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

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.
 

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.

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.

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

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 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.

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any medication, so that they can check for interactions.
 

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 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.

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.

1. British National Formulary. (n.d.). Valaciclovir. Retrieved February 26, 2024, from https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/valaciclovir/

2. 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/