Valaciclovir
Valaciclovir, sold as Valtrex, is an antiviral that stops herpes viruses from multiplying. Valtrex comes in 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets for shingles, cold sores and genital herpes.
Key points
- Valaciclovir treats Herpes Zoster (shingles), Herpes Simplex Virus Infections including cold sores and genital herpes, and is used to prevent CMV infection after organ transplants.
- A rare but serious reaction called DRESS can cause a spreading rash with fever and swollen lymph nodes; stop valaciclovir and seek medical help immediately if this happens.
- Valaciclovir controls genital herpes outbreaks but does not remove the virus from the body, so safe sexual practices remain important alongside treatment.
How does Valaciclovir work?
Valaciclovir is an Antivirals medicine that stops herpes viruses from multiplying by blocking the DNA they need to copy themselves. Once inside an infected cell, the medicine prevents the virus from making new copies, which limits how far the infection spreads and shortens the outbreak. The virus stays in the body, so cold sores and genital herpes can return.