Valaciclovir 500mg
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Valaciclovir 500mg
Tuesday, 10 Sep 2024
Medication features
Antiviral Used for Outbreak or Suppression
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat and suppress infections caused by viruses like herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It starts working quickly to shorten healing time for cold sores and shingles outbreaks. It lessens symptoms like pain, itching, and burning for both cold sores and genital herpes. It can also be used to decrease the frequency of future outbreaks for genital herpes. Treatment is often just a short course. (e.g., one-day regimen for cold sores).
- Generic Version of Valtrex
- Effective Genital Herpes Treatment
- Fast-Acting Relief
- Reduces Outbreak Severity
- PIL
Registered UK Pharmacy Number: 1039428
Order Monday to Friday before 14:00pm to guarantee next day delivery
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.
Valaciclovir 500mg tablets online In the UK
You can buy Valaciclovir from our UK registered online pharmacy service Ashcroft Pharmacy. If you have been previously diagnosed with genital herpes, you can be prescribed this medication to treat the infection.
No prescription is required upfront, but you will need to complete an online assessment. Our doctors will review it and issue a prescription if appropriate. Once approved, our pharmacy team will dispense and dispatch your medication.
What is Valaciclovir?
Valaciclovir is an antiviral treatment used to treat viral infections caused by herpes simplex virus(HSV 1 and HSV 2).Examples of herpes viral infections include: herpes Zooster(shingles),herpes labialis (cold sores)and her[es simplex,
Valaciclovir 500mg is also used to treat chicken pox and cold sores in children. Valaciclovir is also available as a brand name Valtrex.
How does Valaciclovir work?
Valacyclovir is a prodrug, meaning it gets converted into acyclovir once it enters the body. Acyclovir works by interfering with the virus's ability to reproduce, helping to stop the infection from spreading and speeding up healing.
It stops the multiplication of the virus to enable your immune system to work effectively by suppressing the infection.
Valaciclovir tablet does not cure genital herpes rather it reduces the severity of your symptoms and helps your sores heal faster.
About Suppression treatment
in general, refers to taking medication regularly to prevent future outbreaks or episodes of a chronic condition. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of these occurrences.
About genital herpes
Genital herpes is an STI infection caused by skin-to-skin sexual contact with an infected person.
Some of the symptoms that you will notice if you have Genital Herpes are: sores on the genitals, pain while passing urine, pain while having sex, and sores that ooze fluids.
Genital Herpes is diagnosed through a swab test. Seek medical attention if you notice signs or symptoms of genital herpes.
Valaciclovir is generally used to treat genital herpes only if you experience outbreaks of lesions. You should visit a doctor if it's your first time having genital herpes before taking Valaciclovir.
About cold sores?
Cold sores are tiny blisters found around the nose lips and mouth. They are ar caused by the HSV virus and can be spread from one person to another through kissing.
Valaciclovir eases cold sore symptoms and fastens the healing process.
Valaciclovir symptoms are unnoticeable at first since the virus is normally inactive in the initial stages. You will likely notice symptoms later especially when exposed to triggers. Cold sores triggers include:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Exposure to sunlight
- Fever
- Menstrual cycle/ periods
- Different types of chest infections
Common symptoms of cold sores include:
- Bad breath
- Sore throat
- Burning sensation in the affected area
- Cold sores that rupture and develop into dry, crusty scabs
Valaciclovir dose
You should take Valaciclovir 2 times a day if you are treating genital herpes outbreaks. The second dose should be taken 12 hours after the first dose.
You should take the dose at least for 5 days to experience its effectiveness.
If you are suppressing outbreaks, you should take the tablets once daily. This is a dosage for people who are experiencing ofter herpes outbreaks and outbreaks that occur more than 6 episodes per year.
Valaciclovir 500mg treatment aims to reduce or eliminate recurring outbreaks, leading to shorter and milder future episodes.
Adequate hydration is crucial during these antiviral medications to control potential side effects.
If you are 65 years and above, you should drink water frequently to decrease the severity of the side effects. Valaciclovir should be taken with water and the tablets swallowed whole.
If you miss a dose of valaciclovir, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Avoid taking a double dose to compensate for the missed one.
- Cold Sores dose (Adults and Children 12+ years):
2 grams (2000mg) taken orally every 12 hours for one day (total of 2 doses).
Other Conditions: The dosage may vary depending on the specific condition and your doctor's instructions.
Alternative treatments
The main antivirals for treating genital heroes are Valaciclovir, aciclovir, and famciclovir. Famciclovir and valaciclovir should be taken twice a day while aciclovir is taken thrice daily. Aciclovir is cheaper than Valaciclovir
The two treatments are effective for treating genital herpes, however, if you are under a tight budget you can prefer buying the aciclovir treatment.
There are other over-the-counter treatments that you can use in place of Valaciclovir.They include:Docosanol,Benzocaineand Herpecin L.
Valaciclovir Vs Aciclovir
Valaciclovir and aciclovir are prescription antiviral medications used to treat HSV.
Aciclovir comes in various forms of dose: oral capsules, topical cream and ointment, injection solution, oral tablets, and oral suspension.
Valaciclovir is available in the form of oral tablets dose only. The Valaciclovir dose is taken twice a day while the aciclovir dose is taken thrice daily.
Who can typically use the treatment? Aciclovir can be used by, infants, adolescents, children, adults, and neonates. Valaciclovir can be used by, adults, adolescents, and children.
