Valaciclovir 500mg

Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat the current and future outbreaks of cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) in adults. It is effective at stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing.

Valaciclovir helps to reduce the severity and the length of the outbreak, helping sores heal quicker and prevents new cold sores from forming.

Valaciclovir works by interfering with the herpes virus whilst it reproduces, preventing it from multiplying and reducing the rate of the spread of infection. This is a prodrug, which means it converts to another substance in the body, namely Aciclovir.

The usual dose to treat cold sores is 4 x 500mg (2000mg) tablets, taken twice a day with water. The second dose should be taken 12 hours (no sooner than 6 hours) after the first dose. You should take Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores for one day (two doses).

It is important to remain hydrated during the course of your treatment to minimise the risk of dehydration.

Valaciclovir starts working almost immediately after you start taking it and is effective in reducing the healing time and reducing the risk of transmission to other people. Valaciclovir is also proven to be effective in treating genital herpes and other HSV infections of the skin.

It has also shown to have similar effects in treating cold sores as the comparable treatment, Aciclovir.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions or on particular medicines. For this reason, it is very important you declare your full medical history to our Click Doctors via our online consultations so that a proper judgement can be made on its safety.

Do not take Valaciclovir:

• If you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other of its ingredients.
• If there is a chance of pregnancy or you are breastfeeding

For full information on how to take, side effects and precautions, it is important that you carefully read the patient information leaflet.