Generic Name: VALACYCLOVIR - ORAL
Pronounced: (val-uh-SYE-klo-veer)

Valtrex Oral Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, painful periods may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations)
• confusion
• speech problems
• shaky/unsteady movement
• vision changes

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• seizures
• loss of consciousness
• signs of other infections (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat)

This medication may rarely cause a blood disorder (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) or a severe kidney problem (hemolytic uremic syndrome). These problems are more likely to occur if you have HIV disease or if you have had a bone marrow transplant or an organ transplant. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• change in the amount of urine
• easy bruising/bleeding
• unusual fever

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Valtrex Oral Precautions

Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney disease
• blood disorders
• immune system problems (e.g., HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, organ transplant)

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially confusion, agitation, and kidney problems.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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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.