Valtrex Tablets

GENERIC NAME: VALACYCLOVIR (VAL-ay-SYE-kloe-vir)

COMMON USES: This medicine is an antiviral used for treating shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (fever blisters or herpes labialis), and treating, suppressing, or reducing transmission of genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. It is also used to treat chickenpox in children and teenagers. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions. STORE THIS MEDICINE between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. TO TREAT COLD SORES, CHICKENPOX, SHINGLES, OR GENITAL HERPES, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. IF TREATING AN ACUTE OUTBREAK, use this medicine for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days. FOR SUPPRESSIVE THERAPY, this medicine works best if it is taken at the same time each day. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to acyclovir. LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts, kidney function, and liver function, may be performed to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. DO NOT DRIVE OR PERFORM OTHER POSSIBLY UNSAFE TASKS until you know how you react to it. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT A CURE FOR HERPES. Remain under the care of your doctor. SAFER SEX PRACTICES can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner. Do NOT have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptoms or outbreak of genital herpes. USE A CONDOM made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact. THIS MEDICINE HAS NOT BEEN SHOWN TO DECREASE THE RISK of passing other sexually transmitted infections to your partner. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially kidney and nervous system problems. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you use this medicine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience agitation; aggressive behavior; bloody or dark urine; change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; depression; fatigue; fever; hallucinations; joint pain; lower back pain; pale skin; painful menstrual periods; pinpoint bruises; seizures; severe abdominal pain; severe or persistent headache; shaky movements; speech problems; swelling of the face, hands, feet, or entire body; unsteady movement; unusual bruising or bleeding; weakness; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, aminoglycoside antibiotics [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin). Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including HIV or AIDS; kidney problems; dehydration; pregnancy; allergies; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have had a bone marrow or kidney transplant. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.