Valtrex
Valacyclovir
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Valtrex
Valtrex is an antiviral drug. The mechanism of action of Valtrex is stopping of viral replication. However, it does not eliminate the virus, so Valtrex can not a cure a viral infection. When used as a suppressive therapy in patients with normal immune systems with genital herpes using safer sex practices, it reduce the risk of spreading the infections to others.
Therapeutic Uses of Valtrex
Valtrex is used for treatment of shingles or herpes zoster, cold sores (fever blisters or herpes labialis), and in treatment or suppression of genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection (which causes lowering of body immunity).
Direction of use of Valtrex
Valtrex should be used as per directed of your doctor. You should the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions or use Valtrex as follows:
- Valtrex should be taken by mouth on full stomach or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food which will reduce stomach irritation.
- Drink extra fluids while you are taking Valtrex which will help you to reduce symptoms and consult with your doctor for instructions.
- To treat cold sores, shingles (genital herpes), you should start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start (the earlier the better result).
- If Valtrex is being used for treatment of an acute outbreak, continue using Valtrex for the full course of treatment, even if you feel better in a few days.
- Take Valtrex at the same time each day, which works best, especially for suppressive therapy.
If You Miss a Dose of Valtrex
If you miss a dose of Valtrex, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time to compensate for the missed dose.
How to Store Valtrex
Valtrex should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage can be done between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) without any problem. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a properly closed container which is light resistent. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Valtrex out of the reach of children and away from pets.
More Information About Valtrex
If you have any questions about Valtrex, you should ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. Valtrex is to be used by the patient only, for whom it is not prescribed and not shared with others.
Do not try to treat bacterial infection with Valtrex, it will not be useful.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Valtrex
Do not use Valtrex if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Valtrex or acyclovir and consult your doctor immediately. Some medical conditions may interact with Valtrex. If you are suffering from any medical problem which may interact with Valtrex, inform your doctor, especially any of the following:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine or OTC medicines (over the counter), herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
- If you are allergic to any medicine (other than Valtrex), any food, or any other substance.
- If you have had a bone marrow transplantation or kidney transplantation.
- If you have any kidney problem or if you are suffering from HIV infection of AIDS.
Some medicines may interact with Valtrex, but at present there are no instruction about the restriction or interaction known.
Possible Adverse Effects of Valtrex
- Mild and most common side effects of Valtrex are nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache etc. If any of these most common and mild side effects occurs and become troublesome or persistent for you, consult your doctor.
- Seek medical attention right away if any of the severe side effects of Valtrex occurs (serious side effects are less common). The serious side effects of Valtrex are severe allergic reaction (the symptoms and signs of serious allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior, confusion, seizures, hallucinations; bloody or dark urine; fever, pale skin, pinpoint bruises, shaky movements, speech problems, weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.
