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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
To Take This Medication:
Valtrex comes as a tablet to take it orally.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Missed Dosage:
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.
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.
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