Valaciclovir for Genital Herpes

Yes. Valaciclovir is the first-choice antiviral recommended in UK guidance for genital herpes outbreaks. A short 3-day course works as well as longer courses, and it is easy to take as you only need one tablet twice a day.

Aciclovir is another option. Learn more about aciclovir for genital herpes.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible for a prescription to buy valaciclovir 500mg tablets online.

Valtrex is a brand name for valaciclovir. They contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way.

Yes. If you get outbreaks from time to time, you can order a course to keep at home and start it at the first tingle, itch or soreness, ideally within 24 hours. Starting early gives the best results. You can order up to 3 courses at a time. Check the expiry date before using a stored course, and seek advice before using it if your symptoms feel different from usual.

Both work well for genital herpes outbreaks. Valaciclovir is usually the first choice, because it is taken twice a day for 3 days. Aciclovir is taken three times a day for 2 days, and may be more suitable if you have mild or moderate kidney problems. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option during your consultation.

You cannot buy valaciclovir over the counter at a pharmacy, as it is a prescription-only medicine. You need a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy valaciclovir for genital herpes.

If you’ve been diagnosed with genital herpes before, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered prescribers. Then, if prescribed, you can buy valaciclovir 500mg tablets through our online pharmacy with fast UK delivery.

You can order valaciclovir 500mg tablets through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment with a registered prescriber. A prescriber will only prescribe valaciclovir if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy prescription medicines from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced prescriber for valaciclovir. If prescribed, you can order valaciclovir online with fast UK-wide delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

No. The herpes virus stays in your body after the first infection and can cause outbreaks from time to time. Antiviral tablets can’t remove the virus, but they shorten outbreaks and ease symptoms, especially when started early. For many people, outbreaks become milder and less frequent over time.

If you have never been diagnosed with genital herpes, please visit a sexual health clinic. A first outbreak needs to be examined and tested, as other infections can look similar, and the treatment is different. Sexual health clinics are free and confidential.

Avoid sex, including oral sex, from the first tingle until the sores have completely healed. Condoms reduce, but do not remove, the risk of passing herpes on at other times. If you have a new partner, an STI test is a good idea, and it’s free at sexual health clinics.

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and complete the full course, even if the sores start to heal.

• If you have an outbreak now, start the tablets as soon as they arrive. If you’re keeping a course ready, start it at the first tingle, itch or soreness, ideally within 24 hours.
• Take one 500mg tablet twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 3 days.
• Swallow the tablets with water. You can take them with or without food.
• Drink plenty of fluids while you’re taking valaciclovir.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not take two tablets at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

For adults with a genital herpes outbreak, the usual dose is one 500mg tablet twice a day for 3 days. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and finish the full course.

Many people notice the sores start to heal within a few days. If your sores have not started to heal after 10 days, see a GP or sexual health clinic.

You can order up to 3 courses at a time, and up to 5 courses in any 12 months. If you need more than this, or you have 6 or more outbreaks a year, a GP or sexual health clinic can discuss daily treatment to help prevent outbreaks.

If you have 6 or more outbreaks a year, or outbreaks are affecting your wellbeing or relationships, speak to your GP or a sexual health clinic. They can discuss daily tablets that help prevent outbreaks, which need regular review.

Our service does not supply herpes treatment during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or could be pregnant, speak to your midwife or GP, as genital herpes in pregnancy needs a plan from your maternity team.

You can usually take valaciclovir while breastfeeding. If your baby was born early or is unwell, speak to your GP or health visitor before starting the tablets.

Alcohol does not interact with valaciclovir. But, it’s important to drink plenty of water while you take it.

Valaciclovir should not usually affect your ability to drive. But, some people feel dizzy or tired. If this happens, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel better.

No. Valaciclovir does not affect the contraceptive pill or any other type of hormonal contraception.

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. In particular, mention:

• Ciclosporin, tacrolimus or mycophenolate, used after transplants or for immune conditions
• Lithium, used for bipolar disorder
• Theophylline, used for asthma or COPD
• Any other medicine that can affect your kidneys

Bathe the area in salt water, take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if they’re suitable for you, and drink plenty of fluids. If it stings when you pee, try peeing in the bath or with water running over the area. Wear loose clothing and avoid touching the sores.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a severe headache, stiff neck or dislike of bright light.

Get urgent help from A&E or NHS 111 if you cannot pee. Get a same-day eye check or go to A&E if you have eye pain, redness or changes to your vision.

Contact a GP, sexual health clinic or NHS 111 the same day if you have a fever, feel very unwell or the sores are spreading widely. See a GP or sexual health clinic if the sores have not started to heal after 10 days.