Valacyclovir (Generic Valtrex)

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valacyclovir lessens the symptoms of these infections and shortens the length of time you are sick.

How to use Valtrex Oral

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take valacyclovir by mouth, with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This medication works best if you start taking the medication when you first notice symptoms. This medication may not work as well if you wait to start it. How soon you need to start the medication to get benefit depends on the type of infection. Dosage is based on the type of infection, your medical condition, and response to treatment.

To treat chicken pox or shingles, start taking valacyclovir at the first symptom or after the rash first appears. To treat cold sores or genital herpes, start taking this medication at the first sign of symptoms (such as tingling/itching/burning feeling). Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear.

When using this drug to suppress/control outbreaks, take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

If using this medication to treat an outbreak, tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Valtrex side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects:

• pain in your lower back;
• drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• confusion, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, trouble concentrating;
• feeling shaky or unsteady;
• problems with speech or vision; or
• seizure (convulsions).

Important safety information

Use Valtrex with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially kidney and nervous system problems.

Valtrex should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Valtrex while you are pregnant. Valtrex is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Valtrex , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

General information:

If you have any questions about Valtrex , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Valtrex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Valtrex . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include urinating less than usual or not at all.

Storage

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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.