Valtrex 500mg: The Go-To Antiviral Medication for Herpes Management

12/18/2024

 

What is Valtrex?

Valtrex is a prescription drug approved by the FDA for treating herpes simplex virus infections. It is also used for treating other conditions, as considered suitable by the healthcare provider. Valacyclovir is the active ingredient in the Valtrex drug, which belongs to the antiviral drug class. Valacyclovir is sold under the brand name Valtrex and is available in tablets, 500mg and 1000mg. Valtrex is also available as a generic equivalent. However, before you buy Generic Valacyclovir Hydrochloride 500mg Tablets Online, please consult your doctor to know the correct dosage.

Uses of Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is useful for treating the below-mentioned conditions:

• Cold sores

• Genital herpes

• Shingles, also called herpes zoster

• Chickenpox

• Cold sores in children

The healthcare provider may also prescribe this medication to treat conditions other than those mentioned above.

Precautions

• You should only take this medication upon your doctor’s recommendation.

• Do not share this medication with anybody else, even if they have the same symptoms.

• Do not alter the dosage or the treatment span unless asked by your doctor to do so.

• You should take this medication as and when prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Do not alter the dosage or the treatment span unless asked by your doctor to do so.

• You must keep yourself hydrated while on Valacyclovir.

• Certain vaccines, such as Chickenpox, are not to be taken right before or after taking Valacyclovir.

• Store the medication away from the reach of children, pets, and drug addicts.

Information to share with the Doctor

Before you start administering Valacyclovir, it is important to share the below-mentioned information with your doctor.

• Please inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Valacyclovir or any other drug, such as Acyclovir or Famciclovir.

• Convey to your doctor about your current and past medical conditions, particularly if you are diagnosed or were diagnosed with kidney ailments, bone marrow transplants, HIV, or AIDS.

• If you have a weak immune system, let your doctor know about it. Valacyclovir may cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which could lead to small blood clots throughout the body. It could even be fatal.

• Let your doctor know of all the medications you might be taking, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal drugs, and other health supplements.

• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to do the same.

• If you are a breastfeeding mother, let your doctor know.

• Talk to your doctor if your child is unable to swallow the medication. The healthcare provider would suggest an alternate way.

Adverse Effects of Valacyclovir

The side effects of Valacyclovir can be segregated into common and severe side effects. The common side effects do not require medical attention and would subside as soon as the body gets accustomed to the medication. Some of the common side effects from Valacyclovir are as mentioned below:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Stomach ache

Upon witnessing any of the serious side effects of Valacyclovir mentioned below, discontinue its usage and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Valacyclovir may impact the functioning of the kidney. You must consult your doctor if you experience swelling of the feet or ankle, decreased urination, breathlessness, chest pain, seizure, nausea, and feelings of confusion.

• Valacyclovir may cause severe allergic reactions like swollen lymph nodes, face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. It may also cause skin rashes, itching, pale skin, or red spots on the skin. Upon witnessing the mentioned symptoms, reach out for immediate medical help.

• Problem swallowing and tightness of the throat.

• Valacyclovir may affect the CNS (Central Nervous System), which may cause hallucinations, feelings of restlessness and confusion, difficulty speaking, or seizure. On seeing these symptoms, you must reach for emergency medical help.

There could be side effects other than those listed above. You must consult your doctor if you see any of the side effects worsening or persisting for longer.

Conclusion

Herpes may bring a feeling of being marked out, and genital herpes may impact sexual relationships, which could be distressing for you and your partner. Although there is no permanent cure for Herpes, it can be prevented by avoiding skin contact, especially if you have open sores or herpes lesions. It is important to practice safe sex, such as the use of condoms, to prevent the spread of genital herpes. Refrain from indulging in sexual activity if you see open lesions around the genitals or the anus. You may opt for loose clothing in case you have open sores.

In addition to implementing the aforementioned changes, you may also be prescribed Valacyclovir to keep a check on the growth of the herpes virus and to minimize frequent breakouts of cold sores and shingles. However, you should consult your doctor first to know if this medication would suit your conditions, or else your doctor will suggest an alternate treatment. Stick to the guidelines laid down by your doctor and administer the medication as prescribed, and this will help overcome the distress caused by herpes.