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Brand:
 Valtrex
Pronunciation: VAL-trex
Generic Name: Valacyclovir
hydrochloride
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Valtrex is used to treat herpes zoster, (the painful
rash known as shingles). Valtrex is also prescribed to
relieve the sores caused by genital herpes. |
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Valtrex should not be used by anyone with a weak immune
system, such as those with HIV infection or those who have under
gone a bone marrow or kidney transplant. Valtrex can
cause serious side effects, including death, in such people.
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If you are taking Valtrex for shingles, you should start
using it as soon as possible after your doctor has made a diagnosis.
It's best to see a doctor and start the drug within 48 hours
of first noticing the rash. If you wait more than 72 hours after
you first get a herpes zoster rash, Valtrex may not be
effective.
If you are using Valtrex for genital herpes, begin taking
it at the first sign of an attack. Valtrex may not be
effective if you wait longer than 72 hours after the first attack
or 24 hours after a later attack. You may take Valtrex
with or without food.
If you miss a dose... Take it as soon as you remember. If it
is almost time for your next dose,skip the one you missed and
go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the
same time.
Storage instructions... Store at room temperature. |
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Avoid Valtrex if you are sensitive to it or the similar
drug Acyclovir (Zovirax).
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High doses of Valtrex have proved dangerous in people
whose immune system is compromised because of HIV infection,
bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant.
If your kidneys are not functioning properly, or you are taking
drugs that may damage the kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin,
Valtrex can make your condition worse or affect your
central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Valtrex relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but
it is not a cure. There's also no evidence that it will prevent
transmission of the disease. To avoid spreading the infection,
don't have sexual intercourse during a flare-up.
Valtrex is not intended for use in children. |
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If you are taking Valtrex with certain other drugs, the
effect of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered.
Check with your doctor before combining Valtrex with
cimetidine (Tagamet) and/or probenecid (Benemid).
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Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change
in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using
Valtrex.
Side
effects may include: Abdominal pain, aggressive behavior,
agitation, allergic reactions, confusion, depression, diarrhea,
dizziness, facial swelling, hallucinations, headache, high
blood pressure, joint pain, mania, menstrual problems, nausea,
rapid heartbeat, rash, vomiting
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The effects of Valtrex during pregnancy and breast-feeding
have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. If you are
nursing and need to use Valtrex, your doctor may advise
you to discontinue breast-feeding while using the medication.
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The effects of Valtrex during pregnancy and breast-feeding
have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. If you are
nursing and need to use Valtrex, your doctor may advise
you to discontinue breast-feeding while using the medication.
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When taken by people with kidney disorders excessive doses of
Valtrex have been known to cause psychological problems
and kidney failure. If you suspect an overdose, check with your
doctor immediately.
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