Valaciclovir

Valaciclovir is an antiviral medicine used to treat genital herpes, cold sores, chickenpox and shingles. However, it is not a cure: there is no current cure for genital herpes. The virus can only be suppressed so that the virus remains in a dormant state and no further symptoms are experienced. The herpes virus can never be completely destroyed. Valaciclovir will work on both HSV 1 and 2, which are cold sores and genital herpes respectively.

The herpes virus is not active and can remain so for many years. This is why, during a first infection, symptoms may only appear after a week or so it is only when the virus activates that you experience the symptoms of the infection. In the active state of the virus, Valaciclovir prevents the enzymes which help build DNA from working properly. This means that the virus can’t replicate.

So long as you take Valaciclovir as instructed, it should control the spread and extent of your genital herpes. Make sure you take it within the first five days after symptoms appear to maximise treatment effectiveness. Genital herpes cannot be completely cured as the virus cannot be totally eliminated; only the spread of the virus can be controlled.

Men and women can take Valaciclovir unless they take any of the medicines or suffer any of the conditions in the “Warnings” tab. The majority of patients with symptoms of genital herpes will be under 30 as this group tends to be experiencing their first episode of the virus.

Herpes frequently has no symptoms, and so you should take a test for genital herpes if ever you have unprotected sex or a condom breaks. The STI can also be passed by sharing sex toys.

You may, however, experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, aching muscle and pain during urination. Abnormal vaginal discharge can be another symptom of genital herpes in women, as well as inflammation of the womb. The main symptom of genital herpes is blistered and itchy skin. In women, blisters may appear around the vagina, thighs, anus and buttocks. In males, blisters may appear on the penis, scrotum, thighs, buttocks and anus. In addition to this, oral sex can result in genital herpes in the tongue and lips, however this is quite rare.

You should start within the first 5 days of symptoms arising, but within the first 2 days is preferred: this will reduce the risk of any severe consequences. If it is your first infection, the symptoms usually take one or two weeks to arise. You should get tested as soon as you have unprotected sex or share sex toys, rather than waiting for the symptoms to arise.

Yes. This is really important as it will reduce the risk of you suffering recurring infections.

This is not advisable. This will put your partner at risk of genital herpes too. People often overlook the fact that oral and anal sex can also result in the transmission of genital herpes as well. If you do have sexual intercourse, it must be protected. You should always use a condom.

Alcohol does not interact with Valaciclovir. This means that you can drink whilst taking this treatment.

Yes. You can get this online with Zava, provided you are suitable for the treatment.

These are separate viruses. Genital herpes is harmless if you receive the correct treatment as soon as possible. However, the presence of genital herpes may put you at increased risk of getting HIV. You should speak to your doctor about risks and prevention if you are concerned.

You should notice that the symptoms, if any, should disappear and the blistering will die down. However, you should arrange to see your doctor a couple of weeks after your first symptoms appear so you can assess if the infection has been suppressed.

All the antiviral treatments for genital herpes have the same effectiveness. Aciclovir, Valaciclovir and Famclovir, respectively sold as Zovirax, Valtrex and Famvir are the other treatments. The advantage of Valaciclovir is that patients experience fewer/less extreme side effects compared to the other genital herpes medications and this is what makes it slightly more expensive.

Protection is the most important prevention method. You should always use a condom, particularly with a new partner. Genital herpes cannot be cured and it is likely that infections will recur throughout life, so protection is particularly important.

The most common brand name for Valaciclovir is Valtrex.

The tablets are oval and white with “VC1” marked on 250mg tablets, “VC2” marked on 500mg tablets and “VC3” marked on 1000mg tablets.

You must not take Valaciclovir if you are allergic to any of the tablet ingredients.

• Are over 65
• Have kidney problems
• Have liver problems
• Have a weak immune system

Make sure you don’t become dehydrated whilst taking Valaciclovir by drinking water.

You must tell your doctor if you are on any of the following medications before taking Valaciclovir:

• Non-prescription herbal medicines
• Medicines that affect the kidneys. These include: aminoglycosides, organoplatinum compounds, iodinated contrast media, methotrexate, pentamidine, foscarnet, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, cimetidine and probenecid.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding and wish to take Valaciclovir.

You should not drive or operate heavy machinery if your feel dizzy or sleepy whilst on Valaciclovir medication.