 500-mg valacyclovir tablets for use in pediatric patients for whom a solid dosage form is not appropriate [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Your prescribing clinician decides the exact dose, form and schedule for you — this is not medical advice.
Valacyclovir side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Central Nervous System Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . The most common adverse reactions reported in at least 1 indication by greater than 10% of adult subjects treated with valacyclovir tablets and observed more frequently with valacyclovir tablets compared with placebo are headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. The only adverse reaction reported in greater than 10% of pediatric subjects aged less than 18 years was headache.
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. This is not a complete list. Report side effects to your clinician, and seek care for anything severe or unexpected.
Valacyclovir drug interactions
No clinically significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions with valacyclovir tablets are known [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every medication, supplement and over-the-counter product you take.
Who should not take valacyclovir
Valacyclovir tablets are contraindicated in patients who have had a demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction [e.g., anaphylaxis, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)] to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any component of the formulation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Adverse Reactions (6.3) ] . Hypersensitivity to valacyclovir (e.g., anaphylaxis), acyclovir, or any component of the formulation. ( 4 )
Excerpt from the FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA), retrieved 2026-09-15. Whether this medication is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made by your prescribing clinician.
Common questions
Is valacyclovir covered at $0 with Tab?
Yes. Valacyclovir is on Tab's covered $0 generic list — every covered strength is $0 with an active membership, at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
Do I need insurance to get valacyclovir through Tab?
No. Tab is a membership, not insurance. Covered medications are $0 with an active membership whether or not you have a health plan.
How do I get a valacyclovir prescription with Tab?
Book a video visit with a licensed Tab clinician (unlimited visits are included with membership). If it's clinically appropriate, they send the prescription to your chosen participating pharmacy or by mail order.
How much does valacyclovir cost without insurance?
Without insurance, retail cash prices for valacyclovir vary by pharmacy, strength and quantity. Valacyclovir is on Tab's covered $0 generic list, so every covered strength is $0 with an active Tab membership at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order.
What is the cheapest way to get valacyclovir?
For medications on Tab's covered list, a Tab membership is the cheapest route: covered strengths of valacyclovir are $0 with an active membership, and unlimited video visits with a licensed clinician are included, so the visit that produces the prescription is covered too.
What is the usual dose of valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir tablets may be given without regard to meals. Valacyclovir oral suspension (25 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL) may be prepared extemporaneously from 500-mg valacyclovir tablets for use in pediatric patients for whom a solid dosage form is not appropriate [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Your clinician sets your dose.)
What are the side effects of valacyclovir?
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Central Nervous System Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15.)
What interacts with valacyclovir?
No clinically significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions with valacyclovir tablets are known [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. (FDA-approved label, retrieved 2026-09-15. Tell your clinician about every medication and supplement you take.)
Valacyclovir is $0 on the covered list
Members pay $0 for covered generics at participating pharmacies nationwide or by mail order — plus unlimited virtual primary care, urgent care and dermatology visits. No insurance needed.
Solo $49/mo · Family $119/mo for up to 4 people · Family+ $149/mo for up to 8
Start your membership → Compare plansTab is a membership and prescription-discount program, not insurance. A licensed clinician must prescribe any medication. Cancel anytime — no renewal.