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Valtrex

Valtrex
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The iMedixStars rating goes beyond a simple average of reviews. It’s calculated based on various factors, including the quantity, recency, and reliability of the reviews. Read More

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Valtrex

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The iMedixStars rating goes beyond a simple average of reviews. It’s calculated based on various factors, including the quantity, recency, and reliability of the reviews. Read More

Search for medical details concerning Valtrex oral on iMedix including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings.
  • iMedix
  • Updated 2024-08-24
  • Published 2024-02-15

Side Effects

Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine, unusual back/side pain), mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), shaky/unsteady movement, unusual tiredness, fast heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: sudden vision changes, trouble speaking, loss of consciousness, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?

The time it takes for Valtrex to take effect can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the stage of the infection at the time treatment begins. For herpes simplex infections (such as cold sores or genital herpes), patients may begin to experience symptom relief within 2 to 3 days of starting treatment. For shingles, symptom relief can also start within this timeframe, although it may take longer for the rash to begin to heal.

How long do the effects of this medicine last?

The duration of the effects of Valtrex depends on the dosing regimen, which can vary by the condition being treated. For example, a single-day treatment for cold sores may have effects that last through the healing period of the sore, while treatment for genital herpes might require a regimen over several days. The medication remains effective as long as it is present in the bloodstream at therapeutic levels, with valacyclovir having a half-life of 2.5 to 3.3 hours in individuals with normal renal function, though its active metabolite, acyclovir, has a longer half-life of 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?

There is no direct interaction between alcohol and Valtrex noted in the clinical literature. However, since alcohol can be dehydrating and can also impair immune system function, patients are generally advised to consume alcohol in moderation, especially when dealing with viral infections.

Is this a habit forming medicine?

Valtrex is not habit-forming and does not have the potential for abuse or dependence. It is used specifically for its antiviral action and does not produce euphoria or any psychoactive effects.

Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?

Valtrex is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B, indicating that animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. While Valtrex is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, it should be used only when clearly needed, and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?

Valacyclovir and its metabolite, acyclovir, are excreted into breast milk. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics classifies acyclovir as compatible with breastfeeding, noting that exposure to an infant is minimal and not expected to cause harm. Nursing mothers taking Valtrex should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Uses

Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. In children, it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth.Valacyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes.Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal.

How to use Valtrex

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking valacyclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take valacyclovir by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the chance of side effects.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your type of infection, medical condition, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight.

This medication works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, start taking valacyclovir at the first symptom or as soon as possible after the rash appears. For cold sores or genital herpes, start taking this medication at the first sign or as soon as you feel tingling, itching, or burning.

Valacyclovir works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop this medication early without your doctor’s approval.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Precautions

Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, immune system problems.

This drug may rarely make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your health care professional that you are using valacyclovir before having any immunizations/vaccinations (such as vaccines against the varicella virus).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation) and kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine).

Cold sores can spread easily. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Try not to touch the cold sore. If you do, wash your hands afterward.

Valacyclovir does not prevent the spread of herpes. To lower the chance of giving genital herpes to your partner, do not have sexual contact during an outbreak or if you have symptoms. You can spread genital herpes even if you do not have symptoms. Always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, extreme tiredness, mental/mood changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that may cause kidney problems (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen).

Valacyclovir is very similar to acyclovir. Do not use medications containing acyclovir while using valacyclovir.

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