Valtrex

Valtrex is available in the form of antiviral tablets that can be ordered and purchased online here. As they are a prescription treatment, you are required to complete a consultation; instead of heading to the doctors' in-person, you can order the prescription here. A free online consultation with a doctor will take place that requires you to provide details of your medical background. The doctor then sends the prescription straight to the pharmacy for preparation and dispatch.

Delivery across the UK is the next day before 1pm on orders made before 4.30pm.

Valtrex contains the active ingredient valacyclovir and is classed as an antiviral. Available in the form of tablets, it stops the growth of the herpes virus allowing you to combat the infection within three-ten days depending on the severity of the outbreak.

Valtrex can be used to treat a number of herpes virus outbreaks including genital herpes, shingles and cold sores. The frequency and dosages will vary dependant on the herpes strain and will be provided to you by your doctor.

The herpes virus is incurable, however, outbreaks can be easily managed with the right treatment and self care. For Valtrex, it can help in the following ways:

• Decreases the length of the outbreak considerably
• Lessens the symptoms including tingling and burning
• Heals sores and lesions quickly
• You will experience fewer sores
• Can reduce the amount of future outbreaks

You can use Valtrex to prevent future outbreaks if you experience recurrent bouts in quick succession. Primarily, Valtrex is used on a needs-be basis when an outbreak occurs.

It's important to note the herpes virus is incurable. Once you have contracted genital herpes, cold sores or shingles, it will always remain in your system. The virus is different depending on the individual, but you will find that it may remain dormant for months and even years. When an outbreak occurs, it is easily manageable with the right treatment and you will gain a better understanding regarding self help over time.

The herpes virus will likely remain dormant the vast majority of the time. You will begin to realise what can trigger an outbreak. This could be stress, illness, alcohol consumption or even a stage in the menstrual cycle.

Valtrex works as an antiviral medication that provides your body with sufficient protection to fight off the infection. It achieves this by stopping the virus from reproducing. This allows the body immune system to combat the existing infection, killing it off and eliminating the outbreak altogether.

In an initial outbreak, Valtrex can heal painful lesions in just over one week. In people with a reoccurring outbreak, daily treatment may heal lesions in as little as 4 four days. It has been shown to keep 65% of people outbreak-free for six months, compared to only 26% of people who did not use the drug. It may also be up to three times more successful in preventing the transmission of infection between sexual partners.

Valtrex is very easy to take and highly effective. Depending on what you are treating, it is prescribed in the appropriate dosage and quantity suitable for genital herpes, cold sores or shingles.

Genital herpes treatment

• For the first outbreak, take one Valtrex 500mg tablet once a day for five-ten days.
• For recurrent outbreaks, take one Valtrex 500mg tablet twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Cold sores treatment

• Valtrex for cold sores is taken for one day only.
• The usual dosage is four 500mg tablets twice a day.
• The dosage of Valtrex of cold sores can vary so follow the doctor's instructions.

Shingles treatment

• Valtrex should be taken for seven days.
• One dosage is two 500mg tablets three times a day. You can also take 1000mg tablets for shingles

It's recommended that you drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. When using this drug to control outbreaks or suppress the virus from surfacing, still use treatment exactly as directed by the doctor. Stopping treatment prematurely may not provide you with full protection against the herpes virus.

In terms of sexual intercourse, when symptoms of genital herpes and cold sores are present, this is when the virus most contiguous. It is advised to avoid having sex until you finish the course of Valtrex fully. Symptoms may disappear quickly, but it is important to finish the course. Always use condoms to minimise the risk of infection.

Dosage information

The dosage may vary depending upon your medical history and the strain of herpes you have, although standard procedure is to take a tablet as early as possible. Always take Valtrex tablets exactly how the doctor recommends. Each package of Valtrex should always carry a patient leaflet as well.

Dosage should start at the first signs of infection. A 500mg tablet is to be taken twice daily for acute treatment for up to five days unless the doctor instructs you otherwise.

A lower dosage of 250mg is better suited for those who wish to prevent the symptoms from returning, which again, should be taken twice daily.

Valtrex is known to be a suitable medication for people of 50 and above, although it may not prove effective for those of a certain age who suffer with liver or kidney problems.

All patients react differently when taking Valtrex depending on their tolerance towards the drug and their current state of health. This only affects around 10% of users of Valtrex. If you're using Valtrex as a preventative treatment, these side effects can lessen and disappear over time. It may cause the following side effects; headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, drowsiness, nausea and sickness and mild skin reactions.

As Valtrex is only used for a brief time, if you experience side effects, these tend to pass quickly. You may find they are mild in nature as well. If the side effects you are experiencing are severe and prolonged after you've finished the treatment, please contact your doctor for further assistance.

Another precaution is an allergic reaction to Valtrex, which may include severe symptoms like a rash, hives and swelling around the face and neck. If you are having an allergic reaction, it's important to seek medical advice and get the symptoms under control.

As Valtrex is a prescription medication, there are some precautions to be wary off before taking. These factors should always be detailed in your consultation as well so your doctor can make an informed decision.

For some, they will not be able to take Valtrex for the herpes virus, however, there may be other treatment that is more suitable. At 121doc, we also provide Famvir that might be more appropriate for the severity of your condition.

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be suitable to use this treatment.
• Drinking substantial amounts of alcohol whilst taking Valtrex may prompt side effects.
• For mental illness, in particular depression, Valtrex may not be the best herpes treatment for you. Speak to your doctor about alternative medications.
• Kidney or liver disease/decreased function may mean Valtrex is not suitable.
• Valtrex might be unsuitable for individuals with HIV.
• If you're using certain medications such as cimetidine, mycophenolate, probenecid and tenofovir.

To buy Valtrex (valacyclovir) online in the UK you must be over the age of 18 and diagnosed with the herpes virus.

To gain a prescription, complete a five minute consultation for free. This is analysed by a doctor then a prescription is sent straight to the pharmacy if Valtrex is suitable for you. It's important to begin herpes treatment soon to combat the outbreak quickly so on all orders made before 4.30pm, you'll receive the next day before 1pm.