What exactly is the valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir is a prescription medication. It is provided in the shape of a tablet that is to be taken orally.
Valacyclovir is accessible as a brand-name medicine named Valtrex. A generic version of the medication is also on the market. In most cases, the cost of generic pharmaceuticals is significantly lower than that of their brand-name counterparts. In some instances, the generic version of the drug might not be obtainable in the same dosage strengths or formulations as the brand-name version.
It is possible to use this medication in conjunction with other treatments. Because of this, it is possible that you will need to combine it with other medications.
Why it's put to use
The herpes simplex virus family is the target of the antiviral medication valacyclovir, which is used to treat illnesses brought on by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes genitalis and oral herpes, shingles, and chickenpox are all examples of these illnesses.
- Cold sores are a symptom of oral herpes. These are tender sores that can appear anywhere in or around your mouth and can be quite uncomfortable. The transmission of cold sores can occur by kissing or any other form of direct physical contact with an affected area of the skin.
- Herpes genitalis is a disease that can be passed on through sexual contact. This indicates that it can be transmitted through sexual interaction. The vaginal region may develop painful blisters of a tiny size as a symptom. Even if you don't have any signs of genital herpes, you still have the potential to pass it on to a sexual partner. Persons with HIV or people whose immune systems are normal can take this medication to treat or prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, as well as people with normal immune systems.
- Shingles is an inflammation of the nerves that can be caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella zoster). Shingles are a viral infection that can cause painful blisters to form on the skin in clusters. People who have previously been infected with chickenpox are at an increased risk of developing shingles. People who have never had chickenpox before are also susceptible to contracting the disease if they come into contact with infectious skin.
- Chickenpox virus generates a rash that is characterized by red, itchy bumps that resemble either acne or insect bites. The rash has the potential to appear virtually everywhere on the body. Additionally, chickenpox can induce symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as fever or fatigue. Chickenpox can be cured with the help of this medication in children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 18 who have healthy immune systems.
How it works
Antiviral medications are the type of medication that valacyclovir is classified under. A group of different pharmaceuticals that share a common mode of action is referred to as a class of drugs. These medications are frequently prescribed to address illnesses that are analogous to one another.
The herpes virus replicates itself inside of your body, which allows it to spread more easily. The antiviral medication valacyclovir works by making it more difficult for the herpes virus to replicate (create new virus-infected cells) in your body.
Herpes infections cannot be cured by taking this medication. After therapy, there is a possibility that the herpes virus will continue to exist in your body. This indicates that even after the symptoms of the initial illness have subsided, the virus could return at a later period and cause new problems. On the other hand, this medication has the potential to help prevent a recurrence of the infection at a later period.
Valacyclovir side effects
The oral tablet form of valacyclovir does not cause drowsiness, but it has the potential to produce other adverse effects.
More common side effects
The following are some of the more prevalent adverse reactions that may occur with taking valacyclovir:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- A discomfort in the area of your stomach
In the event that these side effects are not severe, it is possible that they will disappear in a matter of days or weeks. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if the symptoms become more severe or if they do not go away.
Serious adverse effects may result
If you are experiencing major adverse effects, you should contact your physician as soon as possible. In the event that your symptoms appear to be life-threatening or if you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately. The following is a list of potentially serious side effects and the symptoms they cause:
- Failure of the kidneys. Symptoms may include the following:
- A severe case of sleepiness.
- The urinary frequency is lower than usual.
- Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
- Unusual mood or behavior. Symptoms may include the following:
- Aggressive behavior
- Movements that are unstable
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Coma
Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. However, due to the fact that medications have varying effects on different people, we are unable to guarantee that this material covers all of the potential adverse effects. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always have a conversation about the potential for adverse effects with a healthcare provider who is familiar with your medical history.
Valacyclovir may interact with other medications
When one substance alters the functioning of another, this is known as an interaction. This may result in adverse effects or reduce the efficacy of the medication. Your physician should carefully monitor all of your medications in order to help prevent interactions between them. It is imperative that you discuss any drugs, supplements, or herbs that you are currently taking with your primary care physician.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about how the valacyclovir oral tablet might interact with any other medications you are currently taking.
Please understand that our intention is to present you with the most recent and pertinent information possible. However, because the effects of medications vary from person to person, we are unable to guarantee that this material covers all of the potentially relevant drug interactions. This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice in any way. Always discuss the possibility of drug interactions with your healthcare practitioner before taking any medication, whether it be over-the-counter medication, prescription medication, vitamins, herbs, or supplements.
Warnings about valacyclovir
This medication comes with a number of precautions.
Allergy warning
This medication has the potential to trigger a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include the following:
- A difficult time breathing
- Swelling in your throat or tongue
If you have any of these symptoms, immediately dial 911 or go to the emergency room in your area.
If you have ever experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, you should never take it again. Taking it once again could be your last tragic mistake (cause death).
Cautionary Notes for Those with Certain Illnesses
For those who have issues with their kidneys: This substance is removed from your body by your kidneys. It is possible that you will not be able to eliminate it from your body if you already have kidney difficulties or a history of kidney illness. Because of this, the drug's concentration in your body may rise, which could result in an increased risk of adverse effects. Additionally, while using this medication, your kidney function may become impaired. Your physician could recommend a lesser dosage of this medication for you in order to help you avoid these side effects.
People who have advanced HIV or a history of transplant: If you have advanced HIV or a history of bone marrow or kidney transplant, you may be at a higher risk of certain blood abnormalities. This is especially true if you have received chemotherapy in the past. Thrombocytopenic purpura, sometimes known as TTP, and hemolytic uremic syndrome are the names given to these disorders (HUS). They have the potential to reduce the number of red blood cells and platelets in your body to dangerously low levels. Both TTP and HUS have the potential to be fatal.
