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Precautions while Using this Medicine
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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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.
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Overdose
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.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
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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Before Taking This Medicine
Older adults¡XValtrex has been used in elderly patients and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. Elderly patients are at a hig
risk for dehydration and should drink plenty of fluids.
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How should you take this medication?
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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