Valacyclovir (By Mouth)

Valacyclovir (val-ay-SYE-kloe-veer)

Treats herpes virus infections, including shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (herpes labialis), and genital herpes (herpes simplex). This medicine will not cure herpes, but may prevent a breakout of herpes sores or blisters.

Brand Name(s):

Valtrex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Take this medicine at the first sign of a herpes breakout, or as soon as possible after you are diagnosed with herpes zoster. The medicine may not work if you wait longer than 3 days to start using it.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, or a weakened immune system (caused by recent bone marrow or kidney transplant, or cancer chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, recent infection, or other diseases).
• Valacyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
• Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
• Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine for several days.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, agitation, behavior changes
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Fainting or extreme weakness
• Pinpoint red spots on your skin
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Problems with vision

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.