Valtrex is an antiviral drug. Antivirals are a class of drugs designed to treat viruses. It’s generic name is Valacyclovir. It treats the Herpes family of viruses. Herpesviridae diseases that Valacyclovir treats include: Chickenpox (Varicella zoster)Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) (aka Herpes Simplex 1) Shingles (Herpes Zoster)Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex 2)Epstein-Barr (Human Herpes Virus 4) Valacyclovir cannot cure Herpesviridae diseases. Herpesviridae diseases remain in the body. They live on in the body in a dormant state.