GPhC Registered: 9012621
Valaciclovir for Cold Sores
- One-day antiviral treatment for cold sores
- 2g twice in one day, 12 hours apart
- Free online clinical assessment by a UK prescriber
- Private prescription included
- Fast UK delivery*
If you get cold sores that keep coming back or are slow to heal, we may be able to help. You’ll need to complete a simple online consultation so our prescribers can recommend the best option for you.
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Product information: Valaciclovir for Cold Sores
What is valaciclovir?
Valaciclovir is a prescription antiviral medicine used to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Your body turns it into aciclovir, which stops the virus from multiplying. A one-day course can help a cold sore heal faster and ease pain and tingling, especially when started at the very first sign.
Valaciclovir does not cure the virus or stop it coming back. It is not suitable if you have significant kidney problems or a weakened immune system. Your prescriber will check your medical history to make sure it is safe for you.
Who can get valaciclovir for cold sores?
Valaciclovir may be suitable if you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have had cold sores before, and this one looks and feels like your usual cold sores
- Have a cold sore that started in the last 5 days
- Get cold sores that are frequent, large, painful or slow to heal
- Get fewer than 6 cold sores a year
Most cold sores clear up on their own within 10 days, and antiviral creams are available over the counter. Our prescribers will recommend tablets when they are likely to help more.
During your online consultation, we’ll ask you about:
- Whether this cold sore looks and feels like your usual ones, and when it started
- How often you get cold sores
- Any sores near your eyes or inside your mouth
- Any medical conditions you have, especially kidney problems or a weakened immune system
- Past or present allergies to medicines
- Any medication or treatments you’re currently having
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
This will help your prescriber find a treatment that’s safe and effective for you.
How it works
Online consultation
Fill out a simple online form with no GP or pharmacy visits.
Clinical review
A UK-registered pharmacist reviews your details to decide the best treatment option for you.
Receive your prescription
If prescribed, you can get express delivery in discreet packaging right to your doorstep.
Delivery Information
Royal Mail Tracked 24
1–2 working days
£3.99
Royal Mail Special Delivery
Guaranteed next working day delivery
£8.95
Discreet Packaging
All orders are sent in plain, unmarked packaging with no indication of the contents. Your privacy is our priority.
Side Effects
Like any treatment, valaciclovir can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most are mild and pass with time, such as:
- Headache
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Feeling dizzy
- Stomach pain
We’ll explain what to look out for and ways to manage any side effects.
Rarely, valaciclovir can cause serious side effects, mainly in older people or those with kidney problems. Stop taking it and get urgent medical advice if you feel confused or see or hear things that aren’t there, or pass much less urine than usual.
Please call 999 or go straight to A&E if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- A severe skin rash with blistering, peeling or sores
If you notice any changes not listed above or if any side effects become difficult to manage, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance. You can also report it through the Yellow Card Scheme to help others take their medication safely.
Frequently asked questions about Valaciclovir for Cold Sores
You can only buy valaciclovir online for cold sores if it’s been prescribed to you by a UK-registered prescriber after a clinical assessment.
If you get cold sores, you can complete an online consultation reviewed by one of our experienced UK-registered clinicians. They’ll review your symptoms and medical history to decide the best treatment for you. If prescribed, you can order valaciclovir online through our pharmacy.
We’ll only prescribe valaciclovir when it’s clinically appropriate. If it isn’t the right treatment for you, we can help you find other options instead and you’ll receive a full refund.
Yes. Valaciclovir is an effective treatment for cold sores, and the one-day course is simple to take. It works best when you start it as soon as you notice tingling, burning or itching.
Aciclovir tablets are another option. Learn more about aciclovir tablets for cold sores.
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.
Tablets work from inside your body and can be more helpful if you get frequent, large or painful cold sores. Creams can help with small, occasional cold sores. Your prescriber can advise which is best for you.
Both help cold sores heal faster when started early. Valaciclovir is taken for just one day, while aciclovir tablets are taken five times a day for 5 days. Your prescriber will recommend the most suitable option during your consultation.
You can buy aciclovir cream for cold sores over the counter, but valaciclovir tablets are a prescription-only medicine. You need a prescription from a licensed prescriber to buy them.
If you get cold sores, 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.
Yes. Cold sores are most contagious when the blisters burst, and stay contagious until they have completely healed. To avoid spreading the virus:
- Avoid kissing and oral sex until the cold sore has healed
- Do not share cups, towels, lip balm or cutlery
- Wash your hands after touching the cold sore or applying cream
- Avoid touching your eyes after touching the cold sore
- Take extra care around babies, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system
Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and take both doses, even if the cold sore starts to heal.
- Start as soon as possible, ideally at the first sign of a cold sore, such as tingling, burning or itching.
- Take 2g (four 500mg tablets) straight away, then another 2g (four 500mg tablets) about 12 hours later.
- 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 the second dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than two 2g doses in total.
For adults, the usual dose is 2g (four 500mg tablets) taken twice in one day, about 12 hours apart. It’s very important you follow your prescriber’s advice and take both doses.
Many people notice the cold sore healing faster within a few days of taking valaciclovir. If your cold sore has not healed within 10 days, or it is spreading, seek medical advice.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your prescriber during your consultation. Valaciclovir can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when it is needed, and your prescriber will advise whether it is right for you.
If you get 6 or more cold sores a year, speak to your GP. They can check for triggers and discuss daily treatment to help prevent them. Using sunscreen lip balm can help if sunlight triggers your cold sores.
Alcohol does not interact with valaciclovir. But, drinking too much can leave you dehydrated, and it’s important to drink plenty of water while you take valaciclovir.
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 any type of hormonal contraception, including the contraceptive pill and emergency contraception.
Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take. In particular, mention:
- Other antiviral medicines, such as aciclovir
- Probenecid, used for gout
- Cimetidine, used for indigestion
- Medicines that can affect your kidneys, such as ciclosporin, tacrolimus or lithium
Get urgent medical help from a GP or NHS 111 if:
- The cold sore is near your eye, or your eye is red, painful or sensitive to light
- You have a weakened immune system, for example because of chemotherapy or diabetes
- The cold sore is large, very painful or spreading
- You feel very unwell or have a high temperature
- Your gums are swollen and painful with sores inside your mouth
Product Information Leaflet
Regulated and Safe
General Pharmaceutical Council
My Chemist Plus is registered and regulated by the GPhC, who are the official body that regulates and inspects all pharmacies in the UK. They are responsible to ensure we provide the highest standards in care.
LegitScript certification
My Chemist Plus is certified by Legit Script, who monitors online pharmacies to evaluate compliance, adherence and licensing to regulation.
References
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Herpes simplex – oral. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/herpes-simplex-oral/
- NHS. Cold sores. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-sores/
- NHS. Valaciclovir. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/valaciclovir/