Valaciclovir Ratiopharm
Valaciclovir ratiopharm is an antiviral medicine that helps fight viruses like herpes simplex (HSV), varicella zoster (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) by stopping their growth or killing them.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
500 mg
Active Ingredient
Valaciclovir hydrochloride
Manufacturer
TEVA Sweden AB
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose is one 500 mg tablet once a day to prevent infections from returning.
Method
Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Take it at the same time each day.
Important
The maximum daily dose depends on your condition and your doctor's instructions; it can be up to 8000 mg for certain infections.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache
- •Nausea
- •Dizziness
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea
- •Skin rash
- •Itching
- •Skin reactions after sun exposure (photosensitivity)
RARE
- •Confusion
- •Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
- •Extreme tiredness
- •Shaking
- •Feeling agitated
- •Shortness of breath
- •Stomach discomfort
- •Itchy and lumpy rash (hives)
- •Lower back pain (kidney pain)
- •Blood in urine
- •Low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
- •Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- •Increased liver enzymes
- •Unsteady walking and lack of coordination (ataxia)
- •Slow, slurred speech
- •Convulsions/seizures
- •Changes in brain function (encephalopathy)
- •Unconsciousness
- •Confused or disturbed thoughts (delirium)
- •Kidney problems, passing little or no urine
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to valaciclovir, aciclovir, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Stop using and contact a doctor immediately if you develop a widespread rash with fever and swollen lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome).
- Talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, are over 65 years old, or have a weak immune system.
- Drink plenty of water during treatment, especially if you are over 65 or have kidney problems, to help prevent side effects.
- If you have genital herpes, use condoms and avoid sex if you have sores or blisters to prevent spreading the infection.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category A
Suitable for older adults. Reduce the dose and/or increase the dosing interval in severe renal impairment. (updated 4.12.2023)