Drug name:
Valtrex
More than 45 million
Americans between the ages of 15 and 74 have the
virus that causes genital herpes. That is one in
every five people!
VALTREX® is the only
once-a-day prescription medication proven to
suppress future genital herpes outbreaks.
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Uses
Valtrex is an
antiviral agent used in the treatment of herpes zoster
(shingles), genital herpes and is also being used for
herpes simplex (cold sores).
How to take this
medication
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.
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 Valtrex.
Precautions
Tell your
doctor if you have any kidney disease, blood disorders
or if you have any allergies. This medication should be
used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known
if Valtrex 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 or
probenecid.
Notes
Valtrex is most
effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the
rash first appears.
Miss 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. Keep
this and all medications out of the reach of
children.