Valtrex
Valaciclovir tablets for shingles and herpes simplex infections. It stops the virus from multiplying by blocking its DNA.
- Category
- Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Valaciclovir
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 500mg · 1000mg
Valtrex is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Valtrex on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Herpes Zoster · Herpes Simplex Virus Infections · Varicella
- Alternative names
- valacyclovir
- Therapeutic class
- Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Antiviral
- Known off-label uses
- cytomegalovirus prophylaxis
- Contraindications
- severe hypersensitivity to valacyclovir or acyclovir
- Minor side effects
- headache; nausea; dizziness
- Moderate side effects
- fatigue; abdominal pain; diarrhoea
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Onset Time
- 24–48 hours
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Probenecid; Cimetidine; Tenofovir
- Age restrictions
- Approved for paediatric and adult populations based on indication.
Serious side effects
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, requires immediate medical attention; acute kidney injury, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Valaciclovir tablets for shingles and herpes simplex infections. It stops the virus from multiplying by blocking its DNA.
Mechanism of action
Rapidly biotransforms into acyclovir, which selectively terminates viral DNA chain elongation by blocking DNA polymerase.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Suitability during pregnancy depends on the specific medicine and individual circumstances. Confirm with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use. Breastfeeding: Confirm breastfeeding suitability with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use.
Is the Valtrex on Direct Meds a generic?
Yes, you receive a generic. Valtrex is the original brand, made by GlaxoSmithKline, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine; the generic has the same active ingredient (valaciclovir) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
What is another name for valaciclovir?
Valaciclovir is also known as valacyclovir, the name used in the United States.
How much does Valtrex cost in South Africa?
Valtrex comes in 500mg and 1000mg strengths, in packs of 30 to 120 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above in rand, converted from US dollars. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What is Valtrex used for?
Valtrex contains valaciclovir, used for herpes zoster, herpes simplex virus infections and varicella.
When does Valtrex start working?
Valaciclovir usually starts to work within 24 to 48 hours, and its effect lasts about 12 hours. This varies from person to person.
What side effects can Valtrex cause?
The common side effects of valaciclovir are headache, nausea and dizziness. Less common ones include fatigue, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Serious but less common side effects include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and acute kidney injury, which need urgent medical attention.
What does Valtrex interact with?
Valaciclovir can interact with probenecid, cimetidine and tenofovir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Valtrex.
Is Valtrex available over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Valtrex. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy Valtrex online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →What you will receive
Valtrex names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Valaciclovir at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.