Compare Abreva vs. Valtrex
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Docosanol (Abreva) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are both antiviral medications used to treat cold sores, but they have some key differences. Docosanol is a topical cream that you apply to the face or lips at the first sign of a cold sore, and it is available over the counter. In contrast, valacyclovir is an oral medication that requires a prescription and can treat a wider range of infections, including genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Docosanol works by preventing the herpes simplex virus from entering healthy cells, while valacyclovir is converted into acyclovir in the body and stops the virus from making copies of itself. You need to apply docosanol five times a day until healed, whereas valacyclovir is typically taken twice daily for one day for cold sores. Valacyclovir can cause side effects like headaches and nausea, while docosanol might cause mild stinging at the application site.
- Docosanol (Abreva)Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
- Docosanol (Abreva)Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
Summary of Abreva vs. Valtrex
Summary for AntiviralDocosanol (Abreva) is a cream that's applied to the face or lips to help treat cold sores (also known as fever blisters). It works best if you follow the directions and apply it 5 times a day as soon as your cold sore symptoms start. It's available over the counter (OTC) as a brand-name or lower-cost generic medication. Most people don't experience much side effects from docosanol (Abreva), but it might cause some mild stinging.
Summary for AntiviralPrescription onlyValacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral medication used for treating infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles, and chickenpox. It's available as a tablet. But it can be made by a compounding pharmacy into a suspension for people having trouble swallowing the tablets. Some more side effects of valacyclovir (Valtrex) include headache, nausea, and stomach pain.
Indications of Abreva vs. Valtrex
Indications for•Lessen healing time and symptoms (tingling, pain, burning, itching) of cold soresIndications for•Chickenpox (varicella) in children ages 2 to 17 years old•Cold sores in people age 12 years and older•Genital herpes in adults•Shingles (herpes zoster) in adultsPros and Cons of Abreva vs. Valtrex
Pros and Const for AntiviralPros•The only FDA-approved OTC medication that can shorten healing time of cold sores•Available over the counter as a brand-name or lower-cost generic•Can continue to use makeupCons•Needs to be applied 5 times a day•Needs to be started at the first sign of a cold sore for the best results•Can only be used on the face or lips•Doesn't come with an applicator, so it must be applied with your finger or a cotton swabPros and Const for AntiviralPros•Available as a lower-cost generic•Can be used in adults and children for cold sores•Can be made into an oral liquid by the pharmacy for people having trouble swallowing the tablets•Not many interactions with other medicationsCons•Doesn't cure viral infections•Still have risk of future outbreaks•Only works well if taken at the first signs of infection•Older adults at higher risk for some side effects, such as agitation or confusionCommon Side Effects of Abreva vs. Valtrex
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects forCold sores
•Headaches (up to 17%)Genital herpes
•Headaches (up to 38%)•Nausea (up to 11%)•Stomach pain (up to 11%)Shingles
•Nausea (up to 15%)•Headaches (up to 14%)Chickenpox
•Diarrhea (5%)•Fever (4%)Warnings of Abreva vs. Valtrex
Common Side Effects for•Allergic reactionCommon Side Effects for•Rare blood clotting problems•Kidney problems•Agitation, confusion, and other nervous system-related side effectsPrices with our coupons for Abreva vs. Valtrex
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