Valaciclovir Tablets for Genital Herpes

An effective treatment for genital herpes outbreaks

42 pack of valaciclovir 500mg film-coated tablets
Packaging picture

Prices from £29.95

FREE delivery included

In stock. Simply fill in a brief consultation questionnaire and one of our doctors will review your request today.


1st outbreak - 1 course

20 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £69.95

Repeat outbreak - 1 short course

6 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £29.95

Repeat outbreak - 2 short courses

12 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £44.95

Repeat outbreak - 3 short courses

18 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £79.95

Repeat outbreak - 1 long course

10 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £39.95

Repeat outbreak - 2 long courses

20 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £69.95

Repeat outbreak - 3 long courses

30 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £89.95

3 month course

84 tablet(s) / 500 mg - £219.00


Frequently asked questions

Is valaciclovir an antibiotic?

No, it’s an antiviral. Antibiotics only work on infections caused by bacteria. Herpes, cold sores, and shingles are all caused by viruses. Antibiotics won’t work on these infections but antivirals like valaciclovir can.

How long does valaciclovir stay in your system?

Valaciclovir takes about 24 hours to leave your system completely. It is converted into aciclovir in the body and afterwards it has a half life of around 3 hours. This means that after three hours, only half of the medication is still in the body. It takes a lot longer for the second half to leave the body.

What’s the difference between the white and blue pills?

Valaciclovir, like any medication, can be coloured. Whether the pill is white or blue doesn’t make a difference to the way the medication works. It also isn’t related to which doses they contain either since the same dose pill can be different colours. See these valaciclovir images on drugs.com for more information.

Which dose is better, 500mg or 1000mg (1g)?

The best dose is the one prescribed to you by your doctor. 500mg and 1000mg are used by different people for different conditions. It also depends on whether it’s their first outbreak of herpes. 1000mg may be more effective but comes with a higher risk of side effects which is why it’s up to a doctor to pick the right dose for you.

Why is valaciclovir called generic Valtrex?

Valtrex is the branded version of valaciclovir. This means that GlaxoSmithKline, who originally held the patent for valaciclovir, chose Valtrex as its brand name. Until the patent ran out in 2009, only GlaxoSmithKline could sell valaciclovir. Now it can be manufactured by other companies as a generic drug, meaning it can be priced more competitively.

Can valaciclovir treat Covid-19?

No. Valaciclovir is not a good treatment for Covid-19. While it can effectively treat outbreaks of the viruses HSV and VZV, it doesn’t work with all viruses. It should never be sold as a Covid-19 treatment and anyone doing so is doing it illegally.

Does valaciclovir expire?

Yes, like all medications, valaciclovir has an expiration date. It is advised that you keep it refrigerated and use it within 28 days. Your valaciclovir packet should come with an expiration date printed on it.

What if valaciclovir isn’t working?

If your herpes symptoms do not go away after you’ve finished your full course of treatment, go back to your doctor. It might be that you need to try a course of a different medication.

babak-updated-roundpng.png
Medically reviewed by:
Dr Babak Ashrafi Clinical Lead for Service Expansion
Accreditations: BSc, MBBS, MRCGP (2008)

Babak studied medicine at King’s College London and graduated in 2003, having also gained a bachelor’s degree in Physiology during his time there. He completed his general practice (GP) training in East London, where he worked for a number of years as a partner at a large inner-city GP practice. He completed the Royal College of GPs membership exam in 2007.

Meet our doctors

Last reviewed: 23 Aug 2023



You can treat genital herpes two ways. One treatment option is for when you experience an individual outbreak (acute therapy) and the other is treatment for when you need to avoid regular outbreaks (suppressive). ZAVA offers both types of treatment through a discreet, convenient service.


Authorised and regulated by