Valaciclovir

Valaciclovir

Get effective treatment for genital herpes with Valaciclovir tablets:

  • One tablet, taken twice a day, for 3 to 5 or 5 to 20 days
  • Relief from symptoms in just 3 days
  • Reduces frequency of outbreaks
In stock
from £40.00

Product details

Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication that’s used to treat genital herpes. It contains the active ingredient valaciclovir hydrochloride which works to stop the genital herpes virus from growing further. Although valaciclovir does not cure the herpes simplex virus (HSV), it can help reduce the frequency of outbreaks and manage the painful symptoms.

Valaciclovir can improve symptoms within just 3 days and reduce transmission of the virus by up to 75%. If you think you have genital herpes and valaciclovir may be right for you, our doctors can help.

You just need to complete an online questionnaire for our doctors to review to make sure valaciclovir is safe and suitable for you. If it is and your treatment is approved, you can choose between rapid home delivery in plain, unmarked packaging or collection from your nearest Superdrug Pharmacy in as little as 2 hours after the doctor approves your request. Our service is fast and discreet and there’s no need for a face-to-face appointment.

headshot of medical editor brenda Ikeji

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ikeji

Last reviewed: 13 Jan 2025

Valaciclovir prices

Pack Size Price
500 mg - 10 tablet(s) - Daily Suppression Treatment £40.00
500 mg - 10 tablet(s) - Single course £40.00
500 mg - 20 tablet(s) - First Ever Outbreak £70.00
500 mg - 20 tablet(s) - Two courses £70.00
500 mg - 30 tablet(s) - Three courses £90.00

How it Works

About Valaciclovir

What is valaciclovir?

Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication that’s used to treat several viral infections, including genital herpes.

Valaciclovir tablets contain the active ingredient valaciclovir hydrochloride. They are available in 500mg doses and can be used to treat:

  • genital herpes
  • cold sores
  • shingles
  • skin and eye conditions caused by the herpes simplex virus

How does valaciclovir work?

Valaciclovir works by stopping viruses from growing. It does this by suppressing the virus's ability to replicate or grow by interfering with its DNA. In turn, this stops the virus spreading and reduces the severity of the infection. It cannot cure genital herpes, although it can reduce the severity of an outbreak (when you get symptoms) and may also be used to reduce the likelihood offurther outbreaks.

Valaciclovir is known as a prodrug because it is converted into its active form, aciclovir, once inside the body. It is more potent than aciclovir and can be taken less frequently and in a simpler dosing regimen.

How effective is valaciclovir?

Valaciclovir is an effective treatment for the virus responsible for causing genital herpes. In one study, valaciclovir used with safer sexual practices was seen to reduce transmission of HSV by up to 75% in healthy adults.

Research also shows that 500mg of valaciclovir twice a day was more effective than 1000mg in one go for preventing recurrent genital herpes outbreaks.

How to take valaciclovir

You should swallow your valaciclovir tablets whole with a glass of water.

Genital herpes outbreak treatment

The usual dose for genital herpes is 500mg, taken as one 500mg or two 250mg tablets, twice a day.

If this is your first genital herpes infection you’ll need to take valaciclovir for at least 5 days or up to 20 days – your doctor will let you know based on the severity of your symptoms.

For a recurrent infection, your treatment will usually last between 3 and 5 days.

Recurrent genital herpes prevention

If you are prescribed valaciclovir to prevent genital herpes from returning, the usual dose is one 500mg tablet, once a day. You’ll need to take valaciclovir until your doctor tells you to stop.

Always take your medication as directed by your doctor.

When to take valaciclovir

When taking valaciclovir twice a day, spread the 2 doses evenly and try to stick to the same times each day. This could mean taking a tablet at 9am and 9pm.

If you’re taking 1 dose a day, it does not matter what time you take it, as long as you stick to around the same time every day.

What should I do if I miss a dose of valaciclovir?

If you forget to take valaciclovir, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Where can I buy valaciclovir?

You can request valaciclovir from a reputable online service like Superdrug Online Doctor or it may be available on the NHS.

Valaciclovir is a prescription-only medication so you will need a doctor’s approval to obtain it.

Can I buy valaciclovir tablets online?

Yes, you can request valaciclovir quickly and easily from Superdrug Online Doctor.

To request valaciclovir, you need to:

  1. Fill out a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire.
  2. Order your preferred treatment and make payment.
  3. One of our doctors will review your order and questionnaire answers.
  4. If approved, your treatment will be posted to your address or made available for collection at your local Superdrug Pharmacy.
  5. If your order is not approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with alternative treatment options.

Can I get valaciclovir tablets over the counter?

No, valaciclovir is not available over the counter. It contains a prescription-only medication so you will need to see or speak to a doctor to get it.

Can I buy valaciclovir tablets on the NHS?

Yes, valaciclovir is available on the NHS, but you will need to speak to your doctor and get a prescription.

Valaciclovir side effects

As with all medications, valaciclovir may cause side effects. However, not everyone will experience them.

