Valtrex

valaciclovir

Valtrex is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. Valtrex is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valtrex will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Valacyclovir is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses. It is used to treat infections with herpes zoster (shingles ), herpes simplex genitalis (genital herpes), and herpes labialis (cold sores). Valacyclovir inhibits the replication of viral DNA which is necessary for viruses to reproduce themselves. Valacyclovir is actually a "prodrug," in that it is not active itself. Rather, it is converted to acyclovir in the body, and it is the acyclovir that is active against the viruses. Valacyclovir, therefore, is active against the same viruses as acyclovir, but valacyclovir has a longer duration of action than acyclovir, and, therefore, can be taken fewer times each day.

Treatment with Valtrex should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). This medication might not be as effective if you first start taking it 1 or 2 days after the start of your symptoms.

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. 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.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking Valtrex to keep your kidneys working properly. Valtrex can be taken with or without food. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Valtrex will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Effective dosage
- Shingles: The usual dose is 1 gram 3 times a day for 7 days.
- Genital herpes: The usual dose for the first attack is 1 gram twice a day for 10 days. For later attacks, the dose is 500 milligrams twice a day for 3 days. To keep the condition from returning, the dose is 1 gram once a day. If you've had less than 10 infections per year, your doctor may prescribe 500 milligrams once a day. The safety and effectiveness of Valtrex treatment beyond 1 year have not been studied.
- Cold sores: The recommended dosage is 2 grams twice a day for 1 day, taken about 12 hours apart. Valtrex should not be taken for more than 1 day. The elderly and people with kidney problems may need a reduced dosage.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take Valtrex at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Side effects
The side effect profile of valacyclovir is similar to that of acyclovir. The most commonly reported side effects are headache, nausea, and vomiting. Less common side effects are diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness.

Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions. Store Valtrex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.