Short Answer:
The prescription medications are Valtrex, Acyclovir, Famvir, and Denavir.
Long Answer:
There are several medications available, both over the counter and prescription. Only you and your doctor can decide which treatment is best for you.
Valtrex is used to treat certain herpes infections, including herpes zoster (the painful rash known as shingles), genital herpes, and herpes cold sores on the face and lips. Valtrex should not be used by anyone with a weak immune system, such as those with HIV infection or those who have undergone a bone marrow or kidney transplant. Valtrex can cause serious side effects, including death, in such people.
Acyclovir cream (Zovirax) is FDA approved for the treatment of recurrent cold sores. In studies, frequent application of the cream reduced the time to healing by about half a day. Oral acyclovir given five times a day for primary gingivostomatitis in children shortens the course from 10 days to four days and reduces the duration of fever, eating and drinking difficulties, and viral shedding. Using low dose oral acyclovir for cold sores shortened the duration by about one day but did no t have an influence on the pain. Using a higher dose and starting during the prodrome phase did have an influence on the pain and the duration of symptoms.
Famvir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famvir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infections. Famvir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Denavir is a cream containing antiviral medication. Denavir is used topically for the treatment of recurrent cold sores on the lips and face, associated with the herpes simplex virus. It works by preventing the herpes simplex virus from growing and should begin applied at the first hint of a developing cold sore. Denavir may also be used for purposes other than those listed.