Headaches are a very common side effect of valaciclovir that may affect more than 1 in 10 people.

Common side effects of valaciclovir (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include:

  • dizziness
  • diarrhoea
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • vomiting (being sick)
  • skin reaction after exposure to sunlight
  • itching (pruritus)
  • rash

Uncommon side effects of valaciclovir (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

  • seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
  • feeling confused
  • tremors
  • feeling agitated
  • feeling very drowsy
  • stomach discomfort
  • rash that is sometimes itchy
  • lower back pain
  • blood in the urine
  • shortness of breath

Uncommon side effects of valaciclovir that may show up in blood tests include:

  • reduced numbers of white blood cells
  • reduced number of blood platelets
  • increase in liver substances

Rare side effects of valaciclovir (may affect up to 1 in 1000) include:

  • lack of coordination, unsteady while walking
  • fits
  • unconsciousness
  • confused or disturbed thoughts
  • altered brain function
  • kidney problems where you pass little or no urine

The above rare side effects are nervous system side effects that usually occur in people with kidney problems, the elderly, or in organ transplant patients taking high doses of 8g or more of valaciclovir a day. They usually get better when valaciclovir is stopped or the dose is reduced. You will not take such high doses when taking valaciclovir for genital herpes, so, it is very unlikely you will experience any of these.

You or someone else must call 999 or take you to A&E straight away if you show signs of any of these rare side effects.

How long do side effects of valaciclovir last?

Side effects from valaciclovir can last from a few days to weeks and will vary from person to person, although not everyone will experience them.

What should I do if I get side effects?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects that indicate an allergic reaction, you should stop taking valaciclovir and call 999 or get someone to take you to hospital:

  • flushing, itchy skin rash
  • swelling lips, face, neck and throat causing breathing difficulties
  • drop in blood pressure leading to collapse

Most mild side effects can be managed at home by:

  • getting plenty of rest
  • drinking plenty of water and clear fluids
  • eating smaller meals little and often
  • taking painkillers if needed

Valaciclovir warnings

Do not take valaciclovir if you:

  • are allergic to any of its ingredients
  • have or have ever developed an extended rash that has been associated with a fever, enlarged lymph nodes, increased levels of liver enzymes and or eosinophilia, after taking valaciclovir

Talk to your doctor before taking valaciclovir if you:

  • have kidney problems
  • have liver problems
  • are over 65 years of age
  • have a weakened immune system

Valaciclovir during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Valaciclovir is not usually recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are thinking of trying to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you will need to speak to your doctor before taking valaciclovir.

You should let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding before taking valaciclovir. They will assess the risk to your baby before taking this medication.

Valaciclovir and other medications

Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medication including those that are prescribed, available over-the-counter, or are herbal.

You should let your doctor know if you are taking any medicines that affect the kidneys, including:

  • aminoglycosides
  • organoplatinum compounds
  • iodinated contrast media
  • methotrexate
  • pentamidine
  • foscarnet
  • ciclosporin
  • tacrolimus
  • cimetidine
  • probenecid

Valaciclovir alternatives

Valaciclovir isn’t the only treatment available for genital herpes. At Superdrug Online Doctor we also offer:

Aciclovir

Aciclovir is a prescription-only medication that contains the active ingredient aciclovir. The usual dose is a 200mg tablet taken 5 times a day. Aciclovir is the ingredient valaciclovir is converted into when it enters the body and works by stopping viral DNA production and replication to treat genital herpes outbreaks.

Famciclovir

Like valaciclovir, famciclovir is a prodrug that is converted into the antiviral medication penciclovir once it enters the body. It works by stopping the genital herpes virus from growing and spreading, enabling your immune system to fight the infection. The usual famciclovir dose for genital herpes is one 250mg tablet, 3 times a day, for 5 days. It is only available with a prescription.

If you are not sure if you have genital herpes, we also offer a genital herpes home test kit. The kit comes with everything you need to swab any sores or blisters you have in your genital or anal area and send them back to our partner laboratory for analysis. You should receive your results within 2 to 3 days of the lab receiving your sample, so you can get fast and effective treatment without leaving your home.

Valaciclovir FAQs

Is valaciclovir the same as aciclovir?

No, they are both antiviral medications that work in a similar way to prevent genital herpes spreading. Valaciclovir is known as a prodrug of aciclovir which means it is converted into aciclovir once it is in the body.

Once inside the body, aciclovir and valaciclovir are the same medication, but valaciclovir has a more convenient twice-daily dosing regimen.

Does valaciclovir affect your sleep?

Valaciclovir can cause drowsiness, so it is important to assess how it affects you before driving or operating machinery.

Does valaciclovir cause weight gain?

No, weight gain is not listed as a side effect of valaciclovir.

Can valaciclovir treat cold sores?

Yes, valaciclovir can be used to treat cold sores. The usual dose for cold sore treatment is 2000mg, twice a day for 1 day.

Sources

Patient Reviews