Valtrex 500mg Tablets
⭐Flexible dosing options
⭐Starts to work within 3 days
⭐Proven efficacy against herpes viruses
- Next Day Delivery
- Plain & Discreet Packaging
- Confidential Service
- UK registered service
Valtrex Prices
Medicine | x10 Tablets (One Outbreak) | x20 Tablets (Two Outbreaks) | x30 Tablets (Three Outbreaks) | x84 Tablets (Three Month Suppression) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Valtrex 500mg Tablets | £33.89 | £63.89 | £95.79 | £218.49 |
About Valtrex 500mg tablets
Key points
- Used to treat genital herpes outbreaks
- Can be taken long-term to prevent genital herpes outbreaks
- Starts working within 1-3 days
Buy Valtrex online
You can buy Valtrex online from our UK registered pharmacy. You will need to complete a short online questionnaire, which is checked over by one of our pharmacists. At Chemist Click, we offer next-day delivery options, in discreet packaging.
What is Valtrex used for?
Valtrex is the branded version of an antiviral medication called valaciclovir. It works by preventing the growth of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), reducing viral shedding. It can be used as a short term (outbreak) or long term (suppression) genital herpes treatment. Valtrex can also be used to treat other viral infections such as cold sores and shingles. However, the dosage of Valtrex for cold sores and shingles will differ to the dose required to treat genital herpes.
Valtrex side effects
Side effects of Valtrex include:
Very common (affecting more than 10% of users):
- Headache
Common (affecting up to 10% of users):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Skin sensitivity after UV exposure
- Itchy skin/rash
Uncommon (affecting up to 1% of users):
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
- Shaking
If you experience any of the following, stop taking Valtrex tablets and seek urgent medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing
- Itchy skin rash
- Swelling of the throat, lips, face, and neck
Valtrex dosage instructions
There are two doses of Valtrex for genital herpes. It can be used to treat an outbreak, as well as taken long term as suppressive therapy (this is to reduce the number of outbreaks that you get). With long term treatment, the chances of passing on the infection on are lower. However, long term use of Valtrex suppressive therapy may result in a weakened immune system.
Valtrex dosage for outbreaks of genital herpes
Take one tablet twice daily for 5 days (Valtrex 500mg)
Valtrex dosage for suppression of genital herpes
Take one tablet daily (Valtrex 500mg)
*Valtrex for cold sores requires a different dose (four tablets to be taken initially, followed by another four tablets taken after 12 hours).
Please note: You should not take more than the prescribed dose. You should not double your Valtrex dose, even if you are experiencing severe symptoms.
Valtrex ingredients
Active ingredient: Valaciclovir 500mg
Inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, povidone, magnesium stearate, silica colloidal anhydrous, Hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol 400, polysorbate 80 (500 mg tablets only), carnauba wax.
Valtrex warnings
Do not take Valtrex if you are allergic to valaciclovir, aciclovir or any of the other ingredients in this medication which can be found in the patient information leaflet.
Consult with your GP or pharmacist before taking Valtrex if:
- You have a history of kidney problems
- You have a history of liver problems
- You are above the age of 65
- You have a weak immune system
- If you are currently, have recently, or are planning to take any other medication
Valtrex and pregnancy
Valtrex can be taken during pregnancy; however, you should inform your doctor if you intend on taking Valaciclovir tablets whilst pregnant.
Valtrex and breastfeeding
Valtrex is present in breastmilk; however, the amount is small, and not thought to be harmful.
You should inform your doctor if you are intending to take Valtrex whilst breastfeeding.
Valtrex interactions
Talk to your GP or pharmacist before taking Valtrex tablets if you are taking or have recently taken any other medication, especially those that affect your kidneys. This includes but is not limited to:
- Aminoglycosides
- Ciclosporin
- Cimetidine
- Organoplatinum compounds
- Iodinated contrast media
- Methotrexate
- Foscarnet
- Pentamidine
- Probenecid
- Tacrolimus
Valtrex alternatives
Valtrex vs aciclovir
Valtrex (valaciclovir) is a prodrug of aciclovir. This means that it converts to aciclovir in the body. This allows it to stay in the body for longer, so that dosing intervals are not as frequent. There are no other significant differences between the two.
Sources
Drugs.com. (n.d.). Valtrex. Retrieved February 26, 2024, from https://www.drugs.com/valtrex.html
Yes, in moderation. There is no interaction between alcohol and Valtrex (valaciclovir), and you may drink whilst taking treatment. If you are experiencing an outbreak, it is advisable to avoid drinking in excess. Large amounts of alcohol can impair your immune system, which may slow down your recovery rate.
No, Valtrex is not available as a cream.
No, acne is not a listed side effect.
No, Valtrex is a prescription only medication in the UK. Therefore, it is not available OTC and you will need to have a consultation with a qualified practitioner. You can fill out a consultation and order Valtrex online from Chemist Click. If appropriate, we can dispense treatment from our pharmacy and dispatch treatment to you using a next day service.
Valtrex tablets should be taken exactly as advised by your pharmacist or GP. This medication should be swallowed whole (orally) with a drink of water and taken around the same time each day.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If this is the case, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Valtrex is effective soon after treatment has begun, and symptoms usually improve within the first day. Valtrex can help to reduce the length and severity of an outbreak.
If you are taking Valtrex for suppressive therapy, you should notice a reduction in the number of episodes within the first few weeks of using treatment.
No, Valtrex is unable to cure genital herpes. It is effective in easing the symptoms of genital herpes and reducing the length of an outbreak. It is also effective in reducing the number of outbreaks when taken over a long period of time as suppression therapy. There currently is no cure for genital herpes as the virus is unpredictable, which has made it difficult to find a cure for.
Valtrex can help to minimise the risk of passing the infection on to someone else. You are most contagious when experiencing an outbreak, so by keeping the virus under control, you are minimising the chance of transmitting the infection.
You are still able to engage in sexual activity whilst taking Valtrex, however, it is important to note that you are most contagious when experiencing an outbreak. You should avoid sexual contact whilst experiencing an outbreak and Valtrex can help to prevent outbreaks. Please note that it is possible to transmit genital herpes even if you are not experiencing symptoms, but the likelihood of this is reduced if you are asymptomatic.
HOW TO USE Valtrex 500mg Tablets
Valtrex to suppress herpes
Take one tablet (500mg) daily. You should assess your response to treatment every 3 months.
Valtrex for a genital herpes outbreak
To treat a herpes outbreak, you should take one tablet (500mg) two times a day for five days