Valtrex 500mg Tablets

What is Valtrex and what is it used for?

Valtrex tablets are an antiviral drug that uses an active ingredient known as valaciclovir. Valaciclovir is an effective treatment for preventing the recurrence of viral flare-ups, such as genital herpes and cold sores, and is most effective if used as soon as symptoms begin to appear.

If you suffer from flare-ups of herpes regularly then you might need to take Valtrex regularly in order to suppress the viral infection. When taken regularly valaciclovir can reduce the chance of passing your infection to other people sexually. You should, however, continue to wear condoms and practise safe sex. When the sores are visible and present it is recommended to avoid sex altogether.

Valtrex is available on prescription for adults between 18 and 65 years old. Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and comes in boxes containing 10 tablets. You can buy up to 30 tablets in one transaction.

What is Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a common infection that causes painful blisters on the genitals and nearby areas, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Genital herpes is most often transmitted through sexual contact, and so is commonly classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Like many STIs, HSV is highly contagious and can be spread by any direct contact with the affected areas.

How does Valtrex work?

Valtrex tablets contain the active ingredient valaciclovir. The body breaks this ingredient down into aciclovir which can be used to treat viral infections such as herpes. Aciclovir stops these viruses from spreading and infecting other cells throughout your body. It activates once it gets inside the infected cells, blocking an enzyme in the virus called DNA polymerase. Because aciclovir blocks this enzyme, the virus cannot multiply, allowing your natural immune system to control the infection.

Alternatives to Valtrex

Valtrex tablets are a prescription-only treatment for genital herpes and are also available as the cheaper generic brand Valaciclovir. Other prescriptions, antiviral treatments include; Aciclovir 400mg. For full details on Genital Herpes treatment takes a look at our Advice for Genital Herpes page.

Some Non-Prescription Alternatives for treating a Genital Herpes outbreak include;

• Cleaning the area with water or saltwater to promote healing
• Avoid wearing tight clothing
• Use pain relief such as paracetamol
• Try to avoid your known outbreak triggers such as excess alcohol.
• Use Vaseline on the blisters to promote healing and relieve pain.

Sources

• Valtrex Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/v...

Valtrex dosage for genital herpes

For adults aged between 18 - 65 years:

Treatment of genital herpes - The usual dose is 500 mg (one 500 mg tablet or two 250 mg tablets) twice a day. For the first infection, you should take Valtrex for five days or for up to ten days if your doctor tells you to.

Helping to prevent herpes infections from returning - The usual dose is one 500 mg tablet once a day. Some people with frequent recurrences may benefit from taking one 250 mg tablet twice a day. You should take Valtrex until your doctor tells you to stop.

Always complete the full course of medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you believe that your infection may have subsided. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If this is the case it is okay to skip a dose - never take a double dose in order to make up for a missed one.

Valtrex ingredients

Valtrex 500mg tablets contain one active ingredient: Valaciclovir (as valaciclovir hydrochloride).

Valtrex 500mg tablets also contain several inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, Crospovidone, Povidone, Magnesium stearate, Silica colloidal anhydrous, Hypromellose, Titanium dioxide, Macrogol 400, Polysorbate 80 (500 mg tablets only), Carnauba wax.

Valtrex side effects

As with most medications, Valtrex can cause some people to experience unpleasant side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of using Valtrex include the following:

• Headache
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Skin reaction after exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity).
• Rash
• Itching (pruritus)

If you have any further concerns about anything addressed here, or you are worried about potential side effects, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Valtrex Warnings

It is important to read the following warnings before taking Valtrex tablets in order to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Consult your doctor before using Valtrex if any of the following apply to you:

• You have kidney problems
• You have liver problems
• You are over 65 years of age
• Your immune system is weak

Valtrex and other medicines

Speak to a doctor before using Valtrex if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Aminoglycosides
• Organoplatinum compounds
• Iodinated contrast media
• Methotrexate
• Pentamidine
• Foscarnet
• Cyclosporin
• Tacrolimus
• Cimetidine
• Probenecid
  

Valtrex in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Valtrex is not usually recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you could be, or if you are planning to become pregnant, don’t take Valtrex without checking with your doctor. Your doctor will weigh up the benefit to you against the risk to your baby of taking Valtrex while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before taking Valtrex.