Drug Uses
Valtrex is used for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), or to suppress genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals and it can be also used for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).
How Taken
Valtrex is produced in tablets for oral use. The usual dose is every 8 hours (three times a day) for a period of 7 days regarding treatment of shingles. For genital herpes, it should be taken twice a day for a periods of 5 days. In the case of cold sores, Valtrex is normally taken only for one day. You should not take bigger or smaller doses or take it more often than prescribed. After you have observed the first symptoms, take Valtrex as soon as possible. Do not stop treatment even if you begin to feel better. If you need to discontinue the taking of Valtrex, first consult your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
Alarm your physician, before taking Valtrex, in case you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax). You should also inform your physician if you suffer from kidney disease or immune system problems. In these cases, it is possible that you may require a special adjustment of the accepted doses or you may need a special medical observation during treatment period with. Valtrex is in the FDA pregnancy category B. It is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if there is a chance to get pregnant during treatment. Valtrex is not known to get into breast milk and whether it may have negative influences on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor first if you are breast feeding.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, just dot as soon as you remember. If it is too close to the next dose, leave the missed one and follow your normal dose schedule. Do not take two doses at a time in order to catch up.
Possible Side Effects
During treatment with Valtrex you can experience kidney failure and nervous system problems. Such problems include unsteady movement, aggressive behavior, shaky movements, confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), speech problems, seizures, and coma. Such kidney failure and nervous system problems are possible to appear in patients who already suffer from kidney disease and also patients whose kidneys are not working properly due to age. It is essential to warn your doctor in case you have kidney problems, before starting treatment with Valtrex. You should immediately contact your doctor if you experience a nervous system problem during treatment. Other usual side effects regarding the use of Valtrex are: nausea, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, vomiting. Side effects regarding HIV-infected patients include tiredness, headache, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and usually do not cause patients to stop taking Valtrex. There are other not that common side effects including painful joint pain, periods in women, depression, and changes in tests that measure how well the liver and kidneys work, low blood cell counts.
Storage
Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F).Keep Valtrex a tightly closed container. Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. Keep Valtrex and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Overdose
If you doubt an overdose, find instant medical help. Overdose symptoms are not studies but but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may lead to hallucinations, seizures, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).
More Information
Herpes infections are contagious and it is possible other people to be infected, even during treatment period. You should make sure your hands are frequently washed in order to prevent transmission. Valtrex can not prevent the spread of genital herpes. The avoidance of sexual contacts and the use of latex condoms can prevent spreading the virus to others.
Disclaimer
The information above is only for your awareness and it is not comprehensive. It doesn’t cover all the existing information on the topic. It is has a generalizing purpose and it should not be used for any other reasons. The listed information is not purposed for each specific patient. We are not responsible for the truthfulness and punctuality of the included information and for any consequences due to the use of the containing data. There can be expressed no rights, on the basis of this data
Allergies
