Drug Name

Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Drug Uses

Valtrex is used for treating shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (fever blisters or herpes labialis), and treating or suppressing genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection.

How Taken

Use Valtrex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Valtrex by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Valtrex is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• To treat cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start.
• If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Valtrex for the full course of treatment, even if you feel better in a few days.
• For suppressive therapy, Valtrex works best if it is taken at the same time each day.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Valtrex is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Valtrex does not eliminate the virus, it is not a cure. When used as a suppressive therapy in patients with normal immune systems with genital herpes using safer sex practices, the risk of spreading the infections to others is reduced.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Valtrex, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Valtrex at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Valtrex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Valtrex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Valtrex or to acyclovir.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Valtrex may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Valtrex with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptoms or outbreak of genital herpes. Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.
• Use Valtrex with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially kidney and nervous system problems.
• Valtrex should not be used in children who have not reached puberty; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Valtrex while you are pregnant. Valtrex is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Valtrex, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; bloody or dark urine; confusion; fever; hallucinations; pale skin; pinpoint bruises; seizures; shaky movements; speech problems; unsteady movement; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Valtrex, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Valtrex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.