What Is Valtrex?
Valtrex
® (
valacyclovir hydrochloride) is a prescription medication licensed to treat several conditions related to infections with the herpes virus, including:
Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Uses of the drug include:
- Treating shingles in adults
- Treating cold sores in adults and children
- Treating genital herpes in adults
- Preventing recurrent genital herpes outbreaks in adults
- Decreasing the spread of herpes to sexual partners in adults.
Shingles, cold sores, chickenpox, and genital herpes are caused by viruses. Once a person has been infected with these viruses, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again. Valtrex helps the body fight the infection by preventing the virus from multiplying. When used to treat genital herpes, the drug can help prevent outbreaks from recurring and can help prevent the spread of the virus to other people.
Shingles
In one study, people younger than 50 years of age with shingles were treated with Valtrex within three days of the beginning of a rash. In people who were not treated with the drug, it took three days for the formation of new blisters to stop. For the people who were treated with Valtrex, the blisters stopped forming one day sooner. The drug will not, however, change the length or severity of
postherpetic neuralgia, which is severe pain that can occur after the
shingles rash has healed. Valtrex is also not a
cure for shingles.
Cold Sores
When the drug was given to people at the very first signs of a cold sore, the cold sores healed one day faster when compared to people who were not given the drug. Although it helped cold sores heal faster, the medication did not stop the cold sores from appearing once the symptoms had started. Therefore, Valtrex is not a cure for cold sores.
Genital Herpes
For people who took the drug to treat their first genital herpes infection, the lesions healed in nine days, on average, and people had pain for five days, on average. For outbreaks in people who had previously been infected, it took an average of four days for the lesions to heal (compared to six days for people who were not taking the drug).
About 65 percent of people who took Valtrex every day were outbreak-free for six months, compared to only 26 percent of people who were not treated. Taking it every day also decreased the chance of spreading genital herpes to sexual partners. After eight months, less than 1.9 percent of partners of the people who were taking daily Valtrex were infected, compared to 3.6 percent of partners of people who were not taking the drug. However, as with cold sores and shingles, Valtrex is not a cure for genital herpes.
Chickenpox
Valtrex was approved for treating
chickenpox in children based on studies of
acyclovir (
Zovirax®), a very similar medication. Other studies have shown that Valtrex (which the body transforms into acyclovir) is safe in children.
Some general considerations for when and how to take this medication include the following:
- The drug comes in caplet form. Depending on the type of infection, it is usually taken one, two, or three times a day.
- It works best if started at the very first signs of an outbreak. It may not work if taken too late.
- Valtrex can be taken with or without food.
- It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
- For Valtrex to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Your weight (for children)
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Valtrex Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Valtrex, including serious side effects to look out for.)
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking:
Drug Interactions With Valtrex
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Valtrex?
You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Valtrex if you have:
- Kidney disease or kidney failure (renal failure)
- Had a bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant
- HIV or AIDS
- Depression
- Problems with the immune system or immune system disorders, such as cancer
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you currently take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take a Valtrex Overdose?
An overdose can be dangerous and may cause kidney failure. If you happen to overdose on Valtrex, seek immediate medical attention.
The medication should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture or heat. Valtrex caplets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dose 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.
Valtrex caplets are available in two strengths:
- 500 mg
- 1000 mg (Valtrex 1 gram).
At this time, no over-the-counter form of Valtrex is available.
There is currently no generic Valtrex licensed for sale.
