Valaciclovir (Valtrex)
Genital Herpes
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Valaciclovir (Valtrex)
Genital Herpes
Medication features
Valaciclovir is an antiviral treatment used for genital herpes. It has a dosage of 1 tablet three times a day if being used to treat an outbreak, otherwise one tablet twice a day is sufficient for a preventative dose. It is important to remain hydrated during treatment and drink plenty of water.
- Antiviral Medication
- Used to treat genital herpes
- Treats both outbreaks and prevention
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our GP / Pharmacist.
Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication that can be used to help reduce symptoms of a genital herpes outbreak. It can also be used to help suppress the virus, to prevent symptoms from reappearing.
FAQ
Is Valaciclovir safe long term?
Yes, valaciclovir is safe to take long term over several months, which is helpful for those who experience recurrent genital herpes to keep it under control.
Does Valaciclovir affect the contraceptive pill?
There are no known interactions between Valaciclovir and the contraceptive pill, so it is safe to take both at the same time. However, if you experience any side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea, this can affect the effectiveness of the pill.
How quickly should Valaciclovir work?
Ideally, you should start taking Valaciclovir as soon as possible after symptoms appear. It can also be taken as a preventative measure for long-term sufferers. If it’s your first time taking valaciclovir, the first course will likely be around ten days. The results do not show immediately, so it is important to continue the treatment until told to stop.
How can I manage side effects?
Side effects like diarrhoea can be reduced by using over the counter treatments such as Loperamide. Nausea can be prevented by taking Valaciclovir with or just after food. There are options available for vomiting such as Cyclizine, Promethazine, and Prochlorperazine, which can be purchased here at Pharmacy Online.
Side Effects
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking valaciclovir.
Common side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
You should inform a healthcare professional if you start to show any of the following side effects:
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Tremor
Other
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over the counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.