IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
VALACYCLOVIR-ORAL (val-uh-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valtrex
USES: Valacyclovir is an antiviral
agent used in the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) or genital
herpes.
OTHER USES: This medication may
also be used for cold sores (herpes simplex).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication
by mouth as directed. Take all this medication as prescribed. Do
not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval.
Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment. For
best results, take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout
the day and night.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting,
headache, loss of appetite, weakness, stomach pain, or dizziness
may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your
doctor. Notify your doctor if your condition does not appear to
improve or you experience a worsening of symptoms while taking this
medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in
activities requiring alertness if this medication makes you feel
dizzy. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if
you have: kidney disease, blood disorders, any allergies. Caution
is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may
be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should
be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks
and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication
appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor
of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take
including: cimetidine, probenecid. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount
of urine, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
NOTES: This medication is most
effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash first
appears.
MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose
at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered;
do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication
at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees
C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep
this and all medications out of the reach of children.
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