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

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use 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. The medicine might not work as well if you start treatment too late.
• Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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 in a closed container 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 leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from 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 using medicines that weaken your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment. Some steroids are dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, and Medrol®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a weak immune system. Some things that cause a weak immune system are cancer chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, recent infection, or recent bone marrow or kidney transplant.
• 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.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or change how you take it, without asking your doctor.

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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blood in your urine or stools.
• Confusion, agitation, or other behavior changes.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fainting or extreme weakness.
• Pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• Problems with walking, speaking, or coordination.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Headache.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Problems with vision.
• Stomach pain.