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Drug Uses
Valtrex is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster
(shingles), for the treatment or suppression of genital
herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression
of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals
and is also indicated for the treatment of cold sores
(herpes labialis).
How Taken
Valtrex comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to
treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually
taken twice a day for 5 days. For cold sores, Valtrex
is usually taken for one day only. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible
after symptoms appear. Continue to take Valtrex even
if you feel well. Do not stop taking Valtrex without
talking to your doctor. Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Valtrex without first talking to your doctor
if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax). Before taking
this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney
disease or immune system problems. You may need a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with
Valtrex. Valtrex is in the FDA pregnancy category B.
This means that it is not expected to be harmful to
an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or
could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known
whether Valtrex passes into breast milk and how it may
affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby. Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Valtrex, take it as soon as you
remember and then take your next dose at its regular
time. However, if it is almost time for your next dose,
do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next
dose at the regular time. Possible Side Effects
Kidney failure and nervous system problems are not common,
but can be serious in some patients taking Valtrex.
Nervous system problems include aggressive behavior,
unsteady movement, shaky movements, confusion, speech
problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that
are really not there), seizures, and coma. Kidney failure
and nervous system problems have happened in patients
who already have kidney disease and in elderly patients
whose kidneys do not work well due to age. Always tell
your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems
before taking Valtrex. Call your doctor right away if
you get a nervous system problem while you are taking
Valtrex. Common side effects of Valtrex include headache,
nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. Side
effects in HIV-infected adults include headache, tiredness,
and rash. These side effects are usually mild and usually
do not cause patients to stop taking Valtrex. Other
less common side effects include painful periods in
women, joint pain, depression, low blood cell counts,
and changes in tests that measure how well the liver
and kidneys work. Storage
Store at 15? to 25?C (59? to 77?F).Keep Valtrex a tightly
closed container. Do not keep medicine that is out of
date or that you no longer need. Keep Valtrex and all
medicines out of the reach of children. Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
The symptoms of an overdose of Valtrex are not well
known, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which
is a similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations,
and kidney damage (decreased urine production). More Information
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect
other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected
areas come into contact with other people. Wash your
hands frequently to prevent transmission. Valtrex will
not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoidance
of sexual intercourse and use of latex condoms may prevent
spreading the virus to others. Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes
only, it is not intended that this information covers
all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions,
or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for
any purpose. It should not be construed as containing
specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability
of this information, and/or any consequences arising
from the use of this information, including damage or
adverse consequences to persons or property, however
such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either
expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
Complete information about Valtrex
500mg -30 Tablets
Complete information about Valtrex
1000mg - 21 Tablets
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