Valacyclovir

Valtrex

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat infections such as genital herpes, oral herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. It helps reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks, prevents transmission of genital herpes, and can be taken with or without food. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. Valtrex is available in 500 mg and 1000 mg tablets and has a convenient dosing schedule. It’s essential to start treatment at the first sign of symptoms for maximum effectiveness.

Product Overview

Valtrex, also known by its generic name valacyclovir, is an antiviral drug primarily used to manage various forms of herpes infections, including genital herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), oral herpes, and chickenpox. It works by inhibiting the virus’s ability to multiply, effectively managing outbreaks and reducing the potential for transmission. 

The medication is available in oral tablet forms of 500 mg and 1000 mg strengths. Common dosages vary depending on the condition, ranging from 500 mg to 1 gram multiple times a day, with adjustments made for elderly patients to prevent drug accumulation. Valtrex can reduce complications from shingles if administered within 72 hours of rash onset. 

It helps prevent genital herpes transmission when used as suppressive therapy. Side effects are generally mild but include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. It’s crucial to begin treatment at the first symptom to optimize effectiveness, and the drug can be taken with or without food.

What Are the Uses of Valtrex?

• Oral Herpes
• Genital Herpes
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
• Chickenpox

What Are the Benefits of Valtrex?

• Can reduce the severity and duration of herpes outbreaks when taken at first sign of symptoms.
• May help prevent transmission of genital herpes to sexual partners when taken as suppressive therapy.
• Can reduce the risk of complications from shingles when started within 72 hours of rash appearance.
• Generally well-tolerated with relatively few side effects.
• Convenient dosing schedule compared to some other antiviral medications.
• Can be used for both treatment of active infections and long-term suppressive therapy.
• May help reduce the frequency of future herpes outbreaks.
• Available in generic form (valacyclovir), making it more affordable.
• Can be taken with or without food, allowing for flexible dosing.
• Helps reduce viral shedding even when no symptoms are present.
• May help prevent cold sore outbreaks triggered by sun exposure, stress, or illness.

What Are the Side Effects of Valtrex?

Common Valtrex side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in your stomach area
• Headache

[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Valtrex?

Valtrex comes in an oral tablet form and is available in the following strengths:

• 500 mg
• 1000 mg

What Is the Typical Dosage of Valtrex?

Dosage for Genital Herpes

• Adults (18-64 years):
  • First Episode: 1 gram twice daily for 10 days. Start within 48 hours of the first symptom.
  • Recurring Episodes: 500 mg twice daily for 3 days. Begin at the first sign of symptoms.
  • Preventing Flare-Ups (Normal Immune System): 500 mg to 1 gram once daily.
  • Preventing Flare-Ups (People with HIV): 500 mg twice daily.
  • Reducing Transmission Risk: 500 mg once daily.
• Seniors (65 years and older): Adjusted dosage to prevent drug accumulation.

Dosage for Oral Herpes

• Adults (18-64 years) and Children (12-17 years):
  • Dosage: 2 grams twice on the same day, 12 hours apart. Start at the first sign of symptoms.
• Seniors (65 years and older): Adjusted dosage to prevent drug accumulation.

Dosage for Chickenpox

• Adults (18-64 years):
  • Dosage: 1 gram three times per day for 7 days. Start at the first sign of symptoms.
• Children (2-18 years):
  • Dosage: 20 mg per kilogram of body weight three times per day for 5 days. Maximum: 1 gram three times per day.
• Seniors (65 years and older): Adjusted dosage to prevent drug accumulation.

Dosage for Shingles

• Adults (18-64 years):
  • Dosage: 1 gram three times per day for 7 days. Start at the first sign of symptoms.
• Children (0-17 years): Not approved for children under 18.
• Seniors (65 years and older): Adjusted dosage to prevent drug accumulation.

How to Take Valtrex?

• Take Valtrex exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change the dose or duration of treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

• Begin taking Valtrex at the first sign of symptoms like tingling, burning, or blisters for best effectiveness. Delaying treatment may reduce its effectiveness.

• Continue taking Valtrex for the entire duration prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the end of the period. Skipping doses can lead to the virus becoming resistant.

• Valtrex can be taken with or without food.

• If a child cannot swallow the tablet, consult your doctor for alternatives.

• Drink plenty of water while taking Valtrex to help your kidneys function properly.

