Valtrex
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500mg
£59.95
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Reviewed on Jun 28, 2024. by Dr Daniel Atkinson GP Clinical Lead Registered with GMC (No. 4624794) Next review due on April 24, 2028.
Dr Daniel Atkinson

Last updated on Jun 28, 2024.

Product info

  • Valtrex is a prescription-strength tablet treatment for cold sores.

  • It works by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying, which helps clear your skin.
  • It can improve symptoms within five days.

Price checker

500mg
£59.95
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    24 hour shipping by secure courier.

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
    £59.95
    Save £0.00 each order
Valtrex Valaciclovir

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex tablets are a prescription medication that help with the symptoms of herpes. They clear up cold sores and herpes lesions on the skin. This leaves you with clear skin and free from the pain, itching and discomfort that comes with herpes outbreaks. It can also help to stop herpes from spreading to other parts of your body.

It’s also sometimes used to reduce the likelihood of passing herpes on to sexual partners, but this is not considered to be 100% effective. So if this is something you want to learn more about, speak to our clinician.

How does Valtrex work?

The active ingredient in Valtrex is valaciclovir. It stops enzymes formed by the herpes virus from multiplying, which helps to clear up an outbreak (along with any cold sores or lesions) and help with soreness or itching.

Using Valtrex can also restrict the severity of a herpes outbreak and can stop the spread of the outbreak to other parts of the body when you take it at the first signs of symptoms.

What doses of Valtrex are there?

Valtrex comes in tablet form. We offer one 500mg dose of Valtrex as a tablet for Herpes treatment. If this treatment doesn’t work well for you then discuss the option of alternative treatments with your clinician as there isn’t an alternative dose available.

treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Daniel Atkinson 312
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on April 24, 2025. Next review due on April 24, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Valtrex Valaciclovir

How to take Valtrex

Taking Valtrex is usually straightforward and doesn’t require any special preparation. If you’ve been diagnosed with herpes zoster (also known as shingles), you should start treatment as soon as possible.

To take Valtrex:

  • take one tablet with water
  • take it with or without food

Our clinicians will talk you through how to take your medication and you’ll be provided with full instructions when your medication arrives. Read this before you start your treatment.

How long does it take Valtrex to work?

The treatment time for Valtrex varies depending on the individual and the severity of your herpes infection and outbreak. However, treatment should be effective within five days of starting to take Valtrex. If your symptoms persist, you should contact our clinician for more advice and treatment alternatives.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Valtrex?

Read the instructions that come with your Valtrex treatment carefully before you use it as this will help to make sure that you don’t make any mistakes.

  • If you forget to take your Valtrex, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as before.
  • If you experience any side effects or you’re worried about your treatment, speak to our clinician for further advice.
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Daniel Atkinson 312
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson on April 24, 2025. Next review due on April 24, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Valtrex Valaciclovir

Valtrex isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Valtrex Valaciclovir

FAQ: Valtrex

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is Valtrex different to other treatments for herpes?

Answer:
Valtrex uses a different antiviral drug to other treatments like aciclovir but works in a very similar way to stop the virus from multiplying and spreading to nearby healthy cells. This can help herpes sores to clear up more quickly and relieves any pain, itching or discomfort associated with them.

You can only get Valtrex as a tablet. It’s not available as a cream or an oral suspension. If you are unable to take tablets then you should explore alternative treatments with our clinician. Sign in to your account and send them a message.

Is Valtrex similar to any other treatments?

Answer:
There is a generic version of Valtrex available called valaciclovir. This contains the same active ingredient as Valtrex and works in the same way, but it isn’t made by the same company and can be slightly cheaper. Whether you choose a branded or a generic version of a treatment is very much a personal choice.

Which dose of Valtrex should I use?

Answer:
There are two doses, 250mg and 500mg. So if the dosage our clinicians first prescribe for you doesn’t work, let us know so we can talk it through.

How effective is Valtrex?

Answer:
Valtrex (and its generic alternative valaciclovir), can shorten the viral ‘shedding’ of herpes (which is part of what makes it contagious). It’s also been proven to significantly reduce the time that it takes for herpes lesions to heal, which can help with discomfort and improving the appearance of the lesion or cold sore. [1]

Daily Valtrex treatments can help to cut herpes transmission to sexual partners too. The risk of a partner developing genital herpes with symptoms can drop by as much as 77% with Valtrex, [2] but you should always use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission. You can discuss this with our clinician if this is something that you want to find out more about.

Valtrex tablets will not cure herpes permanently as it’s a virus that affects the body. However, it can help to reduce future outbreaks and the severity of the virus, which can improve your comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Do I need a prescription for Valtrex?

Answer:
You will need a prescription for Valtrex tablets as these can’t be purchased over the counter. It’s a prescription medication that will need to be reviewed by a clinician who will check your medical history and circumstances to make sure that Valtrex is safe and suitable for you.

Our clinicians can support you in choosing the right medication for your herpes, whether it’s cold sores or genital herpes that you’re experiencing.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. Cernik, C. (2008). The Treatment of Herpes Simplex InfectionsAn Evidence-Based Review. Archives of Internal Medicine, 168(11), p.1137.
  2. Sperling, R.S., Fife, K.H., Warren, T.J., Dix, L.P. and Brennan, C.A. (2008). The Effect of Daily Valacyclovir Suppression on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Viral Shedding in HSV-2 Seropositive Subjects Without a History of Genital Herpes. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 35(3), pp.286–290.

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Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead
Dr-Daniel-Atkinson

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

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Registered with GPhC (No. 2202465)

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Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)

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Further reading

Take a look at our helpful health guides related to cold sores (herpes simplex).

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