What does valtrex treat
Valtrex Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Uses
Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. In children, it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth.Valacyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes.Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal.
How to use Valtrex
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking valacyclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take valacyclovir by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the chance of side effects.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your type of infection, medical condition, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight.
This medication works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, start taking valacyclovir at the first symptom or as soon as possible after the rash appears. For cold sores or genital herpes, start taking this medication at the first sign or as soon as you feel tingling, itching, or burning.
Valacyclovir works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop this medication early without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
This medication may rarely cause a life-threatening disorder that affects the blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body. This disorder is more likely to occur if you have conditions related to a weakened immune system (such as HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: extreme tiredness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, sudden vision changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.-Step-6.jpg/aid525941-v4-728px-Treat-Shingles-(Herpes-Zoster)-Step-6.jpg)
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Side Effects section.
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 problems.
This drug may rarely make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Do not have certain immunizations/vaccinations (such as vaccines against the varicella virus) without the consent of your doctor.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation) and kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine).
Cold sores can spread easily. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Try not to touch the cold sore. If you do, wash your hands afterward.
Valacyclovir does not prevent the spread of herpes. To lower the chance of giving genital herpes to your partner, do not have sexual contact during an outbreak or if you have symptoms. You can spread genital herpes even if you do not have symptoms. Always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that may cause kidney problems (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen).
Valacyclovir is very similar to acyclovir. Do not use medications containing acyclovir while using valacyclovir.
Does Valtrex interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911.
Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, extreme tiredness, mental/mood changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.
Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
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.
Common and Rare Side Effects for Valtrex
COMMON side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
Sorry, we have no data available. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
INFREQUENT side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
RARE side effects
If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i
If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i
Full Drug Information
Free RX Coupon
Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.
Available coupons
Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx
Related Links
Drug Survey
Are you currently using Valtrex?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
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.
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Form of production of certificates (20) Analogs
All products
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
4.4 / 5
Based on 20 customer ratings
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
What can I say about this product? As long as you drink it, the effect is there. But as soon as you stop, literally after 2 weeks the problems reappear. The tool is good, but ineffective. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
A couple of days before the wedding, I got herpes. It was terrible, my mood was badly spoiled. I just didn't want to be photographed. Without hesitation, I bought and started taking this drug. And the interesting thing is that he helped me. And very quickly. After using it for herpes, I only have unpleasant memories.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
This remedy helped my husband get rid of skin herpes.
At first, we thought it was acne, we treated it with another remedy, but then we had to switch to this drug. The effect of its use was If they started using it right away, the improvements would have been noticed earlier. We are glad that we got acquainted with this wonderful drug. The money was not wasted. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
Later, after testing, I was diagnosed with herpes. The gynecologist prescribed this drug. I drank it in a course. A year later, she was able to become pregnant again and give birth to a healthy child. I forgot about herpes.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
I started taking this remedy on the advice of my family doctor. Within a day, I noticed how the pain began to pass. The drug is very easy to drink. It tastes good, and for me it was the most important thing. The effect of his reception was. But you can use it only after consulting a doctor. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
This drug helped me get rid of genital herpes.
After the first application, all symptoms disappeared. The nice thing is that the tool has a convenient dosing regimen. I didn't experience any side effects while using it. Although there were other similar drugs.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
For a long time I was worried about herpes. Other antiviral pills and ointments did not help me. Used this drug for a course. After using it, I completely forgot about herpes. The effect of the use of this tool was enough for me for 3 years. During this time, I have never had a relapse. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
I often get herpes on my lips, and in the off-season it doesn't even disappear. I used various means, both expensive and cheap, but they were all ineffective. On the advice of a doctor, I tried this drug. It is expensive, but its effect is not as fast as that of others. The tool helped me, but I will not recommend it. Everything is individual here.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
A good antiviral drug that helps get rid of herpes. I took his course. The effect of his reception was. The price of the drug, of course, is a bit high, but its quality is excellent. Of all the medications I have used in the past, this has been the most effective. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
I suffer from herpes most of my life. I have tried many different medicines. I purchased this product on the advice of my doctor. Although I really didn’t want to, because. it is expensive. Herpes has not returned to me for six months. It's just some kind of holiday. Interestingly, acne is no longer necessary to treat. This tool helps to get rid of any rubbish. Effective.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
I have been trying to get rid of herpes for a long time. At first I used only ointments, and then I had to include tablets in my treatment. This drug was prescribed to me by a doctor. At first, I did not want to buy it, because.
