Valtrex (valacyclovir)
Valtrex Description
Valtrex
is a prescription drug which is used to treat conditions relating to
the herpes virus. The drug is widely used by doctors to treat conditions like cold sores, shingles, chicken pox and genital herpes. The drug prevents the virus from multiplying thereby preventing the spread of infection
in the body. It is considered safe for consumption for both adults as
well as for children. However, it is advisable that children should be
at least 12 years old when taking this drug. Valaciclovir hydrochloride
is the most active ingredient in this drug which helps the body to
fight against the outbreak of infection caused by the herpes virus.
Whenever there is an outbreak of virus in your body, the virus tends to stay back in your body in nerve endings in an inactive form. Valtrex prevents the outbreak of the virus by preventing them from multiplying and becoming active. It prevents the recurrence of herpes and also the spread of herpes from one person to other people. Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is available in tablets with doses of 500 mg and 1 gram. The medicine should be stored in airtight container, away from the moisture or heat, at room temperature.
Conditions Treated By Valtrex
Treating herpes in adults
Preventing genital herpes and its spread from one person to another
Preventing shingles in adults
Treating cold sores in both adults and children
Preventing recurrent outbreaks of herpes
Preventing genital herpes and its spread from one person to another
Preventing shingles in adults
Treating cold sores in both adults and children
Preventing recurrent outbreaks of herpes
Valtrrex Warnings
Just
like all other medicines, Valtrex too is to be consumed with caution.
This drug is not suitable for people with the following medical
conditions:
- If you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir.
- If you are suffering from AIDS or HIV.
- If you are pregnancy or if you are planning a pregnancy.
- If you have a weak immunity system.
- If you are suffering from any type of kidney disease or are on dialysis.
- If you are undergoing or have undergone a bone marrow or a kidney transplant.
In case you are suffering from any of the medical conditions mentioned above, chances are that your doctor will prescribe an alternate
drug to you or you will get alterations in the drug dosage. Your doctor
will carry out a few tests to see if Valtrex will suit your conditions
or not. Although this drug is not suitable to be taken during pregnancy,
doctors sometimes prescribe this drug in mild doses in case the mother
is suffering from genital herpes. The virus of genital herpes can easily
be passed on from the mother to the baby; which is why doctors may have
to prescribe this drug. This drug is also suitable in case the mother
is breast feeding her child. Do not take this drug on your own without
informing your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or are breast
feeding your child. Traces from Valtrex can travel up to your breast
milk and can prove to be harmful for your nursing infant. It is also important
for your doctor to know what the other medicines or supplements are
that you are taking at the time your doctor prescribes Valtrex to you.
Stop taking Valtrex immediately and inform your doctor right away if you suffer from the following symptoms:
Stop taking Valtrex immediately and inform your doctor right away if you suffer from the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Unexplained bleeding or bruises
- Red spots on the skin (unrelated to chicken pox or herpes)
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Fainting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Less urination than the normal rate
Valtrex Dosage Information
Typical Dosage Recommendations
There are some basic yardsticks on which the dosage of this medicine depends- your age, the type of medical conditions
that you are suffering from, weight (in case of children), other
medications that you might be taking, etc. Based on this, your doctor
will prescribe you the most appropriate dose of Valtrex. The drug is
available in two doses- 500 mg and 1 gram.
The best time to have a Valtrex is as soon as you spot the occurrence of herpes. This will reduce the time that the virus will take to become active and multiply. If is taken too late, there are chances that it might not show any signs of effectiveness. There is no need to wait to have food before taking the medicine as it can be taken with or without having food. In order to maintain the level of effectiveness of the drug, make sure that you have the medicine at the same time every day. Do not unnecessarily stop having the medicine as it might lead to increase in the spread of infection in the body.
The best time to have a Valtrex is as soon as you spot the occurrence of herpes. This will reduce the time that the virus will take to become active and multiply. If is taken too late, there are chances that it might not show any signs of effectiveness. There is no need to wait to have food before taking the medicine as it can be taken with or without having food. In order to maintain the level of effectiveness of the drug, make sure that you have the medicine at the same time every day. Do not unnecessarily stop having the medicine as it might lead to increase in the spread of infection in the body.
It
is very important to have the medicine at a definite time of the day on
all the days. In case you have missed a dose, take the dose as soon as
you remember it. If there is very little time left for the next dose,
wait for the next dose, do not have the missed dose. Never take two
doses of Valtrex with a very short time gap in between.
It can be quite fatal if you have taken an overdose of Valtrex. Consult your doctor immediately and seek medical attention as soon as possible. An overdose of this medicine can cause harm to the kidneys.
Valtrex Side Effects
Not
too many people suffer from side effects after taking Valtrex. Here are
some of the side effects that many people are likely to suffer from
after taking Valtrex:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Increased enzymes in liver
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
Possible Drug Interactions Valtrex
Exercise caution when having Valtrex if you are already having the following medications:
- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
- Celebrex (celecoxib)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
In most patients, the interactions of these drugs with Valtrex will not create too much of a problem. However, if you are suffering
from any type of renal problems, make sure that you inform your doctor
about it as the interactions of the above mentioned drugs with Valtrex
can affect your kidneys.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
