Valaciclovir (Valtrex)
Genital Herpes
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Valaciclovir (Valtrex)
Genital Herpes
Medication features
Valaciclovir is an antiviral treatment used for relieving genital herpes outbreaks and cold sores. You can use it to alleviate and suppress herpes simplex viruses and relieve the symptoms of an outbreak. Valaciclovir 500mg tablets stops the virus from reproducing, preventing further outbreak. Suitable for adults and children over 12 years and contains the active ingredient valacyclovir hydrochloride.
- Treats genital herpes and cold sores
- Can alleviate symptoms in just 3 days
- Treats both outbreaks and virus prevention
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our Prescriber / Pharmacist.
Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication that can be used to help reduce symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak. It can also be used to help suppress the virus, to prevent symptoms from reappearing.
FAQ
Is Valaciclovir 500mg for genital herpes and cold sores safe long term?
Yes, valaciclovir is safe to take long-term over several months, which is helpful for those who experience recurrent genital herpes to keep it under control.
Does Valaciclovir affect the contraceptive pill?
There are no known interactions between Valaciclovir and the contraceptive pill, so it is safe to take both simultaneously. However, if you experience any side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea, this can affect the effectiveness of the pill.
How quickly should Valaciclovir work for the herpes simplex virus?
Ideally, you should start taking Valaciclovir as soon as possible after symptoms appear. It can also be taken as a preventative measure for long-term sufferers of the herpes simplex virus. If it’s your first time taking valaciclovir, the first course will likely be around ten days. The results do not show immediately, so it is important to continue the treatment until told to stop.
How can I manage side effects?
Side effects like diarrhoea can be reduced by using over-the-counter treatments such as Loperamide. Nausea can be prevented by taking Valaciclovir with or just after food. There are options for vomiting such as Cyclizine, Promethazine, and Prochlorperazine, which can be purchased here at Pharmacy Online.
Side Effects
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications and this genital herpes virus treatment is no exception. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking valaciclovir.
Common side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
You should inform a healthcare professional if you start to show any of the following side effects:
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Tremor
Other
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
