VALTREX DRUG INFO
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. |
