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Valaciclovir Tablets 500mg
from
£22.89
⭐ Discreet delivery
⭐ Cost effective generic version of Valtrex
⭐ Tablets to treat and prevent genital herpes
Valaciclovir Tablets 500mg
Buy valaciclovir 500mg tablets online
You can buy valaciclovir 500mg tablets online from our UK registered pharmacy, by completing an online questionnaire. Your consultation will be assessed by a pharmacist before being dispatched in plain and discreet packaging. Next-day delivery options are available.
Valaciclovir Prices
| Name & Dosage | x10 Tablets (One Outbreak) |
x20 Tablets (Two Outbreaks) |
x30 Tablets (Three Outbreaks) |
x84 Tablets (Three Month Suppression) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets (One Outbreak) |
£22.89 | |||
| Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets (Two Outbreaks) |
£43.89 | |||
| Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets (Three Outbreaks) |
£59.89 | |||
| Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets (Three Month Suppression) |
£139.89 |
Summary For Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets
| Medication class | Antiviral tablets |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Stop the herpes virus from replicating |
| Active ingredient | Valaciclovir hydrochloride |
| Strength | 500mg |
| Effective within | 1-3 days |
| Dosage instructions | Outbreak treatment: One tablet two times a day Suppression treatment: One tablet daily |
| Manufacturer | Actavis, Sandoz, Ranbaxy |
| Use with alcohol | In moderation |
About Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets
Valaciclovir, sometimes referred to as valacyclovir, is an antiviral medicine that is used to prevent and treat herpes infections, including genital herpes and cold sores. It is also sold under the brand name Valtrex, and commonly referred to as, generic Valtrex.
Valaciclovir tablets work by changing the DNA of the herpes virus, so that it is unable to replicate. This means that the virus is unable to grow, helping the body’s immune system to inactivate the virus.
Key points
- Help to reduce the length and severity of a genital herpes outbreak
- Can be taken long-term, to reduce the chances of getting an outbreak
- Dispatched in plain and discreet packaging
What are valaciclovir 500mg tablets used for?
Valaciclovir tablets are used to treat herpes infections, including:
- Genital herpes
- Cold sores
- Shingles
Genital herpes
Valaciclovir is used to reduce the length and severity of outbreaks, helping sores to heal faster, as well as preventing new sores from forming. It can also help to reduce symptoms associated with herpes.
Valaciclovir tablets can also be taken over a long period of time to suppress outbreaks in those that experience recurrent episodes of genital herpes.
Valaciclovir can also help to ensure that you are less likely to transmit the infection onto someone else. Genital herpes is spread via sexual contact; you are highly contagious when experiencing symptoms such as sores. Valaciclovir helps to keep the herpes virus under control, minimising the chances of spreading the infection.
How long does it take for valaciclovir to work?
Most people will start to feel the effects within one to three days.
Those that are taking valaciclovir long-term as a suppressive treatment should notice a reduction in the number of outbreaks within the first few weeks.
Can you drink alcohol whilst taking valaciclovir tablets?
There is no interaction between alcohol and valaciclovir tablets, and you may drink whilst taking treatment. If you are experiencing an outbreak, it is advisable to avoid drinking in excess, as this can impair your immune system, which may slow down your recovery rate.
Valaciclovir alternatives
Valaciclovir vs aciclovir
- Both aciclovir and valaciclovir have a similar mechanism of action
- Valaciclovir is effective for a longer period, requiring less frequent dosing. While aciclovir tablets are taken three times a day for an outbreak, valaciclovir tablets are taken only twice a day. For suppression therapy, aciclovir is taken twice a day, whilst valaciclovir is taken once a day
- Valaciclovir is more expensive than aciclovir
Valaciclovir vs Valtrex
Valaciclovir and Valtrex both contain the same active ingredient, valaciclovir hydrochloride. Any differences will be in the inactive ingredients, which do not affect treatment.
