Valtrex

valaciclovir

Valtrex is used in patients with normal immune systems to treat cold sores (also called fever blisters or herpes labialis), shingles (also called herpes zoster), to treat or control genital herpes outbreaks, to control genital herpes outbreaks in adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and is also used to treat chicken pox. Valtrex lessens the symptoms of these infections and shortens the length of time you are sick. It is also used with safer sex practices to lower the chances of spreading genital herpes to others. Even with safer sex practices, it is still possible to spread genital herpes.

Valtrex medicine slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valtrex will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection. 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. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes.

Valaciclovir is an antiviral medication which is used to treat certain viral infections. It is broken down into aciclovir in the body, which is the active compound that inhibits viral growth. Valaciclovir produces higher blood levels of the active drug than is possible using the conventional tablet formulation of aciclovir. Aciclovir acts by inhibiting the production of genetic material (DNA), which is required for reproduction and hence the survival of the virus. Valaciclovir itself does not kill the virus, but by stopping it from reproducing the virus is present in lower numbers. The lower numbers mean that the body's immune system can more easily overcome the virus. It is used in the treatment of the various forms of the herpes virus as well as the virus responsible for causing the symptoms of shingles.

Side effects:
Medicine and possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect: headache, rash, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, drowsiness, confusion, false perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations), dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Effective dosage:
Your dose of Valtrex and length of treatment will depend on the type of herpes infection that you have and any other medical problems that you have.

If you are taking Valtrex for shingles, you should start using it as soon as possible. It's best to 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. The recommended dosage is 1 gram orally 3 times daily for 7 days.

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 or 24 hours after a later attack. The recommended dosage is 1 gram twice daily for 10 days.

If you are taking Valtrex for cold sores, you should start using it at the earliest signs of infection, such as tingling, itching, or burning. If you wait until the cold sore develops, the medication might not work. The recommended dosage is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken about 12 hours apart.

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 next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Take all of the Valtrex medicine that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Drug Class: Herpes.