Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir Prescription Medication Prescribed by Healthymale.com

Valacyclovir is a popular antiviral drug. It is used to treat or manage diseases caused by specific types of viruses. It is used to treat cold sores that usually occur around the mouth and shingles mainly caused by herpes zoster. The two infections are in adults, but the drug can also be used in children. Notably, in children, it is used to treat chickenpox whose causative agent is Varicella zoster and cold sores mainly caused by herpes simplex.

Valacyclovir is used to manage genital herpes outbreaks as well. It can be used to minimize the frequency rate especially for individuals who experience frequent outbreaks.

Valacyclovir functions by terminating the growth of certain viruses. Therefore, it does not get rid of the viruses totally. The viruses, for example, the herpes virus continues to reside in the body causing outbreaks when favorable conditions are met.

Valacyclovir, therefore, minimizes the duration or the severity of the outbreaks. It aids in healing the sores rapidly, preventing new sores from emerging and forming as well as reducing pain or any associated itch. The drug may also assist in reducing the duration of the pain that occurs in the aftermath of healing sores.

How to use this drug

Valacyclovir is orally taken since it comes as a tablet. To treat shingles, a person should take it every eight hours which translates to three times a day for a whole week, that is, seven days. It is usually taken two times a day, for example, in the morning and at night for five days, to treat genital herpes.

It is advisable to follow the directions found on the prescription label carefully. If you happen to find any section that you do not understand, always ask your doctor to provide an extensive explanation. It is always recommended to use this medication as soon as you notice any symptoms.

It also recommended continuing taking valacyclovir even after you start feeling well. Hence, you should not discontinue taking the medication without consulting your doctor first.

Before taking valacyclovir

In the process of decision-making, remember to ask your doctor about the side effects. The risks of using the drug must be considered and evaluated properly. It helps determine if the damage it may cause would be more than the good. Your doctor should help when making such a decision. Before using valacyclovir, the following facts should be considered

Valacyclovir is used to treat the outbreaks of genital herpes but does not get rid of the virus itself. Therefore, the medication will not stop the spread of the virus. You can still infect other people even when you are on the drug because herpes infections are quite contagious.

To prevent the spread of genital herpes, you can use protection, particularly a latex condom during sexual intercourse. Remember to keep the infected areas from coming into contact with other people. Also, remember to wash your hands thoroughly after touching an infected area. It helps in the prevention of passing the virus to other people.

Allergic Reactions

If you have used this medication and had an allergic reaction, then you should inform your doctor. If you have allergic reactions to other types of drugs also notify your doctor. If you also have other forms of allergies, for examples, to certain types of foods, animals, preservatives, or dyes, do not forget to mention such details to your doctor. Remember to carefully read the ingredients on the package or label of non-prescription medicine or products.

Geriatric

Recent studies performed have not found any geriatric-specific issues that would potentially limit the effect of the medication in the elderly. However, the elderly are more susceptible to kidney diseases due to their age. In such a case, the valacyclovir dose given to such elderly patients requires an adjustment.

The drug interactions

Due to drug interactions, certain medicines are never used together at all. However, in other cases, one can be allowed to use two different medicines even if there is a possibility of an interaction occurring. If an interaction occurs then your doctor may find it necessary to change the dose or utilize other precautions.

When taking valacyclovir, it is essential to inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any of the drugs mentioned below. Taking valacyclovir with any other medicine mentioned below is not usually recommended. However, in some instances, it may be deemed necessary. If both drugs are to be taken together, your doctor may alter the dose or change the frequency of usage of one or both the medicines.

Foscarnet or Tolvaptan

Using valacyclovir with any of the two may enhance the risk of specific side effects even if it may be the ideal treatment. Hence, alterations are necessary.

Fosphenytoin, Valproic Acid or Phenytoin

Side effects

If any the following symptoms become severe, please consult your doctor

Headache

Vomiting

Constipation

Diarrhea

If any of the following side effects appear, contact your doctor immediately

Confusion

Fever

Itching

Yellowness of the eyes or skin

Rash

Blood in urine

If a more severe side effect develops, both you and your doctor may report the case to the Food and Drug Administrations. Send a report by phone (1-800-332-1088) or through http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch.