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Valtrex

Buy Valtrex after completing our online consultation for herpes virus

Herpes Virus
500mg
10 pills (£33.99)

Prices include next-day delivery and prescription

10 pills £33.99
20 pills £63.99 Save £4
42 pills £109.99 Save £33

Select your treatment after the consultation:

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More information about Valtrex

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex viruses, including genital herpes (herpes simplex strain 2, HSV-2) and cold sores (herpes simplex strain 1, HSV-1). It also treats varicella zoster virus (VZV, herpes zoster), which causes chickenpox and shingles. It is also used to prevent infections in those who are immunocompromised, including preventing CMV (cytomegalovirus) in those who’ve had organ transplants.

It is an oral prescription in the form of capsules that can offer relief from unpleasant blisters within 24 hours as well as significantly reduce the duration of your outbreak. Treatment is most effective when used at the first sign of infection.

How does Valtrex work?

Valtrex contains the active ingredient valaciclovir (valacyclovir) hydrochloride which belongs to a group of drugs known as 'prodrugs'. This means that it changes and adapts when it's inside the body to become more effective. When valaciclovir is absorbed into the system, it evolves into is parent drug aciclovir (acyclovir) which allows more of the active ingredient to be absorbed into the system and ensure effective treatment.

Valtrex works specifically by targeting the virus cells responsible for the growth and duplication of the viral DNA. This prevents the virus from duplicating itself and spreading from one healthy cell to another. It allows your body's natural defences to fight back, and drive the virus back to an inactive state.

How do I take Valtrex?

Each tablet is 500mg, but the dosage will depend on the form of herpes and whether you’re treating an initial bout, a recurrent bout or preventing infection. Your dose may also be adjusted if your symptoms persist after you complete your course or you have a weak immune system, kidney problems or are over the age of 65.

Valtrex should always be taken for the full course, regardless of whether the symptoms subside during the course.

The recommended dosages are the following:

It is also advised to drink plenty of fluids whilst taking this medication to avoid dehydration. You should swallow the tablets whole, do not crush, break or split tablets.

If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose. If it is nearly time to take your next tablet, just take your next scheduled dose as normal until the treatment finishes. If you remember long before your next dosage, take the tablet as soon as possible.

What are the side effects of Valtrex?

As with all prescription medication, there is a small risk of side effects. However, the most common side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.

Common side effects include:

If you experience any of the following more severe symptoms, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

More severe side effects of Valtrex are rare, but symptoms should not be ignored. If you experience any severe side effects, you should stop taking Valtrex and seek immediate medical attention.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet which is available to download on this page and will be sent in the box with your medication.

What precautions should I take?

If you have previously had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient valaciclovir or the similar antiviral aciclovir, then you should not take this medication. Equally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor for an alternative.

Some groups of people should take particular caution before taking this medication and should speak to their doctor beforehand as you may be more at risk of side effects. This includes those who:

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, then you should consult with a healthcare professional before taking this medication.

In addition, once contracted, the herpes virus does not leave your body and can be transferred to partners at any time. Refraining from sex during outbreaks and making sure you are containing the virus is essential.

Does Valtrex react with any other medicines?

You should always inform whoever is prescribing you if you take any other medicines, this includes prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines. This is because your treatment may be affected.

The following medicines can affect kidney function when taken with Valtrex:

If you are not sure what medication you take, you should speak with your doctor before taking Valtrex.

How can I buy Valtrex online safely?

Valtrex 500mg is available to purchase on prescription at HealthExpress for the treatment of genital herpes, cold sores and shingles. To make sure you are suitable for treatment, you will have to fill out a quick and confidential medical questionnaire reviewed by one of our registered doctors. Once approved, your medication will be dispensed and dispatched discreetly to your address with next-day delivery.

Valtrex info
Product name Valtrex
Active ingredient(s) Valaciclovir Hydrochloride
Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline
Lowest price £33.99
Trustpilot rating 4.7/5
Trustpilot reviews 23
Availability In stock
Description An antiviral used to treat symptoms of herpes simplex virus
Exemption Subject to medical prescription
Administration Oral
Presentation Tablets
Available dosage 500mg
Application Men and women over the age of 18 with genital herpes, cold sores and/or shingles
Usage One 500mg tablet a day for 5 days for genital herpes, four 500mg tablets then repeat dose after 12 hours for cold sores and two 500mg tablets 3 times a day for 7 days for shingles.
Posology Consult patient leaflet
Drug class Antivirals
Alcohol consumption No influence
When breastfeeding Not recommended, ask your doctor for alternatives
When pregnant Speak to your doctor

Note: Decisions about treatment are for both the prescriber and the person to jointly consider during the consultation. However, the final decision will always be the prescriber’s.

Valtrex FAQs

Can Valtrex prevent shingles rash?

No, Valtrex is not typically prescribed to prevent shingles infections but can be prescribed to prevent herpes simplex infections (genital herpes and cold sores). If you are over the age of 70, the best way to prevent shingles is to get the free shingles vaccine offered on the NHS. Otherwise, you must consult your doctor for preventative treatment options.

Can you buy Valtrex over the counter?

No, Valtrex is only available on prescription.

How much Valtrex do I take for cold sores?

The usual dose is 2000mg twice a day. You will either need to take two 1000mg or four 500mg tablets twice daily. You should allow for 12 hours between each dose. You should only take Valtrex for cold sores for one day.

What if Valtrex doesn't work?

If you find that you are still experiencing symptoms after your course of treatment has finished, you may require another few days of treatment or a different dose. However, it's best you consult your doctor if you are unsure.

Can valtrex make your period irregular?

No, Valtrex is not know to affect your periods. A slight variation in your menstrual cycle every once in a while is perfectly normal. However if you are frequently experiencing irregular periods, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible as this may be a symptom of an underlying condition.

Can Valtrex cause hair loss?

No, Valtrex is not known to cause hair loss. If you are experiencing sudden or severe hair loss, please consult your healthcare provider.

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Valtrex reviews
Box contains 42 film-coated tablets of Valtrex® 500mg Valaciclovir Excellent 4.7 23 patients have reviewed Valtrex on Trustpilot
10 Dec

Fantastic as always. Quick delivery.

Customer
09 Jan

VERY EFFECTIVE

Tunji D
07 Oct

my opinion comparing to its price in other countries

Dmitry T
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