Valacyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of
genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this
medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes.
Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/
itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your
health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This medication may also be used to prevent another type of
viral infection(cytomegalovirus) in some people.
How to use valacyclovir
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking valacyclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take valacyclovir by
mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the chance of side effects.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your type of infection, medical condition, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on
weight.
This medication works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, start taking valacyclovir at the first symptom or as soon as possible after the
rash appears. For
cold sores or
genital herpes, start taking this medication at the first sign or as soon as you feel tingling, itching, or burning.
Valacyclovir works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop this medication early without your doctor’s approval.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, change in the amount of urine.
This medication may rarely cause a life-threatening disorder that affects the
blood cells,
kidneys, and other parts of the body. This disorder is more likely to occur if you have conditions related to a weakened immune system (such as
HIV disease,
bone marrow transplant,
kidney transplant). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: extreme tiredness, slow/fast/
irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe
stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing
eyes/
skin, sudden
vision changes, loss of consciousness,
seizures.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US –
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
