Valtrex  Information
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication. Valtrex (Valacyclovir) slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is not used to cure the herpes, but it is used to decrease the symptoms of the infection. The herpes virus can cause genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) can be used as a suppressive therapy in immunocompetent individuals with genital herpes and thus can decrease the risk of heterosexual transmission to susceptible partners. Also when you are infected with the herpes virus and are being treated with Valtrex (Valacyclovir), you still are required to practice safe sex. This includes always using a condom made of latex and avoiding sexual contact when you have an outbreak or think you are about to get an outbreak. It is not known if Valtrex reduces the risk of spreading genital herpes in same sex couples.
Before taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir), tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant. Valtrex (Valacyclovir) can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using. You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking certain medications together with Valtrex (Valacyclovir). Treatment with Valtrex (Valacyclovir) should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
If you are taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir) 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 (Valacyclovir) 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. If you are taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir) 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.
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) should not be prescribed to anyone with a weak immune system, so those with HIV infection or those who have undergone a bone marrow or kidney transplant. Valtrex (Valacyclovir) can lead to death in people with a weak immune system.

 


Valtrex  Side Effects
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) can cause some side effects which are fairly common. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain. Other side effects caused by Valtrex (Valacyclovir) include aggressive behavior, agitation, allergic reactions, coma, confusion, decreased consciousness, depression, facial swelling, hallucinations, hepatitis, high blood pressure, joint pain, mania, menstrual problems, rapid heartbeat, rash and visual abnormalities. Studies have also indicated that Valtrex (Valacyclovir) may cause headaches, dizziness, or tremors (shaking), which is not very common. If any of these side effects continue and are bothersome, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.

 

The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.