| 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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