Valavir
Valavir is an antiviral medicine that kills herpes viruses or stops them from growing.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
500 mg
Active Ingredient
Valaciclovir hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Orion Corporation
How to Use
Dosage
Take 4 tablets (2000 mg total) twice a day, 12 hours apart.
Method
Swallow the tablets whole with water.
Important
Take Valavir tablets for only one day (two doses).
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache
- •Nausea (feeling sick)
- •Dizziness
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea (loose stools)
- •Skin reactions after being in the sun (light sensitivity)
- •Rash
- •Itching
RARE
- •Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) with symptoms like red, itchy rash, swelling of lips, face, neck, and throat (making it hard to breathe), or a drop in blood pressure leading to collapse. If this happens, stop taking Valavir and see a doctor immediately.
- •Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), which includes widespread rash, fever, high liver enzymes, abnormal blood counts (eosinophilia), swollen lymph nodes, and possible effects on other organs.
- •Confusion
- •Seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
- •Feeling very sleepy
- •Shaking (tremors)
- •Feeling restless or agitated
- •Shortness of breath
- •Stomach pain
- •Rash that can be itchy and look like hives
- •Lower back pain (kidney pain)
- •Blood in your urine
- •Decrease in white blood cells
- •Decrease in blood platelets (cells that help blood clot)
- •Increase in substances made by the liver
- •Unsteady walking or poor coordination
- •Slow, slurred speech
- •Seizures
- •Changes in brain function
- •Unconsciousness (coma)
- •Disorganized speech, severe confusion
- •Confused or restless thoughts
- •Kidney problems, such as urinating very little or not at all
- •Kidney inflammation
Important Warnings
- Do not take if you are allergic to valaciclovir, acyclovir, or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- If you get a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, stop taking Valavir and contact a doctor right away.
- Talk to a doctor if your cold sore is severe, widespread, or gets worse.
- If you have a weak immune system, talk to a doctor before use.
- If you have kidney or liver disease, talk to a doctor before use.
Show 4 more warnings
- If you are over 65 years old, talk to a doctor before use.
- Cold sores are contagious. Don't let others touch them. Wash your hands if you touch it. Avoid touching your eyes.
- Valavir is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if Valavir causes symptoms that affect your ability to do so.
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)