Valtrex is an antiviral drug that is used to treat infections of herpes (genital, simplex and other forms), chickenpox, etc. This medicine helps stop the infection of the virus from spreading by preventing the reproduction of the virus.
Valtrex is used to treat genital herpes, simplex herpes, herpes labialis and other diseases.
The main role of Valtrex is to stop the infectious virus from reproducing. And so, you should take the medicine as soon as possible when you get infected to curb the spread of the infection.
Valtrex helps treat genital herpes. Genital herpes is a type of sexually transmitted disease which causes a burning and itching sensation and blisters around the genitals. This is extremely uncomfortable and very painful. Valtrex helps reduce discomfort by stopping the reproduction of the virus.
Valtrex tablets are to be swallowed whole with water. You can take them with or without food. It is a good practice to take the tablets are the same time every day. When you are on Valtrex, do not engage in sexual intercourse with anybody due to the risk of spreading the infection.
Valtrex tablets contain the active ingredient of valaciclovir and they come in dosage of 250mg and 500mg doses. Your doctor will prescribe the dose best suited for your condition. The usual recommended dosage for genital herpes is 500mg tablets taken twice a day. If you are taking this medicine for the first time, you will need to take the tablets for about five to 10 days. And if you have had the disease earlier, then you will need to take the medicine for about three to five days. To prevent the outbreak of the disease in the future, your doctor may recommend that you continue taking the medicine for a certain period.
This dosage may change if you have kidney problems if you are older than 65 years.
If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, then do not take a double dose. Continue with the regular dose.
If you end up taking more Valtrex than the recommended dose, contact a doctor or pharmacist. An overdose may have a damaging effect on your kidneys.
This medication can potentially damage your nervous system and kidneys. Hence, you must stay well hydrated and drink a lot of water throughout the day when you are using this medicine.
Common side effects of Valtrex can include:
Headache
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Bleeding gums
Dizziness
Vomiting
Tiredness
Weight gain
Irritability
Joint pain
Trouble sleeping
Loss of appetite
Sore throat
If you are taking any of the following medicines, please consult your doctor before starting Valtrex:
Acyclovir
Foscarnet
Bacitracin
Famciclovir
Methotrexate
Nephrotoxic agents
Cancer medications
Arthritis medications
Medications that are used to prevent any rejections that take place during organ transplantations
If you have recently taken Varicella virus vaccine (live) or zoster virus vaccine (live, Zostavax—not Shingrix)
Store the medicine in a cool and dry place. Keep it out of reach of children.
You can safely purchase Valtrex online at MedsNow, an Online Pharmacy in the UK. Firstly, you will have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber. Post consultation, once the prescriber ensures that Valtrex is the right medicine for you, your order will be supplied.
You should be able to see the effect of Valtrex within 2-3 days of application.
It is safe to take the medicine if it has been recommended by your doctor for your medical condition.
You might need about a 1000mg dose of the medicine twice a day for 10 days during your first outbreak. However, depending on your condition, the doctor may recommend a different dose too.
Yes, Valtrex is known to have an adverse effect on the kidneys. If you have a history of kidney problems, inform your doctor during your consultation.
Yes, this is a known side effect of the medicine in some cases.
No, this is a prescription-only medicine.
You may still be contagious while taking the medicine. Hence, it is best to avoid any sexual intercourse till the day you complete your course and the doctor is sure that you are no longer infected.