Valtrex
Valtrex is an antiviral medicine that stops or kills viruses like herpes simplex (cold sores and genital herpes), herpes zoster (shingles), and cytomegalovirus.
Form
tabletti, kalvopäällysteinen
Strength
500 mg
Active Ingredient
Valaciclovir hydrochloride
Manufacturer
GlaxoSmithKline Trading Services Limited
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will tell you how much to take, as the dose depends on your condition.
Method
Take the tablets whole with water, by mouth, at the same time each day.
Important
Do not exceed the maximum daily dose prescribed by your doctor, which can be up to 8000 mg for certain conditions.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache
- •Nausea
- •Dizziness
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea
- •Skin reactions after sun exposure
- •Rash
- •Itching
RARE
- •Feeling confused
- •Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- •Extreme tiredness
- •Trembling
- •Feeling agitated
- •Shortness of breath
- •Stomach pain
- •Hives (itchy, raised rash)
- •Lower back pain (kidney pain)
- •Blood in urine
- •Fewer white blood cells (seen in blood tests)
- •Fewer platelets (cells that help blood clot, seen in blood tests)
- •Increased liver enzymes (seen in blood tests)
- •Unsteady walking or poor coordination
- •Slow, slurred speech
- •Seizures
- •Changes in brain function
- •Loss of consciousness (coma)
- •Confused or disturbed thoughts
- •Kidney problems, like passing little or no urine
Important Warnings
- Do not take Valtrex if you are allergic to valaciclovir, acyclovir, or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Stop taking Valtrex and see a doctor right away if you get a rash with fever and swollen lymph nodes (a serious allergic reaction called DRESS syndrome).
- Talk to your doctor before taking Valtrex if you have kidney or liver problems, are over 65, or have a weak immune system.
- If you are taking Valtrex for genital herpes, practice safe sex by using condoms and avoid sex if you have sores or blisters to prevent spreading the infection.
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially any that affect your kidneys.
Show 3 more warnings
- Valtrex is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to be, or breastfeeding.
- Do not drive or operate machines if Valtrex makes you feel dizzy, confused, or very tired.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day while taking Valtrex to help your kidneys and nervous system.
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)