Abreva vs. Valtrex

Are Abreva and Valtrex the Same Thing?

Valtrex(valacyclovir) andAbreva(docosanol cream) areantiviralmedications used to treatherpeslabialis (cold sores).

Valtrex is also used to treat infections withherpes zoster(shingles) and herpes simplex genitalis (genitalherpes).

Abreva is available as agenericand over-the-counter (OTC).

Valtrex is an oral drug and Abreva is a topical (for the skin) medication.

Side effects of Valtrex and Abreva that are similar include skin rash.

Side effects of Valtrex that are different from Abreva include headache, dizziness, tired feeling, depression, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, joint pain, menstrual pain,stuffy nose, andsore throat.

Side effects of Abreva that are different from Valtrex include skin itching and redness where the medicine is applied.

Valtrex may interact withlithium,methotrexate, pain orarthritismedicines, medicines used to treatulcerative colitisand bowel disorders, medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, IV antibiotics, antiviral medicines, injectableosteoporosismedications, andchemotherapyand cancer medicines.

Abreva may interact with other drugs.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Abreva?

Common side effects of Abreva include:

  • skin itching,
  • rash, and
  • redness where the medicine is applied

What Are Possible Side Effects of Valtrex?

Common side effects of Valtrex include:

  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • tired feeling,
  • depression,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • stomach pain,
  • joint pain,
  • menstrual pain,
  • skin rash,
  • stuffy nose,
  • orsorethroat.

What is Abreva?

Abreva (docosanol cream) is a cold sore/fever blistertreatment used to treat cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips. It shortens healing time and duration of symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching. Abreva is available as a generic and over-the-counter (OTC).

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat infections with:

  • herpes zoster (shingles),
  • herpes simplex genitalis (genital herpes),
  • and herpes labialis (cold sores).

What Drugs Interact With Abreva?

Abreva may interact with other drugs.

What Drugs Interact With Valtrex?

Valtrex may interact withdigoxin,diuretics(water pills), blood thinners,antifungalmedications such asketoconazole抗生素,如ampicillin, iron, or methotrexate, andHIVorAIDS药物如atazanavir and nelfinavir.

Valtrex may interact with, lithium, methotrexate, pain or arthritis medicines, medicines used to treat ulcerativecolitis, medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, IV antibiotics, antiviral medicines, or cancer medicines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

How Should Abreva Be Taken?

应用足够的Abreva霜完全覆盖cold sore and follow the directions on the package. Rub in gently but completely. Use 5 times a day until cold sores/fever blisters have healed.

How Should Valtrex Be Taken?

The dose of Valtrex depends on the condition being treated. Valtrex is taken as caplets that may be taken with or without food.

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References


FDA. Valtrex Prescribing Information.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020487s014lbl.pdf


GSK. Abreva Drug Information.

https://www.abreva.com/

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