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Valtrex (valacyclovir) is a prescription medication which is used to treat patients who are infected with the herpes simplex virus. While there is no cure for herpes yet, Valtrex allows patients a way to control their herpes and minimize the outbreaks.

What are the Differences between Valtrex, Acyclovir and Famvir?

All of these medications work in a similar manner by slowing down the herpes simplex virus and preventing it from replicating in the system, allowing the body time to naturally defend itself. The main differences you will find between these three medications is that they all have varying side effects and drug interactions, which may mean that one will work better for your situation than another. Only your doctor can tell you which of these medications is right for your specific situation.

What are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes can surface at any time, and the outbreaks have some very specific signs and symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms associated with an outbreak:

Lesions or blisters near genitals and anus that can ooze pus and blood
Irritation and reddening of the infected area
Cold sores and canker sores that suddenly appear in, on and around the mouth

How to Take Valtrex:

You should only take this drug as directed to by your doctor or your pharmacist. Most often it will be prescribed to be taken by mouth two times per day, following a meal. If you miss a dose just take it at the first opportunity that you get. To avoid an upset stomach take your doses following a meal.

How Does Valtrex Work?

This drug attacks the herpes virus in the system and slows it down, not allowing it to rapidly progress and replicate. When the virus is slowed in the system the body can naturally defend itself. The end result is a lessening of the symptoms and the duration of an outbreak.

Side Effects of Valtrex Include:

There are some side effects that can potentially occur when taking Valtrex, they include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pains
Headache
Tremors
Dizziness
In rare cases, a potentially serious allergic reaction can occur which can include the following symptoms: breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips, swelling of the mouth, swelling of the tongue, swelling of the face or an outbreak of hives�if you experience any of these rare yet serious side effects, STOP taking Famvir and seek immediate medical attention.

Valtrex Precautions:

It is important that you disclose to your medical care practitioner EVERY drug that you are currently taking in order to avoid interactions from occurring. Those who suffer from kidney disease or a compromised immune system should first talk to their doctor before taking this drug. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also discuss this with their doctor as this drug can be passed on to the infant in the breast milk.

Important Patient Information

VALACYCLOVIR - ORAL (val-uh-SYE-klo-veer) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valtrex

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

USES: Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. In children, it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth. Valacyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking valacyclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take valacyclovir by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the chance of side effects. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your type of infection, medical condition, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight. This medication works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, start taking valacyclovir at the first symptom or as soon as possible after the rash appears. For cold sores or genital herpes, start taking this medication at the first sign or as soon as you feel tingling, itching, or burning. Valacyclovir works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop this medication early without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine, unusual back/side pain), mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), shaky/unsteady movement, unusual tiredness, fast heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: sudden vision changes, trouble speaking, loss of consciousness, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, immune system problems. This drug may rarely make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your health care professional that you are using valacyclovir before having any immunizations/vaccinations (such as vaccines against the varicella virus). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation) and kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine). Cold sores can spread easily. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Try not to touch the cold sore. If you do, wash your hands afterward. Valacyclovir does not prevent the spread of herpes. To lower the chance of giving genital herpes to your partner, do not have sexual contact during an outbreak or if you have symptoms. You can spread genital herpes even if you do not have symptoms. Always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that may cause kidney problems (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen). Valacyclovir is very similar to acyclovir. Do not use medications containing acyclovir while using valacyclovir.

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, extreme tiredness, mental/mood changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. or local waste disposal company.

Prescribing Information

This product information is intended for United States residents only. Before prescribing, please refer to the patient information. You can view the document and also download it on your computer. You may also consider printing out a copy for yourself.

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