Treat Shingles, Herpes Simplex Virus and Genital Herpes With Valtrex
Buy your Valtrex treatment* online in a few simple steps, without having to see your doctor. Our virtual care service connects you to highly trained clinicians who can assess your health needs and safely prescribe your treatment.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Valtrex Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Famvir
About Valtrex
Valtrex contains valaciclovir as the active ingredient. It is classed as an antiviral drug and is used for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) and genital herpes (herpes simplex strain 2, HSV-2), which are both herpes simplex viruses.
Valtrex 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 in those who have had an organ transplant.
Valaciclovir works by being broken down in the body into aciclovir, which blocks certain enzymes in the virus, preventing the virus from multiplying. This allows the 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 Valtrex
- Valtrex is used to treat genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults
- Valtrex has some common side effects which include nausea and vomiting
- It can be dangerous if you take Valtrex with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Valtrex suitable for?
Valtrex is suitable for adults between 18 and 65 years of age.
Who is Valtrex not suitable for?
Valtrex may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Valtrex 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 Valtrex?
You can buy Valtrex 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 Valtrex 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 Valtrex for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles
Valtrex 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 1000mg.
Information about how to take Valtrex for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, and shingles
Your dose of Valtrex 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 Valtrex?
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 Valtrex and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Valtrex?
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Photosensitivity
- 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 Valtrex 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 Valtrex. 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 Valtrex taken for Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, shingles be taken long term?
Courses of treatment of Valtrex 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 Valtrex?
No. Herbal Valtrex does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Valtrex?
Women can take Valtrex for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles. However, Valtrex is not recommended during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding as valacyclovir may pass into breast milk. Checking with your doctor before taking Valtrex.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Valtrex?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Valtrex 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.
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 Valtrex
Alternatives for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus, genital herpes, or shingles include other antiviral drugs such as valaciclovir, 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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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Valtrex
What is Valtrex?
Valtrex is a brand-name antiviral medication containing valaciclovir hydrochloride. It is the prodrug of aciclovir, meaning it is converted to aciclovir in the body but has significantly better oral absorption. Valtrex is used to treat and prevent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections (cold sores and genital herpes) and to treat herpes zoster (shingles). It is available as 500 mg tablets and is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.
What is Valtrex used for?
Valtrex is used for: treatment of initial and recurrent genital herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2); suppression of recurrent genital herpes to reduce outbreaks and viral shedding; treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores); treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) in immunocompetent adults; and prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after organ transplantation. For genital herpes, Valtrex can reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to a sexual partner.
How does Valtrex work?
Valaciclovir is rapidly converted to aciclovir after absorption. Aciclovir is a guanosine nucleoside analogue that selectively targets virus-infected cells. It is activated by viral thymidine kinase (found only in infected cells), then incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain, causing premature chain termination. This stops the herpes virus from replicating. Valaciclovir achieves plasma levels of aciclovir 3–5 times higher than oral aciclovir, allowing less frequent dosing.
What is the usual dose of Valtrex?
Dosing depends on the indication. For initial genital herpes: 500 mg twice daily for 5–10 days. For recurrent genital herpes episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3–5 days, ideally started within 24 hours of symptoms. For suppression of recurrent genital herpes: 500 mg once daily (or 250 mg twice 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, started within 72 hours of rash onset. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions.
Should I start Valtrex at the first sign of symptoms?
Yes, for recurrent herpes episodes, starting Valtrex as early as possible — ideally within 24 hours of the first symptoms (tingling, itching, burning) — significantly improves effectiveness and can reduce the duration and severity of the outbreak. For shingles, treatment should begin within 72 hours of the rash appearing for best results. Many patients with recurrent genital herpes keep a supply of Valtrex at home for prompt self-initiated treatment.
What are the common side effects of Valtrex?
Common side effects of Valtrex (affecting 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people) include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. Uncommon side effects include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, photosensitivity, and rash. Valtrex is generally very well-tolerated. Rarely, in patients with significantly impaired kidney function, high doses can cause neurological side effects (confusion, agitation, hallucinations) and acute kidney injury. Ensure adequate hydration while taking Valtrex.
What medications interact with Valtrex?
Valtrex has relatively few drug interactions. Drugs that affect kidney function or are cleared by the kidneys may interact. Cimetidine and probenecid increase aciclovir levels by reducing its renal clearance. Nephrotoxic drugs (such as aminoglycosides, ciclosporin, and tacrolimus) should be used cautiously alongside Valtrex. There is no significant interaction with oral contraceptives. Mycophenolate mofetil levels may be affected. Dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment.
Can I take Valtrex during pregnancy?
Valaciclovir (and aciclovir) have been used extensively in pregnancy with reassuring safety data. BASHH and RCOG guidance supports the use of aciclovir/valaciclovir for genital herpes in pregnancy, particularly for suppressive therapy from 36 weeks to reduce the risk of neonatal herpes transmission during delivery. Always consult your doctor or midwife. Valaciclovir is excreted in breast milk but is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
How can I get a prescription for Valtrex?
Valtrex can be prescribed by your GP, a sexual health (GUM) clinic, or through an online service such as NowPatient. For recurrent genital herpes, online services are particularly convenient as they allow discreet ordering and home delivery. NowPatient offers online consultations with qualified UK prescribers who can assess your condition and prescribe Valtrex for treatment or suppression of herpes simplex infections.
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