Valaciclovir

Valaciclovir is a medicine you can use to reduce the symptoms of cold sores and genital herpes. The virus responsible for these skin issues is called herpes simplex, and it often leads to blisters on the skin. These blisters can be embarrassing, but there are treatments to help manage them.

Starting Valaciclovir as soon as you notice symptoms helps you manage the virus and reduce any discomfort.

Valaciclovir is the generic name for the branded medicine Valtrex, and it's also the main active ingredient in the medication. Both tablets work in the same way. As a generic option, Valaciclovir is typically less expensive than Valtrex.

Valaciclovir works by stopping the enzymes produced by the herpes simplex virus from multiplying, which helps lessen the severity of your outbreak. It also prevents the infection from spreading. For the best results, it's important to take it as soon as you notice any symptoms starting.

Valaciclovir comes in a standard dose of 500mg. The number of tablets you take can vary depending on whether you're treating cold sores or genital herpes.

If you have any questions about the dosage or feel it's not effective for you, we're more than happy to discuss other treatment options with you.

Valaciclovir and Aciclovir are mainly used to treat herpes simplex. On the other hand, Famciclovir is used for treating the herpes zoster virus, which is more commonly known as shingles.

Valaciclovir is highly effective at addressing the signs and symptoms of herpes simplex if you take it at the start of an outbreak. It functions similarly to Aciclovir, but its main advantage is that it stays active in the body for a longer period (half-life), allowing you to take fewer doses.

Valaciclovir is also sold under the brand name Valtrex. Both tablets have the same active ingredient and function the same way in the body. However, Valtrex, being a branded version, tends to be a bit pricier. The packaging and the look of the tablet might also vary between the two.

There's just one dose available: a 500mg tablet. Our clinician will let you know how often you should take it, based on the symptoms you're experiencing.

If you have any questions about your medication or want to discuss your treatment plan, simply log in to your account and send a message to our clinician.

It's an effective treatment for the herpes simplex virus when you take it at the first signs of an outbreak. You'll usually notice it works within five days of beginning the treatment.

The herpes simplex virus can stay inactive in your body for a long time. You might have the virus without showing any symptoms for years.

For some people, repeated outbreaks can happen, with symptoms appearing between two to ten days after being exposed to the virus.

An initial outbreak can last between two and four weeks. Subsequent outbreaks generally don't last as long and typically clear up within a week. It's helpful to know that herpes simplex outbreaks may become less frequent or stop altogether as you get older.

When the virus becomes active and you begin experiencing cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks, there isn't a cure. However, you can take medication like Valaciclovir to reduce the frequency and severity of these outbreaks. This medication has been shown to decrease the symptoms of the Herpes Simplex virus and lower the risk of passing it on to others. In a study involving 1,484 adults taking the medication, it was found that they were 75% less likely to transmit the virus compared to those who took a placebo.

Yes, Valaciclovir is only available with a prescription. A healthcare professional will need to review your medical history to determine if it's a safe and appropriate option for you.

Please let us know about any other long-term health conditions you have and any other medications you're taking. This helps us determine if Valaciclovir is suitable for you.