Skip to content

Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Herpes simplex virus infections are common and can cause painful blisters or ulcers. The virus spreads by skin-to-skin contact and is treatable but not curable.

Valtrex

Valaciclovir

500mg · 1000mg

Valaciclovir tablets for shingles and herpes simplex infections. It stops the virus from multiplying by blocking its DNA.

From$3.12/ tabletView

Famvir

Famciclovir

250mg · 500mg

Famciclovir tablets for shingles and cold sores. It becomes active inside infected cells to stop the virus multiplying.

From$4.42/ tabletView

Key points

  • Cold sores typically begin with an itchy, tingling feeling, then form small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that usually crust over and heal within a few days.
  • An estimated 3.8 billion people under age 50 (64% globally) have HSV-1 infection, the main cause of oral herpes.
  • Antiviral medicines can reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks, and treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Medicines listed for Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Both listed products are antiviral tablets. Valaciclovir and Famciclovir belong to the antiviral class, the group of medicines that can reduce the duration and severity of herpes outbreaks. The catalogue holds Valtrex (valaciclovir, 500 mg and 1000 mg) and Famvir (famciclovir, 250 mg and 500 mg).

Further reading