Cautionary Notes for Members of Other Groups
For pregnant women this medication is considered a category B medicine for pregnant women. That entails two different things:
- In studies conducted on animals, using the medication by a pregnant woman did not pose any danger to the developing baby.
- Insufficient research on people has been conducted to determine whether or not the medication provides a threat to the developing fetus.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you are considering becoming pregnant. Research conducted on animals may not always accurately predict how people will react. As a result, women who are pregnant shouldn't use this medication unless it's really necessary.
If you become pregnant while using this medication, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Warning for mothers who are nursing their children this medication has the potential to enter breast milk and may have adverse effects on children who are nursed. If you are breastfeeding your child, you should discuss the matter with your physician. It is possible that you will need to make a choice between discontinuing nursing and terminating treatment with this medicine.
Regarding senior citizens, the kidneys of elderly people may not function as well as they once did. This may result in a decreased rate of medication elimination from your body. Because of this, a greater quantity of medicine is retained in your body for a longer period of time. This increases the likelihood that you will experience side effects.
For children, there have been no studies conducted on the effectiveness of using this medication to treat or prevent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in newborn newborns. The following is a list of additional age restrictions that apply when using this drug:
- Oral herpes: Often known as cold sores, have been the subject of research, and this medication has been found to be effective in treating cold sores in children aged 12 and older.
- Herpes genitalis: The use of this medication to treat genital herpes in children under the age of 18 has not been the subject of any clinical trials and has not been approved.
- Shingles: The use of this medication to treat shingles in children who are younger than 18 years old has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.
- Chickenpox: This medication has been evaluated and found to be effective in the treatment of chickenpox in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years old. Treatment with this medication in children younger than 2 years of age has not been evaluated scientifically or given the green light.
Take exactly as directed
A valacyclovir oral pill can be administered to patients suffering from oral herpes, genital herpes, shingles, or chickenpox as a short-term therapeutic option. Long-term usage of this medication is recommended for both the prevention of genital herpes and the treatment of genital herpes reactivation (comes back).
If you don't take this medication exactly as directed, you put yourself at considerable risk.
If you suddenly stop taking the medication or don't take it at all, the symptoms of your viral infection may not improve and may even become worse.
If you skip doses or don't take the prescription according to the prescribed schedule, the effects of your medication may be diminished or they may even stop working entirely. If you are taking this medication to prevent flare-ups of the infection, then there must always be a certain level of it present in your body. You should not stop taking this medication unless specifically instructed to do so by your physician.
If you take an excessive amount of the medicine, you run the risk of having unsafe quantities of it in your body. The following are some of the more serious adverse effects that may be brought on by taking an excessive amount of this medication:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- A state of weakness or exhaustion
Call your physician immediately if you believe that you have taken an unsafe amount of this medication, or consult the American Association of Poison Control Centers by dialing 1-800-222-1222 or using the resource available on their website. However, if the severity of your symptoms continues to worsen, you should immediately dial 911 or go to the emergency room in the local hospital.
In the event that you forget to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you realize it. If, however, you only remember a few hours before your next planned dose, then you should only take that one dose. Under no circumstances should you attempt to catch up by taking two doses at once. Because of this, potentially harmful consequences could arise.
How to tell if the medicine is having the desired effect: Your symptoms brought on by the viral illness need to start to get better.
Important things to think about before starting treatment with valacyclovir
If your physician prescribes valacyclovir for you, keep these things in mind when you take the medication.
General
- This medication can be used either with or without food. If you have any stomach discomfort, taking it with meals may help.
- Consume this medication at the time(s) specified by your attending physician.
Storage
- Valacyclovir should be kept at room temperature, which is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius (59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Keep this medication out of the reach of light.
- It is important that you do not keep this medication in a place that is going to be wet or damp, such as the restroom.
Refills
It is possible to get further refills of this medication if you have a prescription for it. It should not be necessary for you to provide a new prescription in order to have this medication refilled. On your prescription, your physician will indicate the maximum number of refills that are permitted.
Travel
If you are going to travel with your medication, you should:
- Always ensure that you have your medication on you. Never put it in a checked bag if you're going to be flying with it. Keep it in the carry-on bag you're using.
- You don't need to be concerned about the X-ray machines at the airport. They are unable to affect the medication you are taking.
- It's possible that airport employees will ask to see the pharmacy label for the medication you're carrying with you. Always make sure you have the original container with the prescription label on it.
- Do not place this medication in the glove compartment of your vehicle or leave it in the vehicle alone. Make it a point to steer clear of doing this when the temperature is either hot or extremely cold.
Availability
This medication is not available at all in pharmacies. Before you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription, give them a quick call to make sure they have the medication in stock.
Hidden expenses
During the course of your treatment with this medication, you may be required to have blood tests. Your health insurance plan will determine the total cost of these examinations.
Authorization in advance
This medication needs to be pre-authorized in order to be covered by the majority of insurance plans. This indicates that in order for your insurance company to pay for the prescription, your doctor will first need to obtain permission from your insurance company.
Are there any other options available?
There are additional medications that can be used to treat your illness. It's possible that some will work better for you than others. Talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of trying out other medications to see if any of them help.
Disclaimer: Healthline has taken every effort to ensure that the information shown here is factually accurate, thorough, and up to date; nevertheless, we cannot guarantee any of these things. However, the reader should not rely on the information contained in this article as a replacement for the knowledge and skills provided by a qualified medical practitioner. Before you take any drug, you should always discuss it with your physician or another qualified healthcare expert. The information on the medication that has been provided in this article is subject to change, and it is not meant to cover all of the possible applications, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or bad effects. Even if a particular drug or drug combination does not have any warnings or other information associated with it, this does not mean that it is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specified applications simply because there is no information.
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