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

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?
What happens after I submit my order?
What services are included with my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
Is this service discreet?
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.
How does it work?
What you need treatment for:
On each page, we provide information as well as treatment options we currently offer. To begin your consultation, select what you need treatment for from the top menu and simply choose "Start consultation" on the selected page.
Treatments:
You can read more about our treatment options on our treatment information pages. To search for a specific medication, simply use the search function.
You will be presented with your recommended treatment option(s) after completing your online consultation.
Ordering:
Every order starts with an online consultation. We will ask you medical questions to make sure that only treatments that are safe and effective are prescribed. We take into account your lifestyle, health and any other medications you’re currently using.
The consultation is completely free and takes between 5 and 10 minutes of your time.
All your information is safe with us. We don’t share it with anyone unless you want us to.
Help:
If you need any guidance, you can call, message or email our customer service team via the ‘How can we help you?' section here.
Review:
As soon as you place your order, one of our doctors will review your consultation.
Questions:
If the doctor has any additional questions, you will receive a phone call or an email. We understand you might be at work or busy. Our customer service representatives are always discreet and can contact you at a more convenient time if necessary.
Our emails never contain any personal or medical information, only a link to your private account on our website (where you will find your messages).
Pharmacy:
Once our pharmacy receives your prescription and dispatches your treatment, you will receive a second email with the tracking number.
Always free. Discreet packaging.
Free:
Express delivery is included with all orders. Alternatively, you can select a delivery date that suits you better.
Convenient:
You can check the estimated delivery time using your tracking number. All we need is your signature (or a friend's or family member's).
Discreet:
All parcels are plainly labelled; there is no logo or any indication of their contents.
Repeat:
With 121doc’s Subscribe & Save service, you can automatically receive your treatment every few weeks or months.
The order will be generated by us, using the information you provided (including delivery frequency). You don’t have to do anything. Payment is taken two days before shipping.
Subscribe:
There are two ways to subscribe. The first is during the order process. The second is via your profile here.
You can cancel or amend your repeat prescriptions at any time.
Save:
There are no sign-up fees with this service. Plus, you get a 10% discount off all future prescriptions, increasing to 15% after six orders!