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| Valtrex
F.A.Q. |
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Generic Name: valacyclovir (oral)
(val a SYE kloe veer)
Brand Names:
Valtrex |
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What is the most important
information I should know about
valacyclovir? |
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Take all of the valacyclovir that has been
prescribed for you even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may start to improve
before the infection is completely
treated. |
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Treatment with valacyclovir should be
started as soon as possible after the first
appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning,
blisters). |
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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. |
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Valacyclovir is not a cure for herpes virus
infections. |
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Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows
the growth and spread of the herpes virus so
that the body can fight off the infection.
Valacyclovir lessens the symptoms of these
infections and shortens the length of time you
are sick. |
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Valacyclovir is used in the treatment and
suppression of genital herpes, shingles, and
cold sores. Valacyclovir is not a cure for
herpes virus
infections. |
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Valacyclovir may also be used for purposes
other than those listed in this medication
guide. |
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What should I discuss with my
healthcare provider before taking
valacyclovir? |
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Do not take valacyclovir without first
talking to your doctor if you are allergic to
acyclovir (Zovirax). |
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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
valacyclovir. |
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Valacyclovir 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. |
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It is not known whether valacyclovir 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. |
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How should I take
valacyclovir? |
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Take valacyclovir exactly as directed by
your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to
you. |
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Treatment with valacyclovir should be
started as soon as possible after the first
appearance of symptoms (e.g. for cold
sores-tingling, burning,
blisters). |
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Take each dose with a full glass of
water. |
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Valacyclovir can be taken with or without
food. Taking valacyclovir with food may decrease
stomach upset. |
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Take all of the valacyclovir that has been
prescribed for you even if you begin to feel
better. Your symptoms may start to improve
before the infection is completely
treated. |
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It is important to take valacyclovir
regularly to get the most
benefit. |
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Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be
kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose
clothing may help to prevent irritation of the
lesions. |
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Store valacyclovir at room temperature away
from moisture and
heat. |
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What happens if I miss a
dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you
remember. However, if it is almost time for the
next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed
dose and take the next one as directed. Do
not take a double dose of this medication
unless otherwise directed by your
doctor. |
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What happens if I
overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical treatment if an
overdose is suspected. |
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The symptoms of an overdose of valacyclovir
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). |
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What should I avoid while taking
valacyclovir? |
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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. |
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Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of
genital herpes. Avoidance of sexual intercourse
and use of latex condoms may prevent spreading
the virus to others. |
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What are the possible side effects of
valacyclovir? |
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Stop taking valacyclovir and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face;
or hives). |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Continue to take valacyclovir
and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or
abdominal pain; |
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Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome. |
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What other drugs will affect
valacyclovir? |
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Probenecid (Benemid) and cimetidine
(Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may increase the effects
of valacyclovir and possibly lead to dangerous
side effects. You may need a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you
are taking probenecid or
cimetidine. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also
interact with valacyclovir. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal
products. |
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Where can I get more
information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information
about valacyclovir written for health
professionals that you may
read. |
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines
out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication
only for the indication
prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that
the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and
complete, but no guarantee is made to that
effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been
compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and
consumers in the United States and therefore
Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the
United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug
information does not endorse drugs, diagnose
patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug
information is an informational resource
designed to assist licensed healthcare
practitioners in caring for their patients
and/or to serve consumers viewing this service
as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
warning for a given drug or drug combination in
no way should be construed to indicate that the
drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does
not assume any responsibility for any aspect of
healthcare administered with the aid of
information Multum provides. The information
contained herein is not intended to cover all
possible uses, directions, precautions,
warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about
the drugs you are taking, check with your
doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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Possible
Side Effects