What is Valtrex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Valtrex is a brand-name antiviral medication that fights off herpes infections, including chickenpox and shingles. Its active ingredient, valacyclovir, is an inert drug that the body transforms into acyclovir. That’s the drug that fights infections. Side effects are commonly experienced, but most people take Valtrex tablets only for a week or slightly longer. People older than 65 should realize they are more vulnerable to serious side effects.
Valtrex overview
BRAND NAMES:
Valtrex
Generic Names:
Valacyclovir HCl
Uses:
Treats herpes virus infections, including shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, and chickenpox
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiviral
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Valtrex used for?
Healthcare providers prescribe Valtrex to treat herpes infections in adults and children, including cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Valtrex does not cure herpes infections but instead shortens the duration of an active infection.
What form(s) does Valtrex come in
Tablet
500 mg
1 gm
What are common Valtrex doses?
For cold sores in adults and children: 2 g every 12 hours for one day
For genital herpes in adults:
Initial episode: 1 g every 12 hours for one day for 10 days
Recurrent episodes: 500 mg every 12 hours for 3 days
Suppression: 500 mg–1 g once daily
Suppression in people with an HIV-1 infection: 500 mg every 12 hours
For shingles in adults: 1 g every 12 hours for 7 days
For chickenpox in children: 20 mg/kg every eight hours for 5 days
Common Valtrex prescriptions
Valtrex
10 tablets bottleValtrex
14 tablets bottleValtrex
18 tablets bottleValtrex
21 tablets bottleValtrex
3 tablets bottleValtrex
30 tablets bottleValtrex
4 tablets bottleValtrex
42 tablets bottleValtrex
7 tablets bottleValtrex
1gm tabletValtrex
500mg tablet
How to take Valtrex
Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine works best when you take it at the first sign of a herpes breakout.
Valacyclovir tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
The healthcare provider can prepare a Valtrex oral suspension for patients who cannot take a pill.
To prevent kidney problems, drink plenty of fluids while taking valacyclovir.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature.
The healthcare provider can prepare a Valtrex oral suspension for patients who cannot take a pill.
Shake the oral suspension before measuring a dose.
Use only a calibrated oral syringe to measure doses. The healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide one.
Store the oral suspension in a refrigerator. Throw it out 28 days after it was given to you.
What to do if you miss a dose of Valtrex
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Valtrex contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or acyclovir.
Valtrex warnings
Make sure healthcare providers know that you or your child are taking Valtrex tablets.
The healthcare provider who prescribes Valtrex may need follow-up visits to check the treatment progress, do blood tests, or monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Make sure the healthcare provider knows if you have:
Kidney injury or kidney failure
Advanced HIV or AIDS
Had a bone marrow or kidney transplant
Valtrex may cause serious problems, including:
Kidney dysfunction
Nervous system problems, including hallucinations and agitation
A rare but very serious blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS)—symptoms are listed under Side Effects below
Older adult patients and those with kidney problems are more likely to experience kidney dysfunction or kidney failure when taking Valtrex.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or change how you take it without talking to your healthcare provider.
Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
If you are taking Valtrex for genital herpes, do not have sex when you have genital herpes sores. Valacyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex.
Even when there are no sores, always use condoms made from latex or polyurethane when you have sexual contact.
Valtrex interactions
Because of possible drug interactions, tell the healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements being taken. Valtrex may injure the kidneys, and combining Valtrex with certain drugs can increase that risk.
Tell other healthcare providers about Valtrex treatment before they prescribe new medications.
Tell the healthcare provider about plans to get a chickenpox or shingles vaccine. That vaccine will have to wait until you’re finished with Valtrex.
Valtrex side effects
Serious side effects
Valtrex can cause serious side effects. Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Confusion, agitation, depression, or other behavior changes
Problems with walking, speaking, or coordination, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Fast heartbeat, shortness of breath
Pinpoint red spots on your skin, purple spots on your skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Fatigue, fever, tiredness
Seizures or tremors
Headache, confusion, speech changes
Seizures
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, skin rash, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Headache
Sore throat
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
Sources:
Valtrex drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Valtrex valacyclovir hydrochloride tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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