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Valaciclovir

Genital Herpes|Active ingredient(s): Valaciclovir|Manufacturer: Teva

A woman with cold sores holding tablets.

Fast-acting and effective treatment to manage herpes

  • Treats outbreaks of cold sores and genital herpes.
  • Reduces outbreak time and relieves symptoms.
  • 1-day treatment for cold sores.
  • 5-day treatment for genital herpes.

How to take

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Action at the first sign of an outbreak

Taking Valaciclovir 500 mg as soon as you notice an outbreak improves recovery time and reduces the duration of the outbreak.

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1-day cold sores treatment

You take 2 g (four 500 mg tablets) twice in one day, allowing for 12 hours between each dose.

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Prevents future outbreaks

You can take the 500 mg dose of Valaciclovir tablets to help keep an outbreak at bay.

What others say about Valaciclovir

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Valaciclovir

What is Valaciclovir?

Valaciclovir, also known as Valtrex or Valacyclovir, is an antiviral medicine that is used to manage conditions caused by the herpes virus (HSV). This includes genital herpes and cold sores. It is also sometimes used to treat shingles.

You can take Valaciclovir tablets to both treat and prevent outbreaks of genital herpes and cold sores. It does not cure the herpes virus. Most people will live with herpes for the rest of their lives. But Valaciclovir can help to treat an outbreak or prevent future outbreaks quickly.

Valaciclovir is available as 500 mg tablets.

How does Valaciclovir work?

Valaciclovir is a type of medicine called an antiviral. It specifically treats strains of the herpes virus (herpes simplex virus or HSV).

It works by stopping the DNA of the herpes virus from replicating, which helps to stop the virus from spreading and growing.

This makes the infection less severe, allowing your immune system to fight the virus and treat the outbreak.

How effective is it?

Research shows Valaciclovir 500 mg tablets are an effective treatment for cold sores and genital herpes.

  • Reduces duration of outbreaks - one study found that Valaciclovir reduces the duration of cold sores outbreaks from 6 days to 4/5 days.*
  • Lowers the risk of future outbreaks - research showed that 46 out of 100 people had at least one further outbreak on Valaciclovir compared to 96 on a placebo.
  • Reduces transmission risk - research shows Valaciclovir reduces the risk of transmission of the herpes virus in couples.

*When taken at the first sign of an outbreak.

How long does it take Valaciclovir to work?

Valaciclovir significantly reduces the duration of an outbreak.

Valaciclovir 500 mg tablets typically treat genital herpes and reduce symptoms in 5 days, with blisters completely healing within 9 days. Cold sores take 4-5 days to heal after treatment.

An outbreak may take longer to treat if new sores appear or if you have a weakened immune system.

Who can use Valaciclovir?

Most men and women aged 18 and over can use Valaciclovir.

Some people should consult their doctor before using Valaciclovir. This is because they may be at a higher risk of side effects. This includes people who:

  • are aged 65 or over
  • have kidney problems
  • are prone to dehydration
  • have liver disease
  • have a weakened immune system
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are allergic to any of its ingredients

Consult your doctor if you are unsure whether any of these conditions apply to you.

What dose should I take?

Valaciclovir is available as 500 mg tablets. The dosage you need to take will depend on your situation.

Cold sores:

  • Treatment - take four 500 mg tablets (2 g), then another four tablets after 12 hours (1-day treatment)
  • Prevention - take one 500 mg tablet once daily

Genital herpes:

  • Treatment (first episode) - take one 500 mg twice a day for 5 days*
  • Recurrent treatment - take one 500 mg twice a day for 5 days*
  • Prevention - take one 500 mg tablet once daily

*You may require longer treatment if new sores appear.

Always follow the advice from your doctor.

How do I take it?

Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or break tablets. You do not need to take Valaciclovir with food.

Make sure you drink water regularly during the day. You must stay hydrated while on Valaciclovir to reduce the risk of dehydration.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed tablet and take the next one at your regularly scheduled time.

Are there any side effects?

Like all prescription medicines, Valaciclovir may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

  • diarrhoea
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • sensitivity to the sun
  • skin reactions
  • vomiting

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL) which comes in the box with your medicine.

Can I get Valaciclovir without a prescription?

No, Valaciclovir tablets are not available without a prescription. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

Is Valaciclovir the same as Valtrex?

Valtrex is the branded version of Valaciclovir, which is the generic. So, they contain the same active ingredient, valaciclovir, but are made by different manufacturers.

Is Valaciclovir the same as Aciclovir?

No, Valaciclovir is a different antiviral medication containing the active ingredient of the same name. Both Valaciclovir and Aciclovir manage infections caused by the herpes virus, but they should not be used interchangeably. Always follow the advice of your prescriber.

Medical review byDr. Caroline FontanaLast review 23 December 2025
Dr. Caroline Fontana

Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.

Valaciclovir Overview

Type of medicine: Antiviral
Used for: Cold sores and genital herpes
Active ingredient: Valaciclovir
Works by: Stopping the spread and growth of viral cells
Effective within: 5-9 days
Available as: Tablets
Available dosages: 500 mg
Usage instructions: Take 500 mg twice daily to treat genital herpes or 2 g twice in one day (allowing 12 hours between each dose) for cold sores
Packaging: Cardboard carton containing foil blister packs of tablets
Branded available No

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
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Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.

Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that all online consultations are reviewed by a registered doctor. This is to make sure the chosen treatment is safe and right for you to take. All personal information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, all orders are subject to doctor approval, and we cannot guarantee that your order will be approved.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your online consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by on of our in-house doctors.

If a doctor approves you for treatment, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription will then be forwarded to our pharmacist, where you medication will be dispensed and dispatched for delivery.

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Once our pharmacy receives your prescription, you will get a second email with your package tracking code.

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