Drug Uses

Valtrex is an treatment for help with curing shingles, genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals. It is also indicated as a treatment for cold sores (herpes labialis).

How Taken

Valtrex is usually taken three times a day for a week, to treat shingles. Genital herpes require dosage of twice a day for five days continuous. Cold sores are treated by Valtrex by using it one day only. This medication should be used as soon as the symptoms appear.

Warnings/Precautions

If you have allergy to Zovirax (acyclovir) you need to notify your doctor prior to taking Valtrex. If you have a kidney disease or immune system problems you also should notify your doctor about that. Valtrex shouldn't harm an unborn baby and it is not known if it passes into breast milk, so if you are pregnant, or breast feeding you should consult your doctor.

Missed Dose

If missed a dose you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it's about time for next dose. In that case you should take normally scheduled dose and don't double your dose to catch up.

Possible Side Effects

In rare cases you may experience nervous system problems, such as aggressive behavior, unsteady movement, shaky movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. Such effects of Valtrex usage has been reported with patients that already had some problems with nervous system. You may eventually encounter some less serious side effects, such as headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. HIV infected patients may additionally encounter tiredness, and rash. These side effects shouldn't last long or be bothersome.

Storage

Valtrex need to be held in a tightly closed container, out of the reach of children in temperatures of 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Expired medicament or medicament that you no longer need should be thrown off.

Overdose

Overdose of Valtrex may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage, in such cases emergency medical help is needed.

More Information

During treatment you may eventually infect other people, because herpes infections are contagious. You should avoid letting infected areas to come in contact with other people. You need to wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission. Avoiding of sexual contact and use of latex condoms helps prevent spreading the virus to others.

Disclaimer

Information presented on this page is for informational purposes only. This information doesn't cover all interactions, precautions or adverse effects of treatment with this medicament. We disclaim all responsibility for any consequences, which may arise while taking this drug without proper consultation with doctor or pharmacist. We give no warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.