Valtrex 500mg Tablets

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex is the branded version of valaciclovir, which belongs to a group of drugs known as antivirals.

It can be used to treat the herpes simplex virus (cold sores), as well as genital herpes. Valtrex can also be taken to stop recurring outbreaks of both viruses.

You must have a prescription to buy Valtrex. 

What is Valtrex used to treat?

Valtrex 500mg tablets are prescribed to provide effective treatment for the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus is responsible for causing outbreaks of the likes of cold sores and genital herpes. It can be used by adults and children over the age of 12 to treat these conditions and prevent them from reoccurring.

Valtrex 500mg tablets can also be prescribed as a treatment for shingles in adults.

It is important to remember that taking Valtrex 500mg tablets will not completely remove the risk of passing on genital herpes or other forms of the herpes simplex virus sexually.

It should not be used as a form of contraception. When you use Valtrex, you should still practice safe sex; if you have visible sores, you are advised to avoid having sex altogether.

Why is Valtrex recommended for the treatment of genital herpes?

Valtrex's active ingredient, valaciclovir, has been clinically tested and proven to be a safe and effective treatment for the herpes simplex virus (HSV). 

How does Valtrex treat herpes?

Valtrex 500mg tablets contain the active ingredient valaciclovir. Once you take the tablets, this ingredient is broken down into aciclovir, which is activated once it enters the infected cells and blocks an enzyme within the virus, DNA polymerase.

This stops the virus from being able to multiply and spread, which then allows your immune system to effectively fight off the infection on its own.

When taken correctly, Valtrex can help your cold sores clear up quicker and also reduces the number of cold sores you get as a whole.

Who can use Valtrex?

Valtrex is not suitable for everyone to take.

This medicine must not be taken by children who are under the age of 12.

Do not take Valtrex 500mg if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to valaciclovir or aciclovir tablets, or any of the other ingredients contained in these tablets (please refer to the ingredients tab for a full list of substances)
• You have ever had an extended rash after taking valaciclovir that was associated with fever, enlarged lymph nodes, increased levels of liver enzymes and/or eosinophilia

Can you buy Valtrex over the counter?

Valtrex is a prescription-only medicine (POM). It can only be bought when prescribed by a doctor.

Can you buy Valtrex online in the UK?

You can buy Valtrex online, but as this is a prescription medicine, you should only do so from a regulated pharmacy like Medicine Direct. All you need to do is complete a confidential online questionnaire on our website. Your answers will be checked by a registered doctor, pharmacist or prescriber, who will assess your condition to make sure Valtrex is suitable for you.

Next day delivery is available if your order is placed by 2pm.

Valtrex alternatives

Medicine Direct stocks several treatments for genital herpes. We also stock generic Valaciclovir tablets for this condition. Valaciclovir is the active ingredient contained in Valtrex and will work in the same way to relieve the condition.

Aciclovir is another oral medication that effectively relieves genital herpes, it is available to buy as tablets or as a cream.

Topical treatments like Lidocaine are also available to buy online from Medicine Direct.

Valtrex Dosage

The typical dose of Valtrex for HSV is 500mg twice daily, although this will depend on your condition.

Source - NICE

These doses may be adjusted by your doctor if:

• You have a weak immune system
• You are over the age of 65
• You have any kidney problems

How to take Valtrex

You should take Valtrex on the first day of noticing a cold sore starting to develop. Valtrex will prevent the herpes virus from spreading along the skin and will rapidly reduce symptoms.

Swallow Valtrex tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them.

Take this medicine at the same time(s) each day.

While taking Valtrex, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will reduce the risk of side effects that can affect the nervous system or kidneys.

Always read the patient information leaflet, which will come with your tablets, for full instructions on how to take Valtrex.

Valtrex Side Effects

Rare side effects associated with Valtrex 500mg may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people and include:

• Altered brain function
• Coma
• Delirium
• Convulsions (fits)
• A lack of coordination, unsteady when walking
• Speech becomes slow and slurred
• Kidney problems (urinating very little or not urinating at all)

This list is not exhaustive. Always refer to the patient information leaflet for full details on side effects. 

Valtrex Warnings

Some medicines can interact with Valtrex.

Before you start using Valtrex 500mg tablets, please ensure you inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking any medicines that affect your kidneys (listed below):

• Aminoglycosides
• Tacrolimus
• Probenecid
• Foscarnet
• Pentamidine
• Organoplatinum compounds
• Iodinated contrast media
• Ciclosporin
• Methotrexate

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Valtrex helps to reduce how active the virus is, reduce active cold sores that appear on the skin and also help to improve the time needed for cold sores to heal.

There is no evidence to suggest that Valtrex should not be taken during pregnancy, so it does not appear to cause any serious side effects to the mother or baby.

You should also inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently breastfeeding.

Valtrex Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Valaciclovir hydrochloride

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Valtrex online in the UK?