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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
VALACYCLOVIR-ORAL (val-uh-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Valtrex
USES: Valacyclovir
is an antiviral agent used in the treatment of shingles
(herpes zoster) or genital herpes.
OTHER USES: This
medication may also be used for cold sores (herpes
simplex).
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: kidney disease, blood disorders,
any allergies. Caution is advised when using this
drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive
to the effects of the drug. 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell
your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription
medication you may take including: cimetidine, probenecid.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine,
loss of consciousness, or seizures.
NOTES: This medication
is most effective if it is started within 48 hours
of when the rash first appears.
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.
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. |
