Valtrex is considered an antiviral drug used in treatment of herpes. Valtrex does not cure herpes but rather slows the growth and spread of the virus so that the body could fight off the infection. Valtrex can be used in treating infections caused by herpes virus in adults and children such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles and chickenpox. Valtrex is used in children of age 12 or older in treatment of cold sores and and children of age 2 or older in treatment of chickenpox.
Before using Valtrex inform your doctor if you have HIV/Aids weak immune system, kidney problems, if you had dialysis or kidney and bone marrow transplants. Inform your doctor about the other medication that you use in order to adjust the dose so that problems and harm to kidneys can be avoided and Valtrex should be avoided if already using medicine that harms kidneys.
Valtrex can not prevent the spread of genital herpes and you can infect other people even while taking Valtrex.
Stop taking Valtrex and inform your doctor if side effects appear that damage red blood cells such as fever easy bruising and bleeding red spots on the skin that are not related with chickenpox and herpes, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, pale and yellow skin, weakness, fainting or urinating less than usual or not at all. Do not give Valtrex to the child unless doctor approves it.
Do not take the medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).
FDA classifies Valtrex as pregnancy category B so this medication is not supposed to be harmful to the unborn baby. However, genital herpes can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. If you have genital herpes it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during during your pregnancy so that so you do not have lesions when the baby is born. Valtrex passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant, do not take this medication during the time of nursing and inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding. Do not give Valtrex to a child without an approval from a doctor.
Take Valtrex in prescribed amounts and in a prescribed period. Take each dose with a full glass of water and drink plenty of water while taking Valtrex in order to keep your kidneys in full working order. Measure the dose with the measuring spoon provided in order to get the correct dose. Valtrex can be taken with food or without food.
- If you miss the dose take it as soon as you remember, if it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed one do not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed one.
- If you overdose seek medical attention. signs of overdose are urinating less or not at all.
