Valaciclovir

While Valaciclovir can’t battle the herpes simplex virus when inactive and dormant, it will possibly well resist the virus when live and attacking the cells of the body. In actual fact, in depth studies performed on Valaciclovir have found it to be an extremely effective treatment for herpes if taken on the early stage of a flare up. 

Whilst Valaciclovir can't fight the herpes simplex virus when inactive and dormant, it can effectively fight the virus when live and attacking the cells of the body. In fact, extensive studies performed on Valaciclovir have shown it to be a highly beneficial treatment for herpes if taken at the first sign of a flare up. Valaciclovir can even prevent a sore from forming if used as a preventative and can make symptoms more bearable and lessen the period of healing by up to half in some cases.

Valaciclovir is a prescription only medication which requires a doctor’s approval prior to purchase. You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire which will give our doctors insight as to whether this is the correct medication for your situation. This will be based on a number of factors, such as other medications you have tried or are currently taking and the severity of your symptoms.

Once you have been given a prescription, you can purchase your treatment online. It will then be sent to you by next day delivery.

Valaciclovir is thought to be even more beneficial than other cold sore treatments as the body can more effectively use this version of the aciclovir drug to help prevent and/or treat the herpes simplex virus. It can also be taken in a lower dose than other treatments and remain effective, which means that there could be fewer side effects than if taking a higher dosage of another medication.

The active ingredient is valaciclovir hydrochloride.

The inactive ingredients are ammonium hydroxide, black iron oxide, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze and titanium dioxide.

The amount of time you use the medication for varies based on how quickly you begin treatment from the first signs of a cold sore as well as the severity of the cold sore itself. Generally speaking, you would take the treatment for anywhere up to 10 days. It can also be used to prevent a herpes outbreak or manage HSV-1 longterm, and studies have shown that it is safe, when prescribed, to be taken for years at a time if necessary, such as in the case of someone with lowered immunity.

Although the virus causing the cold sore can never be entirely cured, you can treat it with an antiviral medication such as Valaciclovir when active.

Valaciclovir stops the HSV-1 spreading by interfering with the mechanism which enables the herpes virus to multiple during an outbreak. This lessens the speed at which the infection can spread to healthy cells and shortens the lifespan of the blister.

You will be prescribed the correct dose strength and length of treatment for the type of herpes virus you have. As such, it is important to take the tablets as directed by your doctor to ensure you get the full benefit.

You can take them with or without food and swallowed with water, and you must start taking them as early as possible from the initial onset of your symptoms, which is usually a tingling sensation on the lip or around the mouth. Anytime up to 48 hours from symptoms appearing is the ideal window of time to begin treatment. If you miss a dose and do not remember until close to the time of your next, then wait and take the following tablet at the normal time. Do not take two at once.

Valaciclovir’s side effects are similar to those found with most medications and depend entirely on your body’s ability to tolerate the drug. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a headache.

These effects are usually mild and should not stop you taking the treatment, although if you feel concerned at any time, then you can arrange a free and confidential online appointment to speak to a medical expert at Click Pharmacy.

Side effects which have been found to affect less than 1% of patients using Valaciclovir can include:

• dizziness
• constipation
• stomachache
• painful periods
• joint pain

To avoid any possible issues with your kidneys whilst taking this medication, ensure you drink plenty of extra fluids to keep them working effectively.

It is extremely rare, but issues with the nervous system can occur through the use of Valaciclovir and can manifest in the form of a change in behaviour, such as becoming more aggressive, confusion and hallucinations. If this occurs, seek medical help right away and stop the treatment. Similar if you find

Certain groups of people are more likely to suffer certain negative side effects, including those with kidney issues such as disease or transplantation, and anyone over 65. Also, if you are, or think you may be pregnant or you are breastfeeding, then ensure you tell your Click Pharmacy doctor or GP so they can discuss potential risks before giving you a prescription. For example, the drug can pass into the milk in a breastfeeding mother, which could potentially affect the baby.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, including herbal supplements and vitamins, to ensure that they will not interfere negatively with the Valaciclovir medication causing it to be less effective.

Refrain from having sex if you have a herpes flare-up, as you can transmit the virus to your partner through vaginal, oral or anal sex.

If you have had herpes in the past or are taking valaciclovir to prevent it, it is imperative to practice safe sex. Use condoms, as they are the only form of contraception that protects you and your partner from STIs.

Yes, you can drink alcohol when taking valaciclovir, as alcohol does not interact with it. However, alcohol can impair the immune system making the viral infection more difficult to treat; therefore, you should avoid mixing. Furthermore, alcohol can make the nausea caused by valaciclovir worse

Yes, you can take paracetamol with valaciclovir, but avoid other NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, as they can cause kidney damage.

Aciclovir and valaciclovir both work by suppressing the virus; however, aciclovir is usually the first line of treatment against herpes infection. Valaciclovir is a prodrug which converts into its active form, aciclovir, after entering the body. Although both antivirals have the same mechanism of action, because it is a prodrug, more valaciclovir enters the bloodstream and has a more potent effect on the infection.

All the main antivirals used against herpes infection have the same mechanism of action. The major difference lies in the dosing frequency and price. Patients need to take famciclovir and valaciclovir twice daily, whereas aciclovir thrice daily. Therefore, the former two make compliance with the herpes treatment more accessible. Valaciclovir is, however, more expensive than aciclovir.

No, valaciclovir is a prescription-only medication in the UK. A registered doctor can prescribe you valaciclovir after diagnosing you with genital herpes, which you can then buy from a pharmacy with a valid prescription.