Generic Name: valacyclovir (oral)
Typical Brand Names: Valtrex
What Is It Used For?
Valtrex is used to treat genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores.
How Is It Used?
Take Valtrex as per your doctor's advice. Take each dose with
a full glass of water. This medication can be taken with or without
food. Taking acyclovir with food may decrease the chances of stomach
upset. The dosage should be completed even if you start feeling
better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection
is completely treated. It is important to take this medication
to get the maximum benefit.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Valtrex may cause familiar adverse effects, do consult your doctor
if you experience an allergic reaction like difficulty in breathing;
closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face;
or hives etc.
Other common side effects of Valtrex may include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, constipation, headache or abdominal pain.
Is It Safe?
Do not opt for Valtrex without prior recommendation from your
doctor. Discuss with him if you are facing kidney disease, such
conditions may require an adjustment of dosage or special monitoring
during treatment. This drug belongs to the FDA pregnancy category
B. This means that acyclovir is not likely to harm an unborn baby.
Consult your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby because the
drug may pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Valtrex may lead to perilous consequences if taken along with
Probenecid (Benemid) and cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). You
may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking probenecid or cimetidine.
What If I Miss A Dose?
A missed dose of Valtrex can be taken as soon as you remember
it but avoid it if it is too late, and the time for next regular
scheduled dose has arrived. In such circumstances take the next
dose as per direction. Avoid taking a double dose of this medication
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
How Should It Be Stored?
This drug should be stored at a controlled room temperature between
15 degrees and 25 degrees C (59 degrees to 77 degrees F). Keep
the medication out of children's reach.
Anything Else I Should Know?
VALTREX is intended for healthy adults and is available by prescription
only. To avoid a potentially serious complication, tell your doctor
if your immune system is not normal because of advanced HIV disease,
bone marrow or kidney transplant. Common side effects are headache,
nausea, and abdominal pain. VALTREX is used to reduce the risk
of spreading genital herpes but its effect in same sex couples
is not known yet.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
