Valtrex

valaciclovir

Valtrex (valaciclovir) is used to treat certain herpes infections, including herpes zoster (the painful rash known as shingles), genital herpes, and herpes cold sores on the face and lips. It doesn't cure herpes, but reduces the number of outbreaks and may lower the risk of passing on the virus. Valacyclovir hydrochloride is rapidly converted to acyclovir which has demonstrated antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) both in vitro and in vivo.

Genital herpes is a viral infection that breaks out periodically in sores around the genitals and rectum. Valtrex is an antiviral medication that suppresses the herpes virus, preventing it from spreading to other cells in your body. Valtrex is clinically proven to reduce the number of outbreaks. It can also lower the risk of giving genital herpes to a sexual partner. Valtrex will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking with Valtrex.

Valtrex is the only daily medication proven to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks. Many users on Valtrex go six months to a year without a flare up. Valtrex may also reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to a sexual partner, although it is NOT a replacement for practicing safe sex.

To treat an outbreak of genital herpes, the usual dose of Valtrex is increased to twice daily for three days. Valtrex is most effective when taken as soon as symptoms of herpes appear. If you are taking Valtrex for shingles, you should start using it as soon as possible. It's best to start with 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, the medication may not be effective. If you are using Valtrex for genital herpes, begin taking it at the first sign of an attack. The medication may not be effective if you wait longer than 72 hours after the first attack or 24 hours after a later attack. If you are taking Valtrex for cold sores, you should start using it at the earliest signs of infection, such as tingling, itching, or burning. If you wait until the cold sore develops, the medication might not work. You may take Valtrex with or without food.

Recommended dosage: For treatment of genital herpes, first outbreak: Adults — 1 gram two times a day for ten days. For treatment of genital herpes, recurrent outbreaks: Adults — 500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for three days. To prevent recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes: Adults — 500 mg or 1 gram once a day. For treatment of shingles: Adults — 1 gram three times a day for seven days. Children — Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

If you miss your regular 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.

Common side effects associated with Valtrex include nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, cold and sore throat. Valtrex can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys.

Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.