Valtrex

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex (generic name: valacyclovir) is an antiviral drug meant to slow the development and spread of the herpes virus. Although the medication doesn't cure the infection, it is effective for decreasing its symptoms. Valtrex is usually used to treat such infections as genital herpes, chicken pox, cold sores and shingles.

What is the most important information I should know about Valtrex?

In case you suffer from kidney disease, are on dialysis, have a marrow transplant of kidney or bone, or have HIV/AIDS, you should consult with your health care provider before starting treatment with Valtrex.

Take into consideration that, being used with other medications, Valtrex may have a negative impact on your kidneys. If you are currently using any other drug, you should consult with your doctor beforehand.

Start taking Valtrex as soon as you detect such infection symptoms as blisters, burning and tingling.

Remember that an infected mother can contaminate her unborn child. In case you suffer from genital herpes, try to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy.

It is important to understand that this drug can't prevent the spread of the herpes infection. If you are contagious, make sure your affected areas don't touch other people. You should avoid sexual activity or use a latex condom to prevent the virus from spreading. Wash your hands as frequently as you can.

If you are allergic to Valtrex or acyclovir (Zovirax), you shouldn't take the drug.

FDA pregnancy category B. Valtrex is unlikely to make harm to a fetus. See your doctor if you are pregnant or going to become one. Remember that Valtrex may pass into breast milk, so you should avoid taking it if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I take Valtrex?

It is important to follow your dosage schedule and not to exceed the recommended amount of the drug.

If you notice the first infection symptoms, start using Valtrex right away. In case you start treatment one or two days later after the first symptoms were detected, the drug may be less effective/ineffective.

The medication should be taken with a glass of water. You should drink much liquid and especially water during Valtrex treatment, otherwise you may experience problems with kidneys.

This medication can be administered with or without food. Do not stop taking Valtrex before the course of treatment is over.

Keep in mind that this drug is ineffective for such viral infections as cold and flu.

Try to keep possible lesions provoked by herpes viruses clean and dry. Wear loose clothing, so that lesions won't be irritated. The drug should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you missed a dose of Valtrex, it is recommended that you use it asap. Never take a double dose to make up the missed one.

What happens if I overdose?

If you experience such overdose symptoms as urinating less than usual or not at all, you should seek emergency medical attention. Drug Uses

Valtrex is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals and is also indicated for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).

How Taken

Valtrex comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. For cold sores, Valtrex is usually taken for one day only. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Continue to take Valtrex even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Valtrex without talking to your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Valtrex without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or immune system problems. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with Valtrex. Valtrex is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Valtrex passes into breast milk and how it may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Valtrex, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose at its regular time. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time.

Possible Side Effects

Kidney failure and nervous system problems are not common, but can be serious in some patients taking Valtrex. Nervous system problems include aggressive behavior, unsteady movement, shaky movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), seizures, and coma. Kidney failure and nervous system problems have happened in patients who already have kidney disease and in elderly patients whose kidneys do not work well due to age. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking Valtrex. Call your doctor right away if you get a nervous system problem while you are taking Valtrex. Common side effects of Valtrex include headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. Side effects in HIV-infected adults include headache, tiredness, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and usually do not cause patients to stop taking Valtrex. Other less common side effects include painful periods in women, joint pain, depression, low blood cell counts, and changes in tests that measure how well the liver and kidneys work.

Storage

Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F).Keep Valtrex a tightly closed container. Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. Keep Valtrex and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. The symptoms of an overdose of Valtrex are not well known, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).

More Information

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission. Valtrex will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoidance of sexual intercourse and use of latex condoms may prevent spreading the virus to others.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.