Valaciclovir

What is Valaciclovir?

Valaciclovir is a medication you can take to help stop the symptoms of cold sores and genital herpes. The virus that causes these skin conditions is known as herpes simplex, and one of its main effects is that it causes blisters on the skin. These can make you feel self-conscious, but there are treatments available to help you.

Taking Valaciclovir when you first get symptoms means that you can tackle the virus and ensure that any discomfort is minimised.

How does Valaciclovir work?

Valaciclovir is the generic name for a branded medication called Valtrex, and it’s also the name of the main active ingredient in the medication. Both tablets do exactly the same job. Because it’s a generic treatment, Valaciclovir is usually cheaper than Valtrex.

Valaciclovir the herpes simplex virus from multiplying, and reduces the severity of your outbreak. It stops the infection from spreading too. It works best if you take it as soon as you notice any symptoms surfacing.

What doses of Valaciclovir are there?

There are three doses of Valaciclovir available: 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg, depending on the manufacturer. You may take different amounts of tablets depending on whether you’re being treated for cold sores or genital herpes.

If you’ve got any questions about the dose, or find it’s not working for you, your clinician will be happy to talk to you about alternative treatments.

How to take Valaciclovir

Always take Valaciclovir as directed by our clinician.

• If you’re taking it for symptoms of cold sores, take four 500mg tablets at the onset of symptoms and then another four tablets 12 hours later. This is usually a one day treatment.
• If you’re taking it for the symptoms of genital herpes, take one 500mg tablet twice a day for ten days after your initial diagnosis and outbreak. If you’re treating a recurrence then take one 500mg tablet twice a day for an additional three to five days.
• Some people with HSV also take Valaciclovir to prevent an outbreak. Tell your clinician about your health and they’ll be able to give you the advice you need.

Take your tablets with a drink of water. They can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, it’s really important that you don’t take an extra one to make up for it. ^[1] Simply take your next dose at the right time and then carry on as normal.

How long does it take Valaciclovir to work?

Treatment time for the symptoms of cold sores and genital herpes can vary from person to person, and depends on how severe your infection is. Catching the outbreak at the first stages and starting treatment as soon as possible helps to get it under control quicker.

Once you start treatment, it should become effective within five days. If you think the treatment isn’t working as well as it should then you should send our clinician a message, and they can give you advice on the next steps.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Valaciclovir?

If you miss a dose then take it as soon as you remember, and then carry on as normal. Don’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed tablet.

Don’t take more than the prescribed dose. If you’ve taken too much Valaciclovir by accident then you should go to hospital and take the medication packet with you.