Zelitrex™

Read the CMI leaflet (Opens in new tab) for facts you need to know before, during and after taking your medicine.

For more information about CMIs and how to read them, please visit How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).

For the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) in adult patients who commence therapy within 72 hours of the onset of rash. For the treatment of ophthalmic zoster. For the treatment of herpes labialis (cold sores). For the treatment of clinical episodes of genital herpes simplex infections. For the prevention of recurrent genital herpes. Reduction of transmission of genital herpes in patients suffering from recurrent genital herpes. In addition to therapy with Zelitrex, it is recommended that patients use safer sex practices. (See PRECAUTIONS). Prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease following solid organ transplantation in patients at risk of CMV disease.

Source: ARTG

• Shelf lifetime is 3 Years
• Store below 30 degrees Celsius

Source: ARTG

Non-composite pack

This medicine contains one component only.

Component

• Tablet, film coated
• Oral
• White, film coated tablet, white to off-white core, biconvex, elongated, unscored engraved with "500" on one side and plain on the other

Source: ARTG

These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.?What is the medicines and poisons schedule?

All medicines and poisons in Australia are categorised by how they are made available to the public. Medicines with a low safety risk are usually less tightly controlled than medicines with a higher safety risk. This system is called ‘scheduling’. You can read more about the scheduling of medicines as well as the different scheduling categories on our Scheduling of medicines and poisons information page.

• 10 tablets
• 100 tablets
• 2 tablets starter pack
• 30 tablets, 42 tablets
• 8 x 500 mg tablet blister pack

Source: ARTG

This medicine was verified as available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 August 2026, under PBS item code 8133C (Opens in new tab). Ask your pharmacist or doctor about your eligibility

Source: PBS

For the active ingredient: Valaciclovir

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Source: AHT

If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)

Source: ARTG

Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).