Valacyclovir is used to deal with infections caused by certain types of viruses. In young ones, it is utilized to take care of cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and sores that are cold the mouth.
Valacyclovir can also be used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes.
Valacyclovir is an drug that is antiviral. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the physical human anatomy even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps sores that are new forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication also may help reduce how pain that is long following the sores heal.
DIFFERENT USES: This part contains uses of this medication that aren't placed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be recommended by the health care professional. Utilize this drug for a condition which is listed in this part only if it was so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to avoid another kind of viral illness (cytomegalovirus) in some people.
Read the Patient Suggestions Leaflet if available from your pharmacist you get a refill before you start taking valacyclovir and each time. If you have any relevant questions, ask your medical professional or pharmacist.
Take valacyclovir by lips, with or without meals, as directed by your physician. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the possibility of adverse effects.
The dosage and amount of therapy are based on your form of infection, medical problem, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight.
This medication works best when started at the sign that is first of outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may perhaps not work also if you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, start valacyclovir that is taking the first symptom or as soon as possible after the rash appears. For cold sores or genital herpes, start taking this medication at the sign that is first once you feel tingling, itching, or burning.
Valacyclovir is most effective when the total amount of medication in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to take this medication before the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or early stop this medication without your medical professional's approval.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Sickness, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness might occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Remember your medical practitioner has prescribed this medication she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of adverse effects because he or. Many people using this medication do not have adverse that is serious.
Inform your physician straight away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, change within the amount of urine.
This medicine may cause a life-threatening rarely disorder that affects the blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body. This disorder is more likely to occur if you have conditions related to a weakened system that is immunesuch as for instance HIV illness, bone tissue marrow transplant, renal transplant). Get help that is medical away for those who have any serious unwanted effects, including: extreme tiredness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal discomfort, yellowing eyes/skin, sudden vision changes, lack of consciousness, seizures.
A really severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get help that is medical away in the event that you notice any observeable symptoms of a significant hypersensitive reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible adverse effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
In the US -
Call your medical professional for medical advice about negative effects. You may possibly report effects that are side FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about part impacts. You may report adverse effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
See also Part Effects part.
Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist in the event that you have any other allergies if you are allergic to it; or to acyclovir; or. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergies or other problems. Speak to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.
This drug may rarely make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit beverages that are alcoholic.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescribed drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Would not have certain immunizations/vaccinations (such as vaccines against the varicella virus) with no consent of your physician.
Older grownups may be more sensitive to the side-effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation) and kidney problems (such as a change within the amount of urine).
Cold sores can spread easily. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as for example kissing) during an outbreak until the sores that are cold completely healed. Try not to touch the sore that is cold. If you do, afterward wash your hands.
Valacyclovir does not prevent the spread of herpes. To lower the possibility of giving genital herpes to your spouse, lack contact that is sexual an outbreak or if you have symptoms. You can spread herpes that are genital should you choose not have symptoms. Consequently, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all activity that is sexual. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
During pregnancy, this medication ought to be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical professional.
This medication passes into breast milk, it is not likely to harm a medical infant. Check with your doctor before breast-feeding.
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