Genital Herpes - Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets

What is Valaciclovir and how does it work?

Valaciclovir is an antiviral pro-drug treatment for herpes. Once in the system, Valaciclovir is broken down into the active Aciclovir. This route means that the active is present in the blood for longer so allows the patient to take less tablets per course (ONE twice a day as opposed to three times a day for Aciclovir).

Valaciclovir is also available as a more expensive brand Valtrex. Generic Valaciclovir and Valtrex are clinically the same and equally as effective as each other.

How do I take Valaciclovir and is it effective?

Valaciclovir 500mg comes in tablet form and should be taken twice a day whole with water, for five days. It is recommended to extend the treatment for 10 days for the first outbreak of genital herpes as the infection can flare up again after the 5th day. 5 days should be enough for subsequent flare ups.

Valaciclovir reduces the time a flare up lasts and therefore the length of time a patient is in pain. At the dose prescribed it is as effective as taking Aciclovir. Valaciclovir is also used as a treatment for cold sores and other HSV infections of the skin. Valaciclovir can also reduce the risk of spread of genital herpes when taken as suppressive therapy in combination with using barrier methods (e.g. condoms) for safe sex.

Like most medications, Valaciclovir has some side effects, although they might not affect everyone. The most common ones are:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Skin rashes

For a full list and the patient information leaflet CLICK HERE