GPhC Registered Pharmacy — Verified & Trusted
Prescription Only

Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets

Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets are a prescription antiviral medication used to treat and manage herpes virus infections, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles.Packaging and branding may differ from image shown.

Starting from
£22.89£139.89

Price varies by strength. Includes prescription review.

Order within 0h 0m for next day delivery on all items
Start Assessment

By starting you agree to our Privacy Policy and confirm you are over 18.

Reviewed by UK-registered prescribers
Discreet next-day delivery
Ongoing clinical support included
GPhC-registered pharmacy

Valaciclovir 500mg is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. These include genital herpes, cold sores (herpes labialis), shingles (herpes zoster), and, in some cases, herpes-related complications in immunocompromised individuals. It is commonly prescribed for both the acute treatment of outbreaks and as a suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of future flare-ups. Valaciclovir offers a clinically proven way to manage the symptoms of viral infections and improve patient quality of life.

How It Works

Valaciclovir is a prodrug that is rapidly converted in the body to its active form, aciclovir. Once activated, aciclovir interferes with viral DNA replication—an essential process for the virus to multiply and spread. By inhibiting this process, Valaciclovir slows the progression of the infection, helps shorten the duration of symptoms, and reduces the severity of outbreaks. In suppressive therapy, daily dosing can lower the frequency of recurrences and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Its improved absorption profile compared to aciclovir allows for more convenient and effective dosing.

Why Choose Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets

Valaciclovir 500mg provides a dependable and well-tolerated option for managing herpes virus infections. Its advantages include:

  • Effective Relief: Reduces the intensity and duration of symptoms such as pain, itching, and lesions.

  • Prevention of Recurrence: Suitable for long-term use in suppressive therapy to prevent frequent outbreaks.

  • Convenient Dosing: Typically taken once or twice daily depending on the indication, making it easy to integrate into daily routines.

  • Enhanced Bioavailability: As a prodrug, Valaciclovir offers superior absorption compared to traditional aciclovir, delivering more consistent antiviral activity.

Valaciclovir 500mg is suitable for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older. For optimal effectiveness, it should be taken at the first sign of a herpes outbreak or as directed for prevention.

Important Note

Valaciclovir is not a cure for herpes infections. It helps manage symptoms, reduce healing time, and lower the risk of transmission. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dose and duration. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and consult your doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve. Individuals with kidney problems may require adjusted dosing.

Directions

How to Use:

  • For Genital Herpes Outbreaks: Take one 500mg tablet twice daily for 3 to 5 days.

  • For Cold Sores: Take one 500mg tablet twice daily for 5 days.

  • For Shingles: Take one 1000mg tablet three times daily for 7 days.

  • For Suppressive Therapy: Take one 500mg tablet once daily.

Storage:

  • Store below 25°C.

  • Keep in the original packaging.

  • Keep out of reach of children.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment.

Ingredients

  • Active Ingredient:

    • Valaciclovir hydrochloride 500mg

    Other Ingredients:

    • Microcrystalline cellulose

    • Crospovidone

    • Colloidal anhydrous silica

    • Magnesium stearate

    • Hypromellose

    • Titanium dioxide

    • Polyethylene glycol

Side Effects

  • Common side effects:

    • Headache

    • Nausea

    • Abdominal pain

    • Dizziness

    Uncommon side effects:

    • Skin rash

    • Itching

    • Sensitivity to sunlight

    Serious side effects (rare):

    • Kidney problems

    • Neurological issues such as confusion or hallucinations

    Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects.

Warnings

  • Do not use Valaciclovir 500mg Tablets if you:

    • Are allergic to valaciclovir, aciclovir, or any of the listed ingredients.

    Use with caution if you:

    • Have kidney problems

    • Are elderly

    • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

    Age Restrictions:

    • Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Can I take Valaciclovir with food?

Yes. Valaciclovir can be taken with or without food. Taking it with meals may help reduce mild stomach upset.

Valaciclovir is a prodrug of aciclovir. It converts to aciclovir in the body but allows for less frequent dosing and better absorption.

No. It does not cure herpes, but it reduces symptoms, shortens outbreak duration, and lowers the risk of transmission.

Valaciclovir usually begins reducing symptoms within 1–2 days. Best results occur when started at the first sign of an outbreak.

It treats genital herpes, cold sores, shingles (herpes zoster), and is also used for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention after organ transplants.

How It Works

How it works

No GP appointment needed. Five simple steps to get your treatment delivered.

1

Start Consultation

Begin your online consultation by answering a short medical questionnaire about your health.

2

Choose Treatment

Select your preferred treatment from our range of clinically-approved options.

3

Prescribe

Our UK-registered prescriber reviews your consultation and issues a prescription if appropriate.

4

Review

Our pharmacist clinically checks your prescription and dispenses your medication safely.

5

Delivered to Your Door

Your medication is dispatched in discreet packaging with next-day delivery available.

Patient Reviews

Trusted by thousands

See what our patients are saying about their experience.

Best pharmacy service I've used. Properly supported with check-ins — not just a dispensing machine. Real clinical care.

MS
Mitesh S.Verified Patient

I was nervous about ordering online but the team were so professional and the consultation felt thorough. Highly recommend.

NH
Nicola H.Verified Patient

Incredibly smooth process from start to finish. Medication arrived the next day in discreet packaging. Will definitely use again.

GE
Gareth E.Verified Patient

Patient video stories

Real patients sharing their experience in their own words.

Who Are We

A pharmacy team you can trust

We’re a GPhC-registered pharmacy run by qualified pharmacists and independent prescribers. Every consultation is clinically reviewed — because your health is never just a transaction.

Clinically governed Every order reviewed by a qualified prescriber before dispensing.
Patient-first approach We treat patients, not orders. Clinical support throughout your treatment.
Transparent & compliant Fully compliant with GPhC, MHRA, and NHS standards.
Learn More About Us
Clinical Lead
Dispenser
Pharmacist 1
Pharmacist 2
Prescriber
Support Team

Ready to start your treatment?

Browse our treatments or book a consultation with our pharmacy team today.

Trusted By & Working With