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.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (val-uh-SYE-klo-veer)
Valtrex Oral Uses
Valacyclovir is used in children to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) and chickenpox (varicella zoster). It is used in adults to treat cold sores and shingles (herpes zoster). Valacyclovir does not cure these diseases, but it may decrease pain and help sores heal faster. Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals.
Valacyclovir is also used to treat people with genital herpes who are currently having an outbreak. It can also be used to prevent an outbreak (suppressive therapy). This medication helps control symptoms, but does not cure the disease or prevent infection of sexual partners.
If you are taking valacyclovir for treatment of genital herpes, it is important to follow safe sex practices to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner, even if there are no symptoms present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.
Valtrex Oral How To Use
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.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.
