Drug Uses

Valtrex is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals and is also indicated for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).

How Taken

Valtrex comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. For cold sores, Valtrex is usually taken for one day only. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Continue to take Valtrex even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Valtrex without talking to your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Valtrex 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 Valtrex. Valtrex 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 Valtrex 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.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Valtrex, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose at its regular time. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time.

Possible Side Effects

Kidney failure and nervous system problems are not common, but can be serious in some patients taking Valtrex. Nervous system problems include aggressive behavior, unsteady movement, shaky movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), seizures, and coma. Kidney failure and nervous system problems have happened in patients who already have kidney disease and in elderly patients whose kidneys do not work well due to age. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking Valtrex. Call your doctor right away if you get a nervous system problem while you are taking Valtrex. Common side effects of Valtrex include headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. Side effects in HIV-infected adults include headache, tiredness, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and usually do not cause patients to stop taking Valtrex. Other less common side effects include painful periods in women, joint pain, depression, low blood cell counts, and changes in tests that measure how well the liver and kidneys work.

Storage

Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F).Keep Valtrex a tightly closed container. Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. Keep Valtrex and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. The symptoms of an overdose of Valtrex 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).

More Information

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. Valtrex will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoidance of sexual intercourse and use of latex condoms may prevent spreading the virus to others.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Valtrex at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated [GlaxoSmithKline LLC]
Updated Date: Jan 5, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

IAS: Valacyclovir in Moms with HIV Doesn't Harm Babies (CME/CE)
ROME (MedPage Today) -- The use of the anti-herpes-simplex-2 treatment valacyclovir (Valtrex) in pregnant, HIV-infected women does not appear to harm their infants when administered along with therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, researchers said here. (Source: MedPage Today State Required CME)

VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]
Updated Date: May 13, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

valacyclovir, Valtrex
Title: valacyclovir, ValtrexCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 12/14/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Skin General)

A Call for a Stock Double (INHX)
Inhibitex Inc. (NASDAQ: INHX) may be slightly lower after earnings, but an analyst note is endorsing the long-term merits of the company.  Zacks Research’s Jason Napodano, CFA, announced that Zacks is recommending the purchase of Inhibitex (INHX) ahead of two major catalysts which are coming down the pipe in the next few months ahead. The research notes: In December 2010, management plans to release top-line data from the ongoing phase II program with FV-100.  The trial is designed to show FV-100 superiority to Glaxo’s Valtrex (valacyclovir) in the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).  FV-100, has the potential to be a game changer for the treatment of shingles.  The current standard of care, valacyclovir, with an estimated 60% market share, is dosed at 1000mg three times a d...