it is expensive and I thought that it is also ineffective. But I bought it and I don't regret it. The tool really helped me. And now this is the best drug of those that I have previously tried. Now I only use them. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
This is a modern antiviral drug. Because of the tumor, my temperature kept at a high level every day. Has handed over many different analyses. I was told that I am a carrier of several types of the virus. The doctor gave me one drug. But after retesting, the changes were minimal. I had to take this drug. It is expensive, but the effect is there. The indicators improved, the temperature subsided.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs. nine0003
from 4427 ₽
I got chicken pox from my son. The symptoms were simply indescribable, although outwardly they were not noticeable. Moreover, against the background of chickenpox, I even developed pneumonia. The drug coped with my illness just with a bang. The price for it is unreasonably high, and there are a lot of side effects.
But the good thing is that all this side effect has bypassed me. But it was scary to take it.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
I do not recommend this drug to anyone. Maybe he helps well, but the side effects after him are just terrible. I took it for 2 weeks, so after it I had such bleeding that I almost ended up in the hospital. I had to solder off with hemostatic. I do not recommend this drug to anyone. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
I advise everyone who has been prescribed this drug not to think, but to run and buy it. The drug fully justifies its cost. I have used it several times. For several months now, herpes has not bothered me. An excellent tool.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
I met this drug quite by accident. The drug is working. He heals. After him, the herpes disappeared, the lip returned to its original size. Some wrote that their temperature rose, but I got around it. The tool helped me. I recommend. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
The product helped me quickly get rid of herpes. It is easy to take, side effects are rare. However, it didn't work for my husband. Strangely, it somehow affects everyone in completely different ways.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
This is a very effective drug that helps get rid of herpes. I have a weak immune system. With every cold I get herpes. Ointments helped me before, but only for a short period of time. After using this drug, I simply forgot about my illness. Now I use it for prevention. I recommend the drug. nine0003
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 10 pcs.
Valtrex is an excellent drug that helps to get rid of a viral infection and papillomavirus. It really works and the effect of it lasts for a long time. It is convenient to take it, and you do not need to drink it for a long time. I am glad that I got acquainted with such an effective and inexpensive drug. Now I only use them.
Valtrex tablets 500 mg 42 pcs.
from 4427 ₽
The drug is good, but it is very expensive. For such a price, you can find a drug that is better and more effective. I won't recommend him to anyone. Next time I won't buy it myself. nine0003
- Valtrex reviews
- Should I buy Valtrex? 20 customer reviews for Valtrex What is the purpose of this review?
The aim of this Cochrane review was to investigate whether valaciclovir is better than acyclovir in the treatment of painful and itchy rash caused by varicella zoster virus (herpes zoster virus affecting the eyes). To answer this question, Cochrane researchers collected and analyzed all available relevant studies on this topic and found one study. nine0003Key Findings
Uncertainty exists regarding evidence of superiority or disadvantages of valaciclovir compared with acyclovir in the treatment of herpes zoster with eye involvement
What was learned in this review?
Herpes zoster affecting the eye presents with a painful and itchy rash that usually appears on one side of the forehead.
If the rash reaches the eye area it can lead to blurred vision. This is due to the fact that a viral infection affects the anterior segment of the eye. Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which remains in the body for many years after a primary infection in the form of varicella (after "chickenpox") and can reactivate. Doctors can treat herpes zoster in the eye with acyclovir. It is an antiviral agent that kills the varicella-zoster virus. Valaciclovir is a modified version of acyclovir that can be taken less frequently than acyclovir because it is better absorbed into the body. nine0003 What are the main findings of this review?
Review authors found one relevant study from France. The study compared valacyclovir 1000 mg 3 times a day for a week (7 days) and acyclovir 800 mg 5 times a day also for a week (7 days). The company that manufactures valaciclovir (Glaxo) funded this study.The reviewers are not convinced that valacyclovir provides any additional benefit in the treatment of herpes zoster with eye involvement compared to acyclovir.
