|
What is the most important information I should know about
valacyclovir?
|
|
• |
Take all of the valacyclovir that has been prescribed for you
even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve
before the infection is completely treated. |
|
• |
Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as
possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning,
blisters). |
|
• |
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other
people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into
contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent
transmission. |
|
• |
Valacyclovir is not a cure for herpes virus infections. |
|
• |
Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and
spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection.
Valacyclovir lessens the symptoms of these infections and shortens the
length of time you are sick. |
|
• |
Valacyclovir is used in the treatment and suppression of
genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores. Valacyclovir is not a cure for
herpes virus infections. |
|
• |
Valacyclovir may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide. |
|
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
valacyclovir?
|
|
• |
Do not take valacyclovir without first talking to your
doctor if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax). |
|
• |
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease or immune system problems. You may need a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with valacyclovir. |
|
• |
Valacyclovir is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. |
|
• |
It is not known whether valacyclovir passes into breast milk
and how it may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
|
How should I take valacyclovir?
|
|
• |
Take valacyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to you. |
|
• |
Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as
possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. for cold
sores-tingling, burning, blisters). |
|
• |
Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
|
• |
Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food. Taking
valacyclovir with food may decrease
stomach upset. |
|
• |
Take all of the valacyclovir that has been prescribed for
you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve
before the infection is completely treated. |
|
• |
It is important to take valacyclovir regularly to get the
most benefit. |
|
• |
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as
clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to
prevent irritation of the lesions. |
|
• |
Store valacyclovir at room temperature away from moisture
and heat. |
|
What happens if I miss a dose?
|
|
• |
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose
and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of
this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
|
What happens if I overdose?
|
|
• |
Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. |
|
• |
The symptoms of an overdose of valacyclovir are not well known, but
an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause
seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production). |
|
What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?
|
|
• |
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people,
even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact
with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission. |
|
• |
Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes.
Avoidance of sexual intercourse and use of latex condoms may prevent
spreading the virus to others. |
|
What are the possible side effects of valacyclovir?
|
|
• |
Stop taking valacyclovir and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). |
|
• |
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take valacyclovir and talk to your doctor if you experience |
| |
· |
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain; |
|
• |
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome. |
|
What other drugs will affect valacyclovir?
|
|
• |
Probenecid (Benemid) and cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may
increase the effects of valacyclovir and possibly lead to dangerous side
effects. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you are taking probenecid or cimetidine. |
|
• |
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
valacyclovir. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
|
Where can I get more information?
|
|
• |
Your pharmacist has additional information about valacyclovir
written for health professionals that you may read. |
|
• |
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
medication only for the indication prescribed. |
|
• |
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided
by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States
are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug
information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed
to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients
and/ or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and
not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug
or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given
patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of
healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. |
Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 8.01. Revision date: 9/
28/ 04. |
