Valtrex

By Angela Young 12 months ago

Valtrex is an oral medication that doctors prescribe to control herpes outbreaks in an effort to minimize the effect of the herpes outbreak and in an attempt to prevent further outbreaks (suppressive therapy) in patients with the herpes simplex virus.

The herpes simplex virus commonly occurs in the genitals of the infected person, but herpes can develop on the face in the form of cold sores.

Valtrex can also treat chickenpox and cold sores in children. In adults Valtrex treats cold sores and shingles, but Valtrex does not cure these conditions in adults or children.

Valtrex Warnings and Precautions

Patients should tell their doctor or pharmacist of any and all allergies including allergies to acyclovir. Patients should also inform the physician of their complete medical history particularly if there is a history of kidney disease, immune system problems, bone marrow transplant or other organ transplant and or a history of blood disorders.

Valtrex may cause dizziness and make it difficult to stay alert so people should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how they will react to Valtrex. Patients taking Valtrex should also limit their intake of alcoholic beverages while taking Valtrex.

Elderly patients are likely to be much more sensitive to the effects of Valtrex than younger patients. Elderly patients are more likely to develop confusion, agitation and kidney problems while taking Valtrex.

Most doctors recommend pregnant patients take Valtrex only if absolutely necessary. Valtrex can pass to the baby during breast-feeding. If a patient plans to breastfeed their child while taking Valtrex they should consult with their doctor first.

Valtrex Uses

Valtrex treats the outbreaks of cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and genital herpes in patients with herpes simplex virus. Patients taking Valtrex for suppressive therapy are still able to spread herpes while taking Valtrex regardless of whether or not they are currently having an outbreak of the virus.

Dosage of Valtrex is dependant on a patient's type of infection, the current medical condition and the patient's response to treatment.

Some physicians treat use Valtrex to treat other forms of viral infections in certain groups of the population.

Valtrex Side Effects

Common side effects of Valtrex include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, painful periods and painful stomach pain. More serious side effects include mood changes, confusion, speech problems, vision changes and shaky or unsteady movement. If symptoms including seizure, loss of consciousness and signs of infection like fever or sore throat are very serious and require medical attention.

Valtrex can cause blood disorders and severe kidney problems with people who have compromised immune systems due to HIV disease or if a patient has had a bone marrow transplant or any other organ transplant.

Allergic reactions to Valtrex include rash, itchiness, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Valtrex Interactions

Valtrex may have poor interactions with other medications including cimetidine and probenecid. Patients should tell their doctor and their pharmacist of any medications that they are on including over the counter medications and herbal products in an effort to avoid any possible negative interactions.

Drugs that may cause kidney damage such as aminglycosides, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, NSAIDs, tacrolimus and vancomycin may cause interactions with Valtrex.

Valtrex Overdose

Taking too much Valtrex can lead to an overdose of Valtrex in patients. Symptoms of Valtrex overdose include change in the amount of urine, sluggishness, loss of consciousness and seizures. Patients should seek medical attention if they suspect a Valtrex overdose.

Patients taking Valtrex need periodic laboratory tests to monitor a patient's kidney function. Laboratory tests can also check for signs of side effects that may patients may not notice. Side effects that include damaged kidneys can increase the likelihood of overdose because the kidneys are not functioning efficiently.

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