Valtrex
Valtrex (valacyclovir)
is an oral daily therapy prescribed for genital herpes, cold
sores or shingles. It doesn't cure herpes, but reduces the
number of outbreaks and may lower the risk of passing on the
virus.
How Valtrex Works
Genital herpes is a viral infection that breaks out periodically
in sores around the genitals and rectum. Valtrex is an antiviral
medication that suppresses the herpes virus, preventing it from
spreading to other cells in your body. Valtrex is clinically
proven to reduce the number of outbreaks. It can also lower the
risk of giving genital herpes to a sexual partner.
Advantage of Valtrex
Valtrex is the only daily medication proven to reduce the number
of herpes outbreaks. Many patients on Valtrex go six months to a
year without a flare up. Valtrex may also reduce the risk of
spreading genital herpes to a sexual partner, although it is NOT
a replacement for practicing safe sex.
How to Take Valtrex
Valtrex comes in oblong blue caplets taken once a day as daily
preventive therapy. To treat an outbreak of genital herpes, the
usual dose of Valtrex is increased to twice daily for three days.
Valtrex is most effective when taken as soon as symptoms of
herpes appear.
Valtrex Side Effects
Common side effects associated with Valtrex include nausea,
vomiting, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, cold and sore
throat.
Valtrex Precautions
Before taking Valtrex, it is important that the doctor has your
complete medical history, especially if you have kidney
impairment, liver impairment, or advanced stages of HIV. The
safety of Valtrex has not been established for pregnant women,
nursing mothers, or children under 12.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all nonprescription and prescription
medication you use, especially probenecid, cimetidine, or
phenytoin.