Valaciclovir
Valaciclovir is a medication prescribed to treat acute outbreaks or to prevent recurrent bouts of genital herpes.
To place an order, fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a suitable treatment.
1st outbreak - up to 10 days (20 tablets) |
£70.00 |
Repeat outbreaks - 3 to 5 days, 1 course (10 tablets) |
£40.00 |
3 to 5 days, 2 courses (20 tablets) | £70.00 |
3 to 5 days, 3 courses (30 tablets) |
£90.00 |
Suppression treatments - 3 months (84 tablets) |
£220.00 |
Prices include prescription and delivery.


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There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2, both of which can cause symptoms on the genitals, lips and fingers. Valaciclovir can be used to treat both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Once you have caught herpes simplex, the virus may remain inactive for many years, during which time you will not have any symptoms. When the virus is active, it can cause pain, itching, stinging and blisters. Valaciclovir is an antiviral medicine, which stops the virus from replicating and can be used to treat the symptoms or prevent outbreaks.
For your treatment to work, take Valaciclovir as soon as you notice symptoms, and ideally within five days of the first herpes symptoms appearing. Always follow the doctor’s instructions on how to take your medication.
You should aim to begin antiviral treatment within the first five days of noticing herpes symptoms, but taking Valaciclovir within the first two days of an outbreak produces the best results. If you are being treated for your first outbreak of herpes, the doctor may prescribe a dose of one 500mg Valaciclovir tablet taken twice daily for five days, or up to ten days if new lesions appear during treatment or if healing is incomplete.
If you are having a repeat outbreak of herpes the doctor may prescribe the same dosage (500mg) per day, but for only three to five days. Always follow the doctor’s instructions on how to take your medication.
Can I have intercourse during treatment?
You should not have sex during an episode of herpes, as this puts your partner at risk of contracting genital herpes. Genital herpes can also be transmitted during oral and anal sex.
Each tablet contains either 250mg, 500mg or 1000mg of Valaciclovir (in the form of valaciclovir hydrochloride monohydrate). Further ingredients are cellulose microcrystalline, povidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 400 and hypromellose. The film coat contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80 and carnauba wax.
Valaciclovir is also sold as Valtrex, a branded medication.
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
Uncommon Side Effects
- breathing problems
- photosensitivity
- rash
- tremors
- feelings of agitation
Rare Side Effects
- dizziness
- confusion
- drowsiness
- hallucinations
- abdominal discomfort
- diarrhoea
- impaired kidney function or liver function
Very Rare Side Effects
- Anaphylactic reactions
- Blood changes including thrombocytopenia, leukopenia
- Tremor, spontaneous muscle movements (ataxia), speaking disorders (dysarthria), convulsions
Warnings
You must not take Valaciclovir if you:
- Are allergic to any of the ingredients.
- Are over 65
- Have a weak immune system
- Have kidney problems
- Have liver problems
If you experience a serious allergic reaction (Swelling of the face, eyes or tongue, an itchy rash, or difficulty breathing), stop taking Valaciclovir immediately and see a doctor.
Drug Interactions
You must tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications before taking Valaciclovir:
- Non-prescription herbal medicines
- Medicines that affect the kidneys, including aminoglycosides, organoplatinum compounds, iodinated contrast media, methotrexate, pentamidine, foscarnet, theophylline, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, cimetidine and probenecid.
There is no known interaction between alcohol and Valaciclovir.
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