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Drug Information: Valtrex

VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl), an anti-viral and a pro-drug is prescribed by the physicians for the treatment of the Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Herpes Simplex. VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) is indicated in Herpes Zoster (Shingles) in the immuno-competent hosts, treatment of the cold sores in Herpes labialis and the treatment of genital Herpes in the initial stage and the recurrent episodes in the HIV and non-HIV patients. VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) is converted to the active form of drug called Acyclovir after the first pass metabolism which is active against Herpes virus family microbes like Herpes Simplex Virus type I (HSV – 1), Herpes Simplex Virus type II (HSV – 2), Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), Epstein –Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) is also indicated for the immuno-compromised children between the ages of 2 and 18 for the treatment of Chicken pox and cold sores.

Who should not take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl)?

VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) should not be used by the patients with kidney diseases, nervous system problems, and advance stages of HIV/AIDS, haemolytic uremic syndrome, advanced age with geriatric problems, Thrombocytopenic purpura, transplantation history of kidney or any other bone marrow transplantation. If you are taking drugs like Probenecid, Cimetedine, antacids, thiazide diuretics, Digoxin and other anti-viral drugs for the existing drugs, you should not take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl). VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) is classified as a Pregnancy Category – B drug and the teratogenic effect of the VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) is not established and it is unknown whether it can pass the breast milk.

VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) Side Effects:

VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) can cause serious side effects like anaphylaxis to the treatment, kidney failure and serious nervous system problems in the patients with existing kidney problems and geriatric patients. Other side effects include haematological anomalies like aplastic anaemia, rhinorrhea, arthralgia, dehydration, hallucinations, speech problems, hepatitis, increased serum transaminases, tremors, slurry speech, unsteady movement, aggressive behaviour and delirium. The less serious side effects like nausea and vomiting, headache and gastric upset. However other uncommon reactions may vary from person to person.

How should I take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl)?

The recommended dosage for the VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) is 3 - 4 gm a day. For the treatment of the Herpes Zoster, initial dosage of 1 gm of VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) can be given thrice daily for a duration of 7 days. In case of Herpes Labialis and the paediatric treatment (12 years and above) of cold sore, 2 gm of VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) can be given in a divided dose for 1 day. The following instruction should be followed to take the VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) – 15 - 30 mg (Once Daily): (1) Take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.

Keep taking VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) for as long as your health care provider tells you do so. To treat your problems or keep you away from the symptoms of the disease, you have to take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) as often and in the way VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) as prescribed by the Physician.

What is the important information I should know about VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl)?

  • Take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • You can take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) anytime with or without food.
  • For VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
  • VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) does not cure Herpes infection.
  • It is important to take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
  • Do not have sexual with a partner when the Genital Herpes is suspecting or confirmed. The use of latex or polyurethane condoms can prevent the infection and the spread to the sexual partner.
  • Do not stop taking VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
  • Store VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) as per the instructions on the product label.
  • Keep VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) away from the reach of the children and the pets to avoid accidental exposure.

    What happens if I miss a dose of VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl)?

    Take the missed dose of VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

    What happens if I overdose of VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl)?

    The over dosage of VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) can cause anuria and even acute renal failure. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

    Where can I get more information on VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl)?

    VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) prescribed patients, who try to place an order for VALTREX (Valacyclovir Hcl) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.
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