Valacyclovir Treatment
Health care professionals prescribe Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex), orally, topically or as an intravenous medication, to treat various forms of the herpes virus and other viruses in certain patients. The medication prevents the virus from reproducing, but does not kill or eliminate the organism. Valacyclovir only reduces the discomfort and hastens the healing process of lesions associated with the disorders. However, Valacyclovir is very effective in reducing the chance of SPREADING the virus.
Dosage
Chicken Pox (herpes zoster) according to the age and weight of the patient, but generally 20mg./kg every 8 hours for 5 days, not to exceed 3000mg./day. Treatment should begin as soon as possible after outbreak occurs.
Cold Sores (herpes labialis) 2000mg. every 12 hours for one day-Treatment should begin as soon as possible after blistering, burning and itching appear.
Genital Herpes (herpes simplex genitalis)
Initial Outbreak-1000mg. every 12 hours for 10 days
Recurring Outbreaks-500mg. every 12 hours for 5 days-The medication is most effective when taken within 12 hours after the onset of symptoms.
Suppression of Outbreaks-1000mg. once a day, everyday
Patients experiencing less than 10 outbreaks a year-500mg. once a day, everyday
Shingles (herpes zoster) 1000mg. every 8 hours for 7 days-The medication is most effective when treatment begins within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
Take Valacyclovir with at least 8 ounces of fluid. The formulation may be taken with or without food. Patients with a history of kidney disease receive reduced dosages. The medication is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Common Side Effects
Valacyclovir does have some side effects, though usually mild.
Abdominal Pain
Depression
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Headache
Joint Pain
Nausea
Painful Menstruation
Vomiting
Side effects requiring immediate medical intervention include:
Aggressive Behavior Seizures
Blistering or peeling skin Skin Rash
Confusion Swelling (in the mouth, or other parts of the body)
Decreased urination Tremors
Difficulty breathing or swallowing Unusual Bleeding or Bruising
Difficulty with speech Visual Disturbances
Feeling unsteady or shaky Wheezing
Fever Yellowing of the skin and eyes
Hallucinations
Hives, Itching
Known Drug Interactions
Valacyclovir combined with Cimetidine (Tagamet) or Probenecid (Benuryl, Benemid, ColBenemid), increases the amount of Valacyclovir in the blood, producing the possibility of increased side effects, especially in patients with a history of kidney disease. Valacyclovir combined with Tenofovir (Viread), causes an increase of both medications in the bloodstream, producing an increased risk of side effects of both medications. Dosage adjustments may be required.
Precautions
Health care providers must have a complete medical history, medication history, and knowledge of allergies, blood disorders, immune system disorders, or kidney disease prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should limit or abstain from alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
Due to the possible side effects associated with Valacyclovir, persons should refrain from operating a motorized vehicle, operating machinery or participating in any activity requiring alertness until the patient realizes the full effects of the medication.
Individuals with genital herpes must be sure to use adequate protection during sexual relations, as the disease remains transmissible regardless of a lack of symptoms, or while taking Valacyclovir. Persons with active outbreaks should refrain from sexual activity.
You should always speak to your doctor when considering taking a new medication. Valacyclovir, or generic Valtrex, has proven to be a very effective treatment for the herpes virus and is a common prescribed medication.
