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Valacyclovir (or valaciclovir) - Valtrex is used in children to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) and chickenpox (varicella zoster). It is used in adults to treat cold sores and shingles (herpes zoster). Valacyclovir does not cure these diseases, but it may decrease pain and help sores heal faster. Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals.
Valtrex should not be used by anyone with a weak immune system, such as those with HIV infection or those who have undergone a bone marrow or kidney transplant. Valtrex can cause serious side effects, including death, in such people. High doses of Valtrex have proved dangerous in people whose immune system is compromised because of HIV infection, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant.
If your kidneys are not functioning properly, or you are taking drugs that may damage the kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin, Valtrex can make your condition worse or affect your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
The dose of Valtrex must be reduced in people with poor kidney function. If normal doses of Valtrex are used in people with kidney problems, kidney failure and other serious problems may occur. Your dose of Valtrex may also need to be reduced if you are taking other medications that can harm the kidneys.
Take Valtrex for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Valtrex will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions. Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
If you are taking valacyclovir for treatment of genital herpes, it is important to follow safe sex practices to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner, even if there are no symptoms present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.
Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
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