Valaciclovir ingredients
Active ingredient: Valaciclovir hydrochloride 500mg
Inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, aluminium lake, povidone, magnesium stearate, Opadry, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol 6000, polysorbate 80.
Important note: Whilst the active ingredient will remain the same, the inactive ingredients may vary. Read the patient information leaflet for a full list of ingredients.
Valaciclovir Dosage Instructions
Valaciclovir, sometimes referred to as valacyclovir, is an antiviral medicine that is used to prevent and treat infections, including genital herpes and cold sores. It is also sold under the brand name Valtrex, and commonly referred to as, generic Valtrex.
Valaciclovir dose according to the BNF:
Dose for genital herpes outbreaks
Valaciclovir 500mg (1 tablet), twice daily for 3-5 days.
The best time to take valaciclovir is at the start of an outbreak. This will help to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Dose for genital herpes suppression
Valaciclovir 500mg (1 tablet) daily.
Treatment is usually taken for a duration of 6-12 months after which it is stopped temporarily. Because valaciclovir is not an antibiotic, treatment can be used long term without running the risk of developing resistance. Although rare, long-term use of valaciclovir can weaken the immune system so it is important to take a break from treatment after 6-12 months.
Always use valaciclovir as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more than what has been prescribed, even if your symptoms are worse than usual.
Valaciclovir Side Effects
Side effects of valaciclovir include:
Very common (affecting more than 10% of users)
- Headache
Common (affecting up to 10% of users)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Skin sensitivity after UV exposure
- Itchy skin
- Rash
Uncommon (affecting up to 1% of users)
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe skin irritation
- Sharp fall in blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
You should always report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist
Valaciclovir Warnings
Do not take valaciclovir if:
- You are over the age of 65
- You have kidney problems
- You have liver problems
- You have a weak immune system
- You have an allergy to any of the ingredients
Important note: You should drink plenty of water when taking valaciclovir. This is to avoid dehydration and ensure your kidneys function well.
Valaciclovir Interactions
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medication, so that they can check for interactions.
Valaciclovir Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
Valaciclovir is safe to take when pregnant, however, you should inform your doctor if you wish to take valaciclovir tablets during pregnancy.
Valaciclovir is present in breastmilk, but the amount is not thought to be harmful to a feeding infant.
You should inform your doctor if you plan to take valaciclovir tablets whilst breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Valaciclovir tablets are usually blue in colour. This can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Yes, the dose is four tablets initially, followed by another four tablets after 12 hours.
Yes, the dose to treat shingles is 1g three times a day for one week.
Yes, valaciclovir is available on the NHS. However, due to budget cuts, it is at the discretion of your doctor, whether they chose to prescribe it to you.
No, valaciclovir is not available over the counter and requires a prescription. You are able to buy valaciclovir 500mg by completing an online consultation. If deemed suitable, a prescription will be issued, and we can provide you with treatment.
If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is time for the next dose, in which case the missed tablet should be omitted.
There is no direct interaction between valaciclovir and paracetamol, and they can safely be taken together. You can also take valaciclovir tablets with ibuprofen.
Product Reviews
product rated 4.5/5
Antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible. That's why the quick discharge of the medicine and adequate delivery time provided by this pharmacy were essential and much appreciated. Thank you!
By Svetlana Wise (via Reviews.io)
Very very very harsh in the body. Took 6 and have not been the same since. Will hopefully be rid of all side effects experienced in time to continue treating current outbreak!??!
By Natalie sawney (via TrustPilot)
Effective
By Jason Metters (via TrustPilot)
Suitable for purpose of purchase
By Prince Humble (via TrustPilot)
Superintendent Pharmacist
Written by Chemist Click
First created 28th April 2025
Last reviewed 9th October 2025
Sources
- British National Formulary. (n.d.). Valaciclovir. Retrieved February 26, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/valaciclovir/
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Valaciclovir 500mg film-coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Retrieved February 26, 2024, from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4349/
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