Valacyclovir

The recommended adult dose of valacyclovir to treat shingles is 1,000 mg 3 times daily for 7 days. The treatment should be started within 72 hours of the onset of the rash.

To treat the first episode of genital herpes, the dose of valacyclovir is 1,000 mg twice daily for 10 days. Treatment should be started within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms, and ideally within 48 hours for best effectiveness.

To treat recurrent genital herpes, the dose of valacyclovir is 500 mg twice daily for 3 days. The treatment should be started at the first sign or symptom of recurrence.

To prevent recurrences of genital herpes, the recommended dose is 1,000 mg once daily. For people with a history of 9 or fewer recurrences per year, the recommended dosage of valacyclovir is 500 mg orally once daily. This dose helps to reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes to others.

To treat cold sores, the usual dose of valacyclovir is 2,000 mg at the first sign of symptoms, followed by another 2,000 mg 12 hours later. The treatment should be started at the first sign of a cold sore (tingling, itching, or burning sensations) for best effectiveness.

People with poor kidney function may need lower doses.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way you are using the medication without talking to your doctor.

Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food may help. Make sure you drink enough water to prevent dehydration while taking valacyclovir.

It is important to take Valacyclovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Valacyclovir at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause stomach ache; it may cause joint pain; it may cause menstrual pain; it may cause nausea and vomiting. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each blue, coated, capsule-shaped tablet (caplet), debossed with "VC" followed by "500" on one side and nothing on the other side, contains valacyclovir hydrochloride equivalent to 500 mg valacyclovir. Nonmedicinal ingredients: crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate, and titanium dioxide.

Do not take Valacyclovir if you are allergic to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between valacyclovir and any of the following:

• Cladribine
• Clozapine
• foscarnet
• mycophenolate
• tenofovir
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Tizanidine
• varicella virus vaccine
• zidovudine
• zoster vaccine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Valacyclovir. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Valacyclovir.

Genital herpes: To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, wash your hands immediately after touching your skin sores. You should avoid intimate contact when live lesions are visible on your skin. The herpes virus can still be spread even when you do not have blisters or sores.

Immunosuppression (weak immune system): People who have a weakened immune system should only use valacyclovir if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you have had an organ transplant, are infected with HIV, or otherwise have a weak immune system, discuss with your doctor how Valacyclovir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Valacyclovir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney Disease: Valacyclovir may cause decreased kidney function or kidney failure. People with kidney disease may need a lower dose of Valacyclovir. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Valacyclovir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Valacyclovir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience signs of decreased kidney function, such as decreased urine production, nausea, fatigue, or muscle twitches or cramps, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Safer sex: Valacyclovir, when taken in appropriate doses each day, can reduce the risk of passing genital herpes to sexual partners. It should be used in combination with safer sex practices such as using condoms and dental dams. If you have any questions about practicing safer sex, speak to your doctor.

Systemic infection: The safety and effectiveness of using valacyclovir to treat herpes zoster infection that is inside the body has not been established. This is not an accepted use for Valacyclovir.

Pregnancy: Although valacyclovir does not appear to increase the risk of harm to an unborn baby, the safety of valacyclovir use during pregnancy has not been established. Valacyclovir should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Valacyclovir, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Valacyclovir passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking valacyclovir, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Valacyclovir have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have decreased kidney function than younger adults. A decreased dose of valacyclovir may be required. It is important for seniors to drink enough water while taking Valacyclovir, to stay well-hydrated.

This medication is typically used 3 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.