Valacyclovir can be used to deal with infections caused by particular types of viruses. In kids, it is utilized to deal with sores that are cold 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. This medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes in people with frequent outbreaks.
Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. 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 body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the length and severity of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps sores that are new forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how pain that is long following the sores heal.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this medication that are not listed in the approved labeling that is professional the drug but that could be recommended by your medical care professional. Utilize this drug for a condition that is placed in this part only if it was so recommended by your health care professional.
This medication may be used to also avoid a different type of viral illness (cytomegalovirus) in many people.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking valacyclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any relevant questions, ask your physician or pharmacist.
Take valacyclovir by lips, with or without food, as directed by your physician. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to reduce the possibility of side-effects.
The dosage and period of treatment are based on your sort of infection, medical condition, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight.
This medication works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may maybe not work aswell in the event that you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, begin 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 when you feel tingling, itching, or burning.
Valacyclovir is best suited when the amount of medication within you is held 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 steadily to take this medication before the prescribed that is full is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop this medication early without your physician's approval.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your pharmacist or doctor immediately.
Remember that the medical practitioner has prescribed this medicine 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 immediately if you have any serious adverse effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as for instance agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, change into 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 example HIV infection, bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant). Get help that is medical away when you have any serious unwanted effects, including: extreme tiredness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, effortless bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal discomfort, yellowing eyes/skin, sudden vision changes, loss in consciousness, seizures.
A very severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away in the event that you notice any observeable symptoms of a critical allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble respiration.
This is perhaps not a list that is complete of side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the united states -
Call your physician 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 results. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
See also Side Effects section.
Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist in the event that you are allergic to it; or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, that may cause allergy symptoms or other problems. Confer with your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.
This medication 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 utilize (including prescribed drugs, nonprescription drugs, and organic products).
Don't have certain immunizations/vaccinations (such as vaccines against the varicella virus) minus the permission of your medical professional.
Older adults may be more responsive to the side effects of this medication, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation) and kidney problems (such as an alteration within the amount of urine).
Cold sores can spread easily. Avoid close physical contact with other people (such as for example kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Try not to touch the cold sore. If you do, wash your hands afterward.
Valacyclovir does not prevent the spread of herpes. To lessen the chance of giving genital herpes to your partner, lack contact that is sexual an outbreak or if you have symptoms. You can spread genital herpes even if you do not need symptoms. Therefore, 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 must certanly be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical professional.
This medicine passes into breast milk, but is not likely to damage a nursing infant. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
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