Valtrex Dosage (Cont.)

 
Genital Herpes Suppression
For preventing future outbreaks of genital herpes, the dose of Valtrex is 1000 mg (1 gram), once a day, every day. For people who have had fewer than 10 outbreaks of genital herpes in one year, the dose of Valtrex may be decreased to 500 mg a day, every day.
 
For people with HIV and genital herpes who have a CD4 cell count equal to or greater than 100 cells/mm3, the dose of Valtrex to prevent future outbreaks is 500 mg, twice a day, every day. Valtrex has not been studied in people with HIV who have a CD4 cell count less than 100 cells/mm3.
 
Preventing the Spread of Genital Herpes to Partners
To decrease the chances of spreading genital herpes to sexual partners, people who have had fewer than 10 outbreaks per year can take Valtrex 500 mg once a day. Valtrex has not been studied for this use in people who have 10 or more outbreaks per year. Safer sexual practices should still be used. Condoms should always be used, and sexual contact should be avoided during an outbreak.
 

General Valtrex Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking Valtrex include:
 
  • Valtrex should be taken at the first sign of an outbreak. It works best if taken as early as possible. In fact, it may not work if taken too late.
     
  • Valtrex should be taken at the same time each day.
     
  • If you do not take your Valtrex as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Valtrex.
     
  • Your Valtrex dosage can be taken with or without food. If Valtrex bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For Valtrex to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Valtrex will not work if you take it differently than your healthcare provider recommends.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to Valtrex or your Valtrex dosage, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Valtrex without discussing it first with your healthcare provider.
     
  • The dose of Valtrex is decreased for people who have poor kidney function. If you have kidney problems, ask your healthcare provider about which dose of Valtrex you should be taking.
     
Pages:

Previous 1   2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;