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What special precautions should I follow?
Valtrex relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but it is not a cure. There's also no evidence that it will prevent transmission of the disease. To avoid spreading the infection, don't have sexual in
tercourse during a flare-up.
Valtrex is not intended for use in children.
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Possible Side Effect
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effect occurs:
- Painful menstruation, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or nausea
- Black, tarry stools; ches
t pain; chills; cough; decreased frequency/output of urine; fever; flu-like symptoms; headache; lower back/side pain; reduced mental alertness; shortness of breath; unusual tiredness; yello
w eyes or skin
- Back, leg or stomach pains; changes in behavior, especially in interactions with other people; difficulty breathing or swallowing; fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
; high blood pressure; itching; lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position; redness of skin ;
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Overdosage
When taken by people with kidney disorders, excessive doses of Valtrex have been known to cause psychological problems and kidney failure. If you suspect an overdose, check with your doctor immediatel
y.
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Other Medicines
If you are taking Valtrex with certain other drugs, the effect of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. Check with your doctor before combining Valtrex with cimetidine (Tagamet) and/o
r probenecid (Benemid).
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Before Using This Medicine
ChildrenˇXStudies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients. There is no specific information comparing use of Valtrex in children with use in other age groups.
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How should this medicine be used?
If you are taking Valtrex for shingles, you should start using it as soon as possible after your doctor has made a diagnosis. It's best to see a doctor and start the drug within 48 hours of first noti
cing the rash. If you wait more than 72 hours after you first get a herpes zoster rash, the medication may not be effective.
If you are using Valtrex for genital herpes, begin taking it at t
he first sign of an attack. The medication may not be effective if you wait longer than 72 hours after the first attack or 24 hours after a later attack.
If you are taking Valtrex for cold s
ores, you should start using it at the earliest signs of infection, such as tingling, itching, or burning.
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