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Drug Guide    V   Valtrex

    Prescription drug information       User opinions and reviews (5)    

   Valtrex Valtrex Valtrex Valtrex Valtrex Valtrex Valtrex
Valtrex

Valtrex



USES: This medication is an antiviral agent used in the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) or genital herpes. Valacyclovir may also be used for cold sores (herpes simplex).


 
3.4 out of 5
Avg Consumer Rating 3.4 out of 5
5 Reviews | Post your opinion
 

Overview Photos How To Use Side Effects Precautions Missed Dose Drug Interactions

Valtrex

Uses
This medication is an antiviral agent used in the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) or genital herpes. Valacyclovir may also be used for cold sores (herpes simplex).
Notes
  • This medication is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash first appears.

Storage
  • Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light.
  • Do not store in the bathroom.
  • Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.


Photos

Valtrex (GlaxoSmithKline) Qty. 20
Valtrex (GlaxoSmithKline) Qty. 20
Valacyclovir (Valtrex®).
Valacyclovir (Valtrex®).


How To Use
  • Take this medication by mouth as directed.
  • Take all this medication as prescribed.
  • Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval.
  • Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.
  • For best results, take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

Side Effects
  • Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, weakness, stomach pain or dizziness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
  • If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
  • Notify your doctor if your condition does not appear to improve or you experience a worsening of symptoms while taking this medication.
  • Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if this medication makes you feel dizzy.
  • If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions
  • Tell your doctor if you have any kidney disease, blood disorders or if you have any allergies.
  • This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
  • Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
  • It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk.
  • Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose
  • Try to take each dose at the scheduled time.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
  • Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions
  • Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including cimetidine or probenecid.
  • Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Add a Rating - Post your opinion about this drug

Post your opinion about Valtrex


User Medicine Opinions for Valtrex  
Overall: 1 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 3 out of 5
Healing Power: 5 out of 5
No dependency problems: 4 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 5 out of 5
Sex: F
Age: 46
Time Taken: 1 days
Reason: Cold Sores on Lips & Face Date: 14 June 2007
Side Effects
Took my 1st dose (1000mg) at 8pm tonite. 90 minutes later, began to feel slightly dizzy, nauseous, & very sleepy. Went to bed & woke up at 3am, after having the worst nitemare of my life. Extremely vivid & detailed nitemare. My husband told me that I had been mumbling & crying in my sleep off & on for last few hours. After waking completely, was very disoriented, dizzy & upset over awful dreams. So upset, I immediately got online to check out other peoples reactions.

Additional Thoughts
Have had genital herpes since 1983 & ourbreaks have been under control for years. 8 months ago, began to have severe cold sores on lips & around mouth, lasting approx 2 wks duration. Sun exposure and/or stress seem to trigger. Went to the doctor today & told to take 1000mg 3 times/day. Have only taken 1 dose so far & after this strong negative reaction-will NOT take another pill again. By the way-my life is very happy & content-do not normally have nitemares & had no reason tonite other than the drug reaction. I am actually afraid to go back to sleep now, at 4:30am. After reading other peoples reactions-I am terrified of this drug.

Overall: 5 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 4 out of 5
No dependency problems: 5 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 4 out of 5
Sex: F
Age: 33
Time Taken: 1.5 years
Reason: HHV-6, chronic fatigue syndrome Date: 17 June 2007
Side Effects
I have to wash off the blue coating because I react to dyes (and GSK will no longer sell the drug to compounding pharmacies). Mild constipation upon initially starting it which resolved on its own.

Additional Thoughts
My HHV-6 IgG levels have not dropped, but my fatigue did improve enough to get me out of bed most days. This is one of the best things I've done with fighting chronic fatigue syndrome to improve my health. I also experience shingles in my neck while already on Valtrex, and I am positive that it helped keep the rash to a minimum.

Overall: 3 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 4 out of 5
No dependency problems: 4 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 5 out of 5
Sex: F
Age: 43
Time Taken: 6 months
Reason: genital herpes Date: 19 June 2007
Side Effects
general malaise, hearing problems

Additional Thoughts
Switched from acyclovir only because of advertisements that said it was the only drug shown to reduce incidence of spread to an uninfected partner. It was so much more expensive, and so new, that I became nervous and decided to switch back. Acyclovir worked great (took it for 6+ years without a single outbreak), had no side effects, and my partner still hasn't been infected.

Overall: 4 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 5 out of 5
No dependency problems: 5 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 4 out of 5
Sex: M
Age: 64
Time Taken: 30 days
Reason: genital herpes Date: 19 June 2007
Side Effects
I've been taking 500 mg/day for a month. I'm 64 and have had GH since 1968. Outbreaks seemed to be on the increase. I've noticed lower back pain and a stiff right knee and calf muscle that could be a side effect. Other than that, no outbreaks since I started, but I see the long list of side effects, so I'm concerned.

Additional Thoughts

Overall: 4 out of 5
Low adverse Reactions 4 out of 5
Healing Power: 4 out of 5
No dependency problems: 4 out of 5
Cost-Benefit: 4 out of 5
Sex: M
Age: 64
Time Taken: 30 days
Reason: genital herpes Date: 20 June 2007
Side Effects
stiffness and ache in lower back and right knee and right calf which go away with walking. Not sure if it's related to Valtrex, but it showed up 3 weeks after i started taking it.

Additional Thoughts
30 days into this, so far no outbeaks

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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