Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride)
Brand Names: Valtrex
Related Medications: Acyclovir (Zovirax), Trifluridine (Viroptic), Acyclovir / Hydrocortisone (Xerese), Emtricitabine (Emtriva), Interferon alfa-2b, Denavir, Edurant, Egrifta, Evotaz, Famvir, Jakafi, Lidoderm
Why and How People Take Valtrex
Valtrex is often prescribed by doctors to treat different viral infections. For example, children take it to treat cold sores and chickenpox, while adult
patients use this medication to treat shingles and cold sores. This medicine is also recommended to treat the outbreaks of genital herpes because it
belongs to antiviral drugs. It works by reducing the length and severity of outbreaks and helps sores to heal faster while preventing the new ones from
forming.
How Patients Should Take It
It’s advisable to take Valtrex orally, with and without meals, and drink enough water to reduce the risk of having unwanted side effects. Basically, the
right treatment length and dosage is always based on a specific infection, individual response and other factors that matter. For minor patients, their
regular doses are also prescribed according to their weight. Valtrex works best when starting to take it as soon as possible.
Mild and Serious Side Effects
When taking this medication, some patients may experience such unwanted symptoms as:
They are mild and often go unnoticed, but a few users may report a set of serious side effects, including:
When patients notice any of the above-mentioned adverse effects, they need to go to the hospital at once.
Important Valtrex Warnings
Before using this medication, people should tell their physicians about other pre-existing medical conditions that they have, such as allergies, kidney
complications, etc. The intake of Valtrex can make them feel dizzy, so that they should avoid doing any activities that require complete attention,
including driving. It’s also advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages and specific vaccinations. For older patients, they are more prone to developing side
effects and kidney issues when undergoing this treatment. For nursing or pregnant women, it’s important to discuss possible risks and dangers with their
doctors before using Valtrex.
Medications That Shouldn’t Be Combined with Valtrex
Drug interactions can change the functions of this medication and increase the risk of developing unwanted adverse effects. That’s why patients need to
keep a full list of other pharmaceutical products they are using, including prescription and over-the-counter pills, herbal supplements and vitamins. They
also need to read the label of each medication they want to try to stay safe. In general, Valtrex may potentially interact with such meds as pills that may
result in kidney issues, NSAIDs, MAO inhibitors, other drugs that contain acyclovir and so on.