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Valacyclovir

Brand Names

; Valtrex®

Antiviral Agent, Ophthalmic

This medicine is used for the treatment and prevention of herpes infections.
If treating herpes zoster, valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible; no later than 3 days after rash appears.

Valacyclovir prevents this virus from functioning normally. Virus reproduction process is stopped.

Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
Take with a full glass of water.
Drink 8 tall glasses of liquid everyday unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
If you are treating a repeat infection start medicine as soon as possible.
Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective and eyewear.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

If you are taking this medicine for repeat infections, watch for signs of another infection. Start medicine as soon as possible after a sign of infection.
Follow up with healthcare provider.

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Severe headache.
Any rash.

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).