Buy Valaciclovir Online. No Consultation Fee, Free Next-Day Delivery
Get prescribed Valaciclovir for Shingles, Herpes Simplex Virus and Genital Herpes by a UK clinician through a free video consultation*. No questionnaires, no hidden fees. You only pay for your medication if approved.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Valaciclovir Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
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.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Valaciclovir
What is Valaciclovir?
Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is the L-valine ester prodrug of aciclovir, meaning it is converted to aciclovir in the body after absorption. Valaciclovir has significantly better oral bioavailability than aciclovir (approximately 55% vs 15–20%), allowing higher aciclovir blood levels with fewer daily doses. It is available as 250 mg and 500 mg tablets in the UK. Valtrex is the most well-known brand name.
What is the difference between Valaciclovir and Aciclovir?
Valaciclovir and aciclovir work through the same mechanism — both ultimately deliver aciclovir to fight herpes viruses. The key difference is bioavailability: valaciclovir achieves 3–5 times higher aciclovir blood levels than oral aciclovir, allowing less frequent dosing (twice daily instead of five times daily for HSV treatment). This makes valaciclovir more convenient and improves treatment adherence. Clinically, they are considered equally effective, but valaciclovir’s simpler dosing is preferred by most patients and prescribers.
What conditions is Valaciclovir used for?
Valaciclovir is used for: treatment of initial and recurrent genital herpes; suppressive therapy to reduce genital herpes recurrences and transmission; treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis); treatment of herpes zoster (shingles); and prevention of CMV infection after transplant. It is one of the most commonly prescribed antivirals in UK sexual health and general practice.
What is the dosage for Valaciclovir?
For initial genital herpes: 500 mg twice daily for 5–10 days. For recurrent episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3–5 days. For suppression: 500 mg once daily, reviewed every 6–12 months. For cold sores: 2 g twice daily for 1 day. For shingles: 1 g three times daily for 7 days. Dose reduction is required for patients with renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 ml/min). Valaciclovir can be taken with or without food.
How long should I take Valaciclovir for suppression?
Suppressive therapy with valaciclovir (500 mg once daily) can be continued for as long as clinically appropriate. BASHH guidelines recommend reviewing the need for suppression after 6–12 months. After a treatment break, the frequency of recurrences should be reassessed. Many patients take suppressive valaciclovir for years with an excellent safety profile. The decision to continue depends on recurrence frequency, psychological impact, and relationship considerations.
What are the side effects of Valaciclovir?
Common side effects include headache, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. These are usually mild and transient. Uncommon side effects include dizziness, rash, photosensitivity, and confusion (rare, typically in elderly patients or those with renal impairment). Valaciclovir is very well-tolerated for long-term suppressive use. Adequate hydration is recommended, particularly at higher doses, to prevent crystallisation of aciclovir in the kidneys.
Is Valaciclovir safe during pregnancy?
Aciclovir (the active metabolite of valaciclovir) has a very large safety database in pregnancy. UK guidelines (BASHH, RCOG) support its use for treating herpes simplex in pregnancy and for suppressive therapy from 36 weeks’ gestation to reduce neonatal herpes risk. There is no evidence of increased birth defects. Always consult your doctor. Valaciclovir is excreted in breast milk but is considered compatible with breastfeeding.
How can I get Valaciclovir?
Valaciclovir is available on NHS prescription from your GP, GUM clinic, or through online services like NowPatient. It can be prescribed as generic valaciclovir or the brand name Valtrex. NowPatient provides discreet online consultations and convenient home delivery, making it a popular choice for managing recurrent genital herpes.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
