Valacyclovir 1g/500mg Oral Tablets

Valacyclovir or Valtrex (brand name) is an antiviral medicine. It has valacyclovir hydrochloride as the active ingredient. The medicine is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses in adults.

It’s a prescription-only medication. Valacyclovir is available in two dosage forms taken by mouth: 1 g oral tablets and 500 mg oral tablets.

What Are the Common Valacyclovir Uses

Valacyclovir is used for a wide range of infections, including:

  • Treating cold sores in children 12 years and older
  • Treating chickenpox in children 2 years and older
  • Preventing cytomegalovirus after a kidney transplant in high-risk scenarios
  • Treating shingles
  • Treating, preventing, or reducing the spread of genital herpes

A healthcare provider may also prescribe this medication for other conditions. Please ask your doctor if you’re unsure why you’re taking Valacyclovir.

How Does Valacyclovir Work?

As stated, Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication. It stops the herpes virus growth and reduces the number of outbreaks.

Important: Valacyclovir does not cure herpes. It also does not keep you from spreading the virus to others. The medicine only lessens the symptoms of an infection.

How to Take Valacyclovir

You should take Valacyclovir precisely as your healthcare provider prescribes. Follow all directions on the prescription label closely.

Start taking Valacyclovir immediately after the first symptoms appear. This medicine may not work well if you start it late. Use Valacyclovir for the full prescribed period and do not skip doses.

You can take Valacyclovir with or without food. Let your doctor know if a child taking Valacyclovir cannot swallow the tablet. Drinking plenty of water while taking Valacyclovir will keep your kidneys working well.

Missed Dose/Overdose

If you forget a valacyclovir dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Take the next dose at your normal time. You don’t want to take extra doses.

In case you or someone else has overdosed on Valacyclovir, seek medical assistance immediately.

Side Effects of Valacyclovir

Like all other medicines, Valacyclovir may have various side effects. Most of them are mild, while there are a few severe cases.

The most repeated valacyclovir side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Headache

As mentioned, severe side effects are rare but can happen. Stop using Valacyclovir and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of one of the following:

  • Kidney damage. Symptoms may include reduced need to pee, weakness or unusual tiredness. Others include confusion, nausea, seizures, and swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
  • Serious allergic reactions. Watch out for symptoms like breathing problems, a racing heart, or general ill feeling. Others may include swelling of the face, mouth, lips, throat, or tongue, and skin rash.
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Issues. Call your doctor if you feel agitated, restless, confused, or have trouble speaking. A CNS problem can also include hallucinations, seizures, or feeling shaky or unsteady.

The above may not be the complete list of valacyclovir side effects. Please get in touch with your healthcare provider if you think you’re having a side effect that is not listed here.

Warnings/Precautions/Contraindications

Do not take Valacyclovir if you’re allergic to the following:

  • Valtrex
  • Acyclovir
  • Valacyclovir
  • Any ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Valacyclovir may pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you plan to breastfeed or are breastfeeding. It’s not known if or how this medication could affect an unborn baby. Your doctor should also know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant so they can advise you accordingly.

Before Taking Valacyclovir

Let your doctor know of all of your health conditions. That will help them determine if Valacyclovir is right for you. In particular, let your healthcare provider know if you have or have had any of the following:

  • Kidney or bone marrow transplant
  • Any kidney-related issues
  • Advanced HIV or AIDS
  • A weak immune system

Additionally, you may be unable to receive certain vaccines, such as chickenpox, right before or while taking Valacyclovir. Tell your doctor about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

What to avoid

Taking Valacyclovir will not keep you from passing genital herpes to other people. Therefore, avoid the following while taking this medication:

  • Touching others with infected parts
  • Sexual intercourse—If you must have intercourse, please use a latex condom.
  • Touching an infected area and touching your eyes

Keep washing your hands often to stop the infection from spreading. Do not share Valacyclovir with other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Valacyclovir Interactions with Other Drugs

There are no known interactions between Valacyclovir and other medicines. However, avoid drugs that can harm the kidneys—the risk of kidney damage can increase while taking Valacyclovir. Always tell your doctor about any prescription, OTC medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and other substances you use.

Valacyclovir Storage

Store valacyclovir tablets at room temperature (15 °C to 25 °C) away from moisture and heat. You also want to keep this medication out of the reach of children.