Valtrex

Valtrex is an antiviral drug and it is used to treat certain herpes infections. It works by decreasing the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body fights off the infection. It minimizes the symptoms of these infections and cut down the length of time of your sickness. The medication is also used to treat genital herpes, shingles and cold sores.

If you are allergic to acyclovir then you should avoid taking Valtrex. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease because in this condition, you are unable to use the medication or you need special monitoring during the treatment with Valtrex. The medication belongs to FDA pregnancy category B which means that it is not harmful to unborn baby, but you should discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant before starting the treatment with Valtrex. It is unknown that the medication appears in the milk of nursing mother or not, so if you are breast-feeding then first talk with your doctor.



Take the medication as prescribed to you by your doctor and if you cannot understand the instruction then you can take help from your pharmacist. Take each dose of the medication with water. The medication can be taken with or without food, but if you take it with food that it may reduce the stomach upset. Keep taking the medication even if you feel better and the symptoms will get improved before the infection is completely treated. To get better effects of the medication, you should take the medication on daily basis. If you have lesions caused by herpes virus then you should keep it clean and dry, and always refer to wear loose clothing in order to prevent irritation. The medication should be placed at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

If you miss a dose then take it as soon as you remember and if the time is near to take the next scheduled dose then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular scheduled doses. Don’t try to take double doses at the same time. If you suspect overdose then get medical help. The symptoms of overdose include hallucinations, seizures, and kidney damage. Herpes infection is contagious which can spread to other people, if you contact the infected area with others. You should avoid contacting the infected area with other people and always wash your hands. You should use latex condom during sexual intercourse in order to prevent the spreading of virus to others.

If you feel any signs of the allergic reactions like difficulty in breathing, closing of throat, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or hives then you should stop to take the medication and get emergency medical help. You can experience the less serious side effects more likely during the treatment with Valtrex. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, or tremors, but you should continue your medication and talk with your doctor.