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What is the most important information I should know about
valacyclovir?
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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. |
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Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as
possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning,
blisters). |
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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. |
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Valacyclovir is not a cure for herpes virus infections. |
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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. |
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Valacyclovir is used in the treatment and suppression of
genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores. Valacyclovir is not a cure for
herpes virus infections. |
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Valacyclovir may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide. |
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
valacyclovir?
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Do not take valacyclovir without first talking to your
doctor if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax). |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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How should I take valacyclovir?
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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. |
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Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as
possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. for cold
sores-tingling, burning, blisters). |
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Take each dose with a full glass of water. |
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Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food. Taking
valacyclovir with food may decrease stomach upset. |
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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. |
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It is important to take valacyclovir regularly to get the
most benefit. |
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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. |
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Store valacyclovir at room temperature away from moisture
and heat. |
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What happens if I miss a dose?
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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. |
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What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. |
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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). |
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What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?
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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. |
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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. |
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What are the possible side effects of valacyclovir?
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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). |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take valacyclovir and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain; |
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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. |
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What other drugs will affect valacyclovir?
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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. |
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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. |
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Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about
valacyclovir written for health professionals that you may read. |
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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. |
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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. |
