| Valtrex 500 mg - 30 Tabs $236
Valtrex 1000 mg - 21 Tabs $264 |
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Drug Uses
Valtrex is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), for the
treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals
, 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 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 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.
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. |