Valtrex Directions For Use

Generic Name: Valacyclovir hydrochloride

Valtrex is used to treat herpes zoster, (the painful rash known as shingles). It is also prescribed to relieve the sores caused by genital herpes.

Valtrex should not be used by anyone with a weak immune system, such as those with HIV infection or those who have under gone a bone marrow or kidney transplant. Valtrex can cause serious side effects, including death, in such people.

If you are taking Valtrex for shingles, you should start using it as soon as possible after your doctor has made a diagnosis. It's best to see a doctor and start the drug within 48 hours of first noticing the rash. If you wait more than 72 hours after you first get a herpes zoster rash, the medication may not be effective.

If you are using Valtrex for genital herpes, begin taking it at the first sign of an attack. The medication may not be effective if you wait longer than 72 hours after the first attack or24 hours after a later attack. You may take Valtrex with or without food.

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your nextdose,skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take2 doses at the same time.

Avoid Valtrex if you are sensitive to it or the similar drug acyclovir (Zovirax).

High doses of Valtrex have proved dangerous in people whose immune system is compromised because of HIVinfection, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant.

If your kidneys are not functioning properly, or you are taking drugs that may damage the kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin, Valtrex can make your condition worse or affect your central nervous system (brainand spinal cord).

Valtrex relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but it is not a cure. There's also no evidence that it will prevent transmission of the disease. To avoid spreading the infection, don't have sexual intercourse during a flare-up.

Valtrex is not intended for use in children.

If you are taking Valtrex with certain other drugs, the effect of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. Check with your doctor before combining Valtrex with cimetidine (Tagamet) and/orprobenecid (Benemid).

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change inintensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Valtrex.

Side effects may include: Abdominal pain, aggressive behavior, agitation, allergic reactions, confusion, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, facial swelling, hallucinations, headache, high blood pressure, joint pain, mania, menstrual problems, nausea, rapid heartbeat, rash, vomiting.

The effects of Valtrex during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. If you are nursing and need to use Valtrex, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while using the medication.

SHINGLES
The usual dose is 1 gram 3 times a day for 7 days.

GENITAL HERPES
The usual dose for the first attack is 1 gram twice a day for 10 days. For later attacks, the dose is 500 milligrams twice a day for 5 days. To keep the condition from returning, the dose is 1 gram once a day. If your kidneys are not functioning well, your doctor may reduce the dosage.

When taken by people with kidney disorders excessive doses of Valtrex have been known to cause psychological problems and kidney failure. If you suspect an overdose, check with your doctor immediately.

Store Valtrex at room temperature.