Active Ingredients A to Z

Every branded generic we stock, organised by active ingredient, so you can find the affordable alternative to any big-name original. The brand changes; the active ingredient does not.

Valaciclovir Valaciclovir is the prodrug of aciclovir, an antiviral for cold sores, genital herpes and shingles that converts to aciclovir in the body. It is cleared by the kidneys, so hydration and dose reduction in kidney impairment matter just as they do for aciclovir. 1 medicine View Valaciclovir Valproic Acid Valproic acid (valproate) is an anticonvulsant and mood stabiliser used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraine prevention. It causes neural-tube defects and other birth defects, so it is avoided in anyone who could become pregnant unless no other treatment works. 3 medicines View Valproic Acid Valsartan Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and can raise blood potassium to dangerous levels. 1 medicine View Valsartan Vardenafil Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that improves blood flow to treat erectile dysfunction. It must never be combined with nitrates, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. 11 medicines View Vardenafil Varenicline Varenicline is a smoking-cessation medicine that reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal. It can cause mood changes and unusual dreams, so be cautious with driving until you know how it affects you. 1 medicine View Varenicline Velpatasvir Velpatasvir, combined with sofosbuvir, is an antiviral used to cure chronic hepatitis C. It can reactivate hepatitis B infection, so testing and monitoring for hepatitis B is required before and during treatment. 1 medicine View Velpatasvir Venlafaxine Venlafaxine is an SNRI antidepressant used for depression and anxiety disorders. It can raise blood pressure at higher doses and causes severe discontinuation symptoms if stopped abruptly, so the dose must always be tapered slowly. 3 medicines View Venlafaxine Verapamil Verapamil is a calcium-channel blocker for high blood pressure, angina and certain fast heart rhythms. Combining it with a beta-blocker can cause dangerously slow heart rate, so this pairing should be avoided without specialist supervision. 6 medicines View Verapamil Vilazodone Vilazodone is an antidepressant for major depressive disorder: it carries a warning for increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25, must never be combined with an MAOI due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, and should be taken with food. 1 medicine View Vilazodone Vildagliptin Vildagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar after meals. Rare but serious liver injury can occur, so liver function is checked before starting and periodically during treatment. 1 medicine View Vildagliptin Voriconazole Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal for serious fungal infections such as invasive aspergillosis. It commonly affects the liver and vision, and long-term use raises the risk of skin cancer, so sun protection and regular monitoring are essential. 1 medicine View Voriconazole Vortioxetine Vortioxetine is an antidepressant for major depressive disorder. Like other antidepressants, it carries a warning for increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25, and it must never be combined with an MAOI. 1 medicine View Vortioxetine