valacyclovir (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

valacyclovir (oral)

Brand name(s):

valacyclovir, Valtrex

What is the most important information I should know about valacyclovir?

Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.

Valacyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using. You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking certain medications together with valacyclovir.

Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking with valacyclovir.

Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

What is valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valacyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Valacyclovir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valacyclovir?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax). Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• HIV/AIDS;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

• if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take valacyclovir.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Valacyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.