|
|
How should you take this medication?
Valtrex comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. Foll
ow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Valtrex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
|
Other medical problems
Breast-feeding¡XIt is not known whether Valtrex passes into breast milk. However, acyclovir does pass into breast milk but has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
|
Overdosage
Check with your doctor immediately in case you suspect an overdose. When taken by people with kidney disorders, excessive doses of Valtrex have been known to cause psychological problems and kidney fa
ilure.
|
|
|
|
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Valtrex.
Side effects may include:
- Abdominal pain, aggressive behavior, agitation, allergic reactions, coma, confusion, decreased consciousness, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, facial swelling, ha
llucinations, headache, hepatitis, high blood pressure, joint pain, mania, menstrual problems, nausea, rapid heartbeat, rash, visual abnormalities, vomiting
|
Special warnings about this medication
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Valtrex. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Advanced human immunodeficiency virus (H
IV) infection or
- Bone marrow transplantation or
- Kidney transplantation¡XPatients with these medical problems may have an increased risk of severe side effects
- Kidney disease¡XKidn
disease may increase blood levels of this medicine, increasing the chance of side effects
|
What is this medicine
Valtrex is used to treat certain herpes infections, including herpes zoster (the painful rash known as shingles), genital herpes, and herpes cold sores on the face and lips.
|
|