Valaciclovir contains valaciclovir hydrochloride as its active ingredient while aciclovir contains aciclovir as its active ingredient.
Sources
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4349.pdf
Reviewed by
| Name | Mr Suhail Jamil |
| Role | Superintendent Pharmacist |
| Gphc Number | 2069518 |
Directions
Who cannot take Valaciclovir?
Valaciclovir is not a suitable treatment for all. Your doctor may adjust your dose If you have any medical conditions or are taking certain medications.
Always consult your doctor before taking a Valaciclovir tablet if you:
- Have liver problems
- Have kidney problems
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Have a weak immune system
- Allergic to Valaciclovir ingredients
If you are 65 years and above or have a kidney problem or weak immune system, inform a doctor to get your dose adjusted.
Warnings
Valaciclovir During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Using Valaciclovir while pregnant or breastfeeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits for your specific situation.
For detailed warnings and precautions, refer to the patient information leaflet.
Valaciclovir and Drug Interactions
You should always inform your doctor if you take medicines that may affect your kidney. These medicines include:
- Methotrexate
- Ciclosporin
- Aminoglycosides
- Foscarnet
- Pentamidine
- Tacrolimus
FAQ
Can I buy Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets online?
Valaciclovir is available at our registered UK pharmacy. To buy the treatment you will need to complete an online assessment then our pharmacist will issue a prescription to treat genital herpes.
What is the cost of Valaciclovir tablets?
Valaciclovir price starts from 18.99. It is available at Ashcroft Pharmacy.
What are the benefits of taking Valaciclovir?
The treatment helps in reducing the number of future episodes for people who get frequent genital herpes outbreaks It also provides faster healing for cold sores.
Is Valaciclovir an antibiotic or steroid?
Valaciclovir is neither a steroid nor an antibiotic. It's an antiviral medication that inhibits the multiplication of viruses in the body .
What foods should I avoid while taking acyclovir?
You can take your food normally while taking Valciclovir, however, avoid taking foods that may trigger the infection. Citrus fruits may worsen the sores when the juice falls on the blisters.
Can I get Valaciclovir over the counter?
No Valaciclovir is only available as a prescription drug in the UK. It's prescribed to people who have been previously diagnosed with genital herpes.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Valaciclovir?
No, you should not take alcohol while taking the treatment. Alcohol increases the side effects and reduces the effectiveness of the medicine.
Which is stronger acyclovir or Valaciclovir?
All the treatments are strong, however, Valaciclovir has a longer duration compared to acyclovir.
Can you take Valaciclovir on an empty stomach?
Yes, you can take Valaciclovir on an empty stomach, to confirm please read the patient leaflet.
How long does Valaciclovir work?
To treat a type; outbreak of genital herpes you need to complete a 5-day course of Valaciclovir 500mg. You take the treatment twice a day to relieve the symptoms. If your symptoms worsen while taking the medication consult your doctor for further advice.
How long does Genital Herpes Last?
Genital herpes symptoms come and go in a cycle of outbreaks.
Here's a breakdown of the typical timeframe:
First Outbreak: This is usually the most severe and can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. You might experience flu-like symptoms, fever, and blisters around the genitals.
Subsequent Outbreaks: After the first outbreak, future outbreaks tend to be milder and shorter, lasting 3 to 7 days. Some people may not experience any noticeable symptoms during subsequent outbreaks.
Frequency: The frequency of outbreaks varies greatly from person to person. It can be unpredictable, with some people having outbreaks several times a year and others experiencing them very rarely.
How many Valaciclovir tablets should I take a day?
The dose for each person can vary based on the condition being treated. For genital herpes outbreaks, the typical course is one tablet twice a day for 5 days. If you are unsure about your dose, it is best to contact the prescriber.
How do you treat the first outbreak of Genital Herpes?
To treat the initial outbreak of genital herpes, a five-day course of antiviral medication is recommended. If necessary, this can be repeated for another five days to clear the symptoms. Starting treatment early helps clear symptoms faster.
What are the signs that indicate an outbreak is starting?
Warning signs of an outbreak include tingling, burning, or itching around the genitals. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to prepare for an outbreak and promptly seek antiviral medication.
Typically, a five-day course of antivirals clears the outbreak. For frequent outbreaks, ongoing suppression treatment may be more appropriate.
Side Effects
Valaciclovir Side Effects
Valaciclovir has side effects just like other treatments. Below are some of its side effects.
Common side effects.
1 in 10 people taking Valaciclovir tablets may experience the following side effects:
- Itching
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
Rare side effects
1 in 100 people may experience the following side effects after taking the antiviral treatment.:
- Stomach pain
- Lower back pain
- Fits
- kidney problems
- Tremors
- Agitation
- Feeling confused
It's important to go through all the side effects written in the patient's leaflet. This keeps you aware of possible side effects.
There are other side effects that you should be cautious about, and once you notice them, seek medical advice. These side effects include:
- Tight chest
- Swollen lips, neck, throat and mouth
- Itchy skin rash
- Difficulty in breathing
Delivery
Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.
Royal Mail 48 (2-5 days) | £3.49
Estimated delivery within 2-3 working days. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.
Free delivery on orders over £50.
Royal Mail 24 (Next working day) | £4.99
Estimated delivery within 1 working day. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.
Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm | £9.95
Order by the 2:00 PM weekday cut-off time for guaranteed delivery by 1:00 PM the next business day.
Orders placed after the cut-off on Friday will be delivered on Tuesday.
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