Valtrex

Drug Name - Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is recommended in the treatment of conditions like cold sores, shingles and herpes of the genital areas.

Indications for Use

Valtrex is indicated for use in the treatment of cold sores, shingles and herpes of the genital areas. It is also indicated for use in the treatment of genital herpes in immune compromised patients such as those infected with HIV.

Instructions for Use

Valtrex should be used as instructed by the physician. Dosage instructions provided on the label of the medication can also be used for reference.

• Valtrex is consumed orally. Food does not have a bearing on its absorption although it is recommended to take it with food if you suffer from stomach upsets after taking the drug.
• It is essential to consume more fluids if you are on Valtrex. Ask the doctor about any doubts you might have regarding the intake of the medication.
• It is essential to begin treatment as quick as possible once symptoms begin to get effective results at the earliest.
• If treatment is for an acute condition, it is essential to complete the full recommended course of the medication although you begin to have recession of symptoms in few days time.
• When taking the medication for suppression therapy, it is best to take the drug at the scheduled time every day.

Drug Category and Mechanism of Action

Valtrex is a type of antiviral drug. It does its job by preventing replication of the virus. But, Valtrex is not helpful in killing the virus. When it is recommended for suppression therapy in patients with genital herpes but with normal immune system, it helps reduce the risk of transmission of infection to other people.

If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose and later recollect it, there is no need to take the missed dose. Instead take the next dose at the next scheduled time. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking extra medicine.

Storing Instructions

Valtrex is best stored at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) although you can briefly store it under room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59 -86 degrees F). Avoid storing the drug in the bathroom. Keep the drug away from children and pets.

Safety Information

Avoid the use of Valtrex under the following conditions:

• If you know about allergies to any of the ingredients in the medication or to other antiviral drugs like acyclovir.

Caution

• If you are taking Valtrex, avoid driving and other activities that may cause a hazard if you do not monitor it with care. Valtrex has the possibilities of causing dizziness the effects of which can be even higher if you are on alcohol or other medications that cause dizziness.
• It is best to follow safe sex to reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes to your sexual partner. Avoid sexual contact when acute symptoms of the condition are being experienced. Safe sex practice should include the use of condom made out of polyurethane or latex.
• Valtrex should be used with extreme caution in the elderly especially in those with problems associated with the kidney and the nerves.
• Valtrex is not indicated for use in children that have not attained puberty as their safety and efficiency have not been established.
• Pregnancy and Breast Feeding - Avoid taking Valtrex if you become pregnant. Inform your doctor of your pregnancy. Valtrex is present in breast milk. It is best you avoid Valtrex if you are a nursing mother and discuss the possibility of risks to the baby if you use the medication.

Probable Adverse Effects

Seek immediate medical help and cease taking Paxil if you experience any of the severe side effects such as severe allergic reaction, yellowing of eyes or skin, aggression, unsteady movements, darkening of urine, weakness, confusion, hallucination, speech problems, fever, shaky movement, pale skin, seizures or pinpoint bruising occurs.

Talk to you doctor and inform about any of the common side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea or headache occur and persist without going away.

Additional Information

Valtrex should only be taken by the person to whom it was recommended. Avoid sharing the drug with anyone.

If you have doubts or further questions regarding Valtrex, it is best to consult and seek advice from your physician or pharmacist.