VALTREX DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

VALACYCLOVIR-ORAL (val-uh-SYE-klo-veer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valtrex

USES: Valacyclovir is an antiviral agent used in the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) or genital herpes.

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for cold sores (herpes simplex).

HOW TO USE: Take Valtrex by mouth as directed. Take all this medication as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Ceasing therapy too soon may cause this treatment to be ineffective. For best results, take this medication at regular, paced intervals throughout the day and night.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, weakness, stomach pain, or dizziness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if your condition does not appear to improve or you experience a worsening of symptoms while taking this medication. Use caution if you're planning to operate machinery or participating in activities that require an alert state as this medicine can result in diziness. If you notice other effects from Valtrex not listed above, contact your physician or pharmacist as soon as you are able.

 
PRECAUTIONS: Do not take valacyclovir 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 valacyclovir. 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 Valtrex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning to 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.
 
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: cimetidine, probenecid. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness, or seizures.

NOTES: Valtrex is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash first appears.

MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as it's remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store Valtrex at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.