Valtrex
Drug name
Valtrex (Valacyclovir)
Drug Uses
Valtrex helps in treating cold sores (herpes labialis or fever blisters) and shingles (herpes zoster). It also treats or rather suppresses genital herpes in people with normal immune systems and HIV infection.
How Taken
Take Valtrex as suggested by your doctor. To know about the accurate dosing instruction, make sure to go through the medicine’s label thoroughly.
- Take Valtrex orally with / without food. In case of stomach upset, ensure taking it with food for lowering stomach irritation.
- Drink extra fluids if you are taken Valtrex. Consult your medical practitioner for instructions.
- For treating shingles, cold sores, or genital herpes, start your treatment schedule no sooner than you find the symptoms.
- When it comes to curing a severe outbreak, continue taking Valtrex as long as the doctor has asked you to, even if you find yourself recovering after a couple of days.
- In case of suppressive therapy, this medication works best if you take it during the same time regularly.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Valtrex defined as an antiviral works by preventing viral replication. However, this medicine in no way eliminates the virus, and cannot be considered as a cure. If used for suppressing genital herpes in people with normal immune systems then by practicing safe sex one can lower the practice of infections to a considerable extent.
Missed Dose
In case you miss any dosage of this medication, do take it when you remember. However, in case it is found that it is almost the time for the next dosage, ensure skipping the missed dosage and return to the normal dosing plan. Avoid going for two dosages at the same time.
Storage
Ensure storing this medicine at 25 degrees C or 77 degrees F. You can also store it on a temporary basis between 15 to 30 degrees C or 59 to 86 degrees F. Keep it away from moisture, heat, and light. Prefer not storing it in the washroom. Keep this medicine far away from pets and kids.
Warnings Precautions
Avoid taking Valtrex if:
* You find yourself allergic to any of the ingredients present in Valtrex
Contact your health care provider or doctor at the earliest if they of the following goes for you:
There are certain medical conditions that can interact with Valtrex. Consult your pharmacist or doctor if you experience any of the below mentioned medical conditions:
- In case you’re pregnant or plan to get pregnant,
- If you are breast-feeding
- If you take any nonprescription or prescription medicine, dietary supplement, or herbal preparation
- If you are allergic to certain foods, medicines, as well as other substances
- If you have already had a kidney or bone marrow transplant
- If you are having AIDS or HIV
- If you are having kidney problems
There are certain medicines that can interact with Valtrex. But, at present we know no definite interactions with this medicine.
Possible Side Effects
Consult your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or turn bothersome:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Look for instant medical attention if you come across any of the following side effects:
- Serious allergic reactions (hives; itching; rash; breathing problem; swelling of the lips, face, tongue or mouth, tightness in the chest;)
- Aggressive behavior
- Dark or Bloody urine
- Confusion
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Pale skin
- Pinpoint bruises
- Seizures
- Shaky movements
- Speech disorders
- Unsteady movement
- Weakness
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
More Information
For further queries about this medicine, feel free to consult your pharmacist, doctor, or other medical practitioner. Take Valtrex only if your doctor has recommended it to you. Avoid sharing it with others. In case they symptoms fail to improve or worsen in the due course, ensure consulting a doctor.