Valacyclovir is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses. It is used to treat infections with herpes zoster shingles herpes simplex genitalis genital herpes and herpes labialis, cold sores etc. Valacyclovir inhibits the replication of viral DNA which is necessary for viruses to reproduce themselves. Valacyclovir is actually a prodrug in that it is not active itself. Rather it is converted to acyclovir in the body and it is the acyclovir that is active against the viruses.

Acyclovir itself is available as a topical oral and intravenous medication. Valacyclovir therefore is active against the same viruses as acyclovir but Valacyclovir has a longer duration of action than acyclovir and therefore can be taken fewer times each day. For more information about the Valtrex medication, feel free to consult your doctor, pharmacists and health care provider to enjoy its maximum benefits for your health conditions.

Valacyclovir was approved for use by the FDA in 1995.

Valacyclovir may be taken with or without food. Dosages need to be reduced in patients with kidney disease. For the treatment of herpes zoster shingles the usual dose is 1 gm three times a day for 7 days. Treatment should begin at the first symptom and is most effective if started within 48 hours of the onset of rash.

For the treatment of an initial episode of herpes, the usual dose is 1 gm twice daily for 10 days. For the treatment of recurrent herpes the usual dose is 500 mg twice daily for 5 days. For best results treatment should be initiated within 12 hours of the start of symptoms. However, this medicine is not recommended in patients who lack in normal immune system i.e. immunocompromised patients. So, do not forget to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any queries before taking this medicine.

The side effect profile of Valacyclovir is similar to that of acyclovir. The most commonly reported side effects are headache, nausea and vomiting. Less common side effects are diarrhea, abdominal pain and dizziness.

Other side effects or symptoms of toxicity are: speech problems, bloody or dark urine, pale skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, weakness, seizures, pinpoint bruises or fever. If any of these appear bothersome to you, contact your doctor immediately and get treated accordingly.

Probenecid Benemid and cimetidine Tagamet may reduce the kidneys clearance of Valacyclovir medication leading to higher concentrations in the blood. This may lead to side effects of Valacyclovir. So, proper care is essential in such a situation.

However, some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. So keep informing your doctor or health care professional about all the prescribed, non- prescribed and over-the-counter i.e. OTC medicines that you may be in-taking. Also inform your doctor of your any other medical conditions, pregnancy, breast-feeding, allergies etc.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Do not stop the medication on your own. If you wish to do so, please consult your doctor before doing so. Also, inform your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the major diseases. Never allow anyone to use your medicine unless they are prescribed by themselves. Do not use the medicine for other diseases or health conditions. Keep at a safe distance from pets and children. Follow the dosing schedule exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. And, if it is almost the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue to your regular dosing. Do not double your doses in any case. Consult your doctor for the missed dosage.

To know the more uses of the medication, feel free to ask your doctor. However, the Valtrex medicine is an antiviral which is used in patients with normal immune systems to treat herpes zoster infections shingles or to treat or suppress genital herpes. This medicine may be used in combination with safe sex practices in patients with genital herpes to help reduce the risk of spreading the condition to others. This medicine may also be used for cold sores herpes simplex or other conditions as determined by your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses also, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about the Valtrex medication.

Valacyclovir medication should be stored at room temperature between 36 – 86 degrees F and 2-30 degrees C, in a tightly closed and light resistant container. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat and direct light. Moisture or Heat may cause the break down of the medicine. In any case, do not store the Valtrex capsules in the bathroom.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Valtrex:

1. Acknowledge your doctor if you are suffering from some kind of severe diseases or if you need to undergo any kind of surgery, or need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents. So, inform your doctor immediately about it, so that the doctor can decide whether to continue taking Valtrex or stop it during the surgery.

2. Let the doctor also know if you are in-taking or are planning to take any prescribed or non prescribed medicines, health supplements or any OTC medications etc. for any other conditions. Using this medicine, alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

3. Do not take this Valtrex, if you have any kind of allergy to it or to any ingredients of it and tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and get treated.

4. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before taking Valacyclovir medication. Inform your doctor immediately when you plan to conceive, or become pregnant during the course.

5. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in the breast milk. But if you are planning or are already breast feeding, please consult your doctor before taking this medicine to avoid any reactions.

6. If you are using this medicine for genital herpes treatment, start using the medication as soon as you notice symptoms like blisters, pain, burning etc. of an infection.

7. Strictly use a condom during sexual intercourse.

8. This medicine may cause dizziness and so caution is advised while driving or operating heavy machineries until you are sure that how exactly this medicine is reacting.

9. Do not share the drug with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves. And if your symptoms of side effects do not improve in few weeks or if they become worse and bothersome, check these conditions with your doctor.

10. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the adults as they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine than young ones.

11. Please, take the medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time. Do not discontinue on your own and consult your doctor before doing so.