In this Article

• What is valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
• What are the possible side effects of valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
• How should I take valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Valtrex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Valtrex)?
• What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
• What other drugs will affect valacyclovir (Valtrex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valacyclovir (Valtrex)?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you have:

• HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken the immune system;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
• if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, 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.

Valacyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give valacyclovir to a child unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Older adults may be more likely to have harmful side effects while taking valacyclovir. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

How should I take valacyclovir (Valtrex)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). This medication might not be as effective if you first start taking it 1 or 2 days after the start of your symptoms.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking valacyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Valacyclovir 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.

Store valacyclovir tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store valacyclovir liquid in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused valacyclovir that is older than 28 days.