valaciclovir
Treatment options for Shingles, Herpes Simplex Virus and Genital Herpes
Buy valaciclovir safely, securely and easily in a few simple steps. Start a consultation today to check your eligibility with a prescribing clinician, at no cost to you.
This content is intended for UK audiences only
Report suspected side effects or adverse reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) using the Yellow Card Reporting system that covers medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes and medical device incidents.
Learn more about reporting side effectsOther known brand names
Valtrex, Famvir
About valaciclovir
Valaciclovir is an antiviral drug used for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) and genital herpes (herpes simplex strain 2, HSV-2), which are both herpes viruses.
Valaciclovir is also used to treat varicella zoster virus (VZV, herpes zoster), which causes chickenpox and shingles and is also used in immunocompromised patients to prevent infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) in those who have had an organ transplant.
Valaciclovir is a prodrug and works by being broken down in the body into aciclovir, which blocks certain enzymes in the virus, preventing virus replication. This allows your immune system to control the infection.
NowPatient offers valacyclovir under the brand name Valtrex, or as the generic valaciclovir for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of valaciclovir
- Valaciclovir is used to treat genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults
- Valaciclovir has some common side effects which include skin reactions, nausea and vomiting
- It can be dangerous if you take valaciclovir with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is valaciclovir suitable for?
Valaciclovir is suitable for adults between 18 and 65 years of age.
Who is valaciclovir not suitable for?
Valaciclovir may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking valaciclovir if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient valaciclovir hydrochloride in the past
- Have kidney problems
- Have liver problems
- Are over 65 years of age
- Have a weak immune system
How and where to get valaciclovir?
You can buy valaciclovir safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles, you can discuss if valaciclovir is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for valaciclovir for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles
Valaciclovir is available as a film coated tablet, and when used for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles, it is available in strengths ranging from 250 to 1000 mg tablets.
Information about how to take valaciclovir for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles
Your dose of valaciclovir will depend on the condition you are being treated for:
- Herpes Simplex virus – 500mg twice a day for 5 days
- Genital herpes – 500 mg twice a day for five days or longer if new lesions appear or healing incomplete
- Shingles – 1000mg three times a day for 7 days
You should always complete the course of treatment as prescribed by the healthcare professional and read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.
What happens if you take too much valaciclovir?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much valaciclovir and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of valaciclovir?
Very common side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Photosensitivity
- Skin rash
- Itching
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking valaciclovir at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and valaciclovir. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Also, speak to your doctor if you are taking certain prescription drugs, in case of drug interactions:
- Aminoglycosides
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporin
- Tacrolimus
- Cimetidine
- Probenecid
Can valaciclovir taken for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, shingles be taken long term?
Courses of treatment of valaciclovir range from 5 to 7 days. If your condition has not improved within this time, speak to your doctor for medical advice.
Is there a herbal valaciclovir?
No. Herbal valaciclovir does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use valaciclovir?
Women can take valaciclovir for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles. However, valaciclovir is not recommended during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding as valacyclovir may pass into breast milk. Checking with your doctor before taking valaciclovir.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking valaciclovir?
You can eat and drink normally when taking valaciclovir for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles?
Condoms can reduce the risk of getting genital herpes if used correctly, but be aware, a condom will only protect the area of the body it covers. You should also avoid sex while you have outbreaks of sores or blisters.
Shingles develops when the varicella-zoster virus, which originally caused chickenpox, is reactivated in your body, after you have already had chickenpox. There are vaccines such as Shingrix that are now available. Speak to your doctor for advice if you are considering the Shingrix vaccine.
Alternatives to valaciclovir
Alternatives for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles include other antiviral drugs such as Valtrex, Famvir, famciclovir, or acyclovir.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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