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Genital Herpes
Valtrex (Branded Valaciclovir)

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What is Valtrex and what is it used for?
Valtrex tablets are an antiviral drug that uses an active ingredient known as valaciclovir. Valaciclovir is an effective treatment for preventing the recurrence of viral flare-ups, such as genital herpes and cold sores, and is most effective if used as soon as symptoms begin to appear.
If you suffer from flare-ups of herpes regularly then you might need to take Valtrex regularly in order to suppress the viral infection. When taken regularly valaciclovir can reduce the chance of passing your infection to other people sexually. You should, however, continue to wear condoms and practise safe sex. When the sores are visible and present it is recommended to avoid sex altogether.
What is Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common infection that causes painful blisters on the genitals and nearby areas, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Genital herpes is most often transmitted through sexual contact, and so is commonly classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Like many STIs, HSV is highly contagious and can be spread by any direct contact with the affected areas.
How does Valtrex work?
Valtrex tablets contain the active ingredient valaciclovir. The body breaks this ingredient down into aciclovir which can be used to treat viral infections such as herpes. Aciclovir stops these viruses from spreading and infecting other cells throughout your body. It activates once it gets inside the infected cells, blocking an enzyme in the virus called DNA polymerase. Because aciclovir blocks this enzyme, the virus cannot multiply, allowing your natural immune system to control the infection.
Treatment of genital herpes - The usual dose is 500 mg (one 500 mg tablet or two 250 mg tablets) twice a day. For the first infection, you should take Valtrex for five days or for up to ten days if your doctor tells you to.
Helping to prevent herpes infections from returning - The usual dose is one 500 mg tablet once a day. Some people with frequent recurrences may benefit from taking one 250 mg tablet twice a day. You should take Valtrex until your doctor tells you to stop.

Always complete the full course of medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you believe that your infection may have subsided. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If this is the case it is okay to skip a dose - never take a double dose in order to make up for a missed one.
Valtrex side effects
As with most medications, Valtrex can cause some people to experience unpleasant side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of using Valtrex include the following:
Headache
Feeling sick
Dizziness
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Skin reaction after exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity).
Rash
Itching (pruritus)
If you have any further concerns about anything addressed here, or you are worried about potential side effects, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Patient Informion Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5467.pdf

Frequently asked questions

Can genital herpes be cured?
Genital herpes is a lifelong infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). While there is currently no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medication such as Aciclovir can help manage symptoms, reduce frequency of outbreaks and lower the risk of transition to sexual partners. It’s important to understand that while treatment can control symptoms, the virus remains dormant in body and can reactivate periodically, leading to recurrent outbreaks.
Can I still have sex if I have genital herpes?
While it’s possible to have sexual activity if you have genital herpes, it’s crucial to take precautions to reduce the risk of transmission to sexual partners. Genital herpes can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even when there are no visible symptoms present. Therefore, its essential to communicate openly with sexual partners about your herpes status, use condoms consistently and avoid sexual activity during outbreaks or when experiencing symptoms such as itching, brining or lesions.
How long does it take for Aciclovir to work?
The effectiveness of Aciclovir in managing genital herpes symptoms can vary from person to person. Typically, Aciclovir starts to work within a few days of initiating treatment, with symptoms such as pain, itching and soars gradually improving over time. However, the duration of treatment and the time taken for complete symptom relief may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the outbreak and individuals response to medication. It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and treatment regimen recommended by your Curely pharmacists for optimal results.
Why does genital herpes come back?
Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simples. Once you have this virus, it stays in your body. It will not spread in your body to cause blisters elsewhere. Instead, it stays in a nearby nerve and causes blisters in the same area. When the virus becomes active again, it travels along the nerve to the skin’s surface, resulting in recurrent outbreaks of symptoms. Several factors trigger the reactivation of the herpes virus, including:
- Ultraviolet light exposure: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunbathing or sunbeds can trigger herpes outbreaks in some individuals.
- Friction in the genital area: Friction during sexual activity or from tight clothing can irritate the skin and trigger herpes outbreaks. Using lubricants during sex may help reduce friction and minimise the risk of outbreaks.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been associated with an increased risk of recurrent genital herpes outbreaks in some individuals.
- Unavoidable triggers: Some triggers, such as being unwell, experiencing stress, hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, undergoing surgery in the genital area or having a weekend immune system are unavoidable and can also contribute to the reactivation of the herpes virus.
Identifying and avoiding potential triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent genital herpes outbreaks.
What lifestyle changes can help manage genital herpes?
Along with medication, certain lifestyle change can help manage genital herpes and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. These include maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding triggers such as stress or fatigue and adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Managing stress levels through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also be beneficial. Additionally, getting enough sleep and practicing safe sex can help prevent outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.