• Keep any herpes lesions clean and dry. Loose clothing can help prevent irritation.

What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Valtrex?

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body by taking it at regular intervals. Do not stop taking Valtrex without your doctor’s approval.

[Note: Do not take two doses of Valtrex at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]

What Happens When You Overdose on Valtrex?

Overdosing on Valtrex can result in increased side effects such as nausea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, and weakness. Contact your healthcare provider or the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect an overdose. In severe cases, seek emergency medical attention.

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Valtrex Work?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication that inhibits the multiplication of the herpes virus, thereby reducing the spread of the infection. It manages symptoms and reduces the severity of future outbreaks but does not cure herpes.

What Are the Important Safety Precautions of Valtrex?

• Kidney Failure Risk: High doses or existing kidney problems increase the risk of kidney failure, especially if dehydrated, taking other harmful medications, or aged 65+.
• Blood Disorders Warning: Can cause fatal blood conditions like thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), especially in those with kidney transplants, advanced AIDS, or HIV.
• Central Nervous System Effects: High doses or accumulation due to kidney disease can cause hallucinations, delusions, agitation, confusion, or seizures. Stop use and seek emergency help if these occur.
• Allergy Warning: May cause severe allergic reactions such as swelling or breathing difficulties. Seek immediate medical help and avoid re-exposure if allergic.

• • Pregnancy: Category B; no animal study risks but insufficient human studies. Use only if necessary and consult a doctor if pregnant.
  • Breastfeeding: May transfer to breast milk; discuss risks with a doctor and consider stopping breastfeeding or the medication.
  • Seniors: Reduced kidney function in older adults may slow drug processing, increasing side effect risks.

• Children:

• • Approved for chickenpox in children 2-18 years.
  • Not studied or approved for genital herpes or shingles in children under 18.
  • Approved for treating cold sores in children 12 years and older.

How Do You Store Valtrex?

• Store Valtrex at room temperature, ideally between 59°F and 77°F (15°C and 25°C).
• Keep the medication away from light and moisture to ensure it remains effective. 
• Avoid storage in damp places like bathrooms.

What Drugs Interact with Valtrex?

• Cimetidine
• Zidovudine
• NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, or naproxen
• Clozapine
• Warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner)
• Hepatitis B medications, such as entecavir
• Probenecid
• Some vaccinations, such as varicella virus or zoster virus vaccine
• Tenofovir
• Clopidogrel
• Theophylline
• Other antivirals, such as Acyclovir

[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]

What Are the Valtrex Alternatives?

• Abreva (docosanol)
• Herpecin L (octinoxate/dimethicone/octisalate/meradimate/oxybenzone)
• Zovirax (Acyclovir)
• Orajel (benzocaine)
• Sitavig (Acyclovir)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Valtrex alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Valtrex Cost & Coupons

Valtrex can be costly in the U.S., with prices frequently escalating without insurance. Arctic Meds helps by allowing you to buy Valtrex online from Canada at significantly lower prices. We aim to make your healthcare more affordable. By using the coupon code ARCTIC10 at checkout, enjoy an extra 10% off your first purchase. Joining our referral program can help you save even more, potentially reducing your medication expenses by up to $200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valtrex the same as Acyclovir?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) & Zovirax (acyclovir) are both antiviral drugs used to manage viral infections by preventing the virus from multiplying. While they treat the same types of viruses, the main difference lies in their dosing frequency. Valtrex has a longer-lasting effect, allowing for less frequent dosing, which is a significant benefit over Zovirax.

Can you stop taking Valtrex?

It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Valtrex. Stopping the medication abruptly or deviating from the prescribed treatment schedule can worsen your infection or make it resistant to treatment. Missing doses or not adhering to the schedule can reduce the drug’s effectiveness.

Is valacyclovir an antibiotic?

No, valacyclovir is not an antibiotic; it is an antiviral drug. It works by slowing the growth and spread of the herpes virus, aiding the body in fighting the infection. Valacyclovir treats various herpes virus infections, including shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores, and genital herpes in adults.

Is 7 days of Valtrex enough for shingles?

Yes, a 7-day course of Valtrex is typically sufficient to treat shingles. The common dosage is 1 gram taken orally thrice daily for 7 days. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to fully address the infection, even if symptoms improve or the rash begins to clear.

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