Important Facts And Information To Know About Valtrex   

You may have heard about Valtrex but may not know what it is all about and therefore may be apprehensive to use it. Well, to explain things in simple terms and gradually get into the intricacies, know right away that Valtrex is an antiviral drug. It will slow down the growth and spreading of the herpes virus all over the body. It will also help the body to fight against the infection.

  • Valtrex can be used for treating infections caused by almost all types of herpes viruses including genital herpes, herpes zoster or shingles.
  • It can also be sued to treat cold sores in adults as well as in children who are at least 12 years old. 
  • In addition to that it can also be used to treat chicken pox in children who are at least 2 years old.

This medicine is very effective to reduce the symptoms of herpes infection but it will not cure herpes or prevent you from spreading the herpes virus to other people. 

Facts and information to know

Before you take Valtrex, make sure that you tell your doctor a few specific things such as whether you have HIV or AIDS, or suffer from a kidney disease and are on dialysis. Also inform the doctor about your weak immune system, or if you had kidney or bone marrow transplant.

  • This is very important because Valtrex can be very harmful to the kidneys. The side effects will be even more profound if you use this medicine together with other medicines that are also harmful for your kidneys.
  • Therefore, it is also required that you tell your doctor about all the other medications you are taking currently. This is required because the doctor may have to make some adjustments with the dose and may even suggest special tests if you want to combine Valtrex with other specific medications. 
  • In order to make sure that you get the best results using Valtrex it is also very useful to know that you should start your treatment with Valtrex as soon as possible after you notice the first appearance of the herpes virus symptoms such as tingling, blisters and burning.

Lastly, if you notice any signs of side effects, serious and otherwise, you should atop taking Valtrex immediately and call your doctor right away. It is known that Valtrex can harm red blood cells and cause fever, red spots on skin, easy bruising and bleeding, bloody diarrhea, pale or yellowed skin, vomiting, fainting, weakness, and even urinating less than usual or not at all.

Information on the precautions

There are a few precautions to take when you use Valtrex. First make sure that you are not allergic to Valacyclovir or acyclovir. In order to make sure that it is safe for you to use Valtrex you should tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, or bone marrow transplant.

  • Pregnant women should use this medicine under doctor’s consultation though there is no report of any major risk caused to the fetus from Valacyclovir. However, herpes virus can pass from the mother to the baby while giving birth.
  • If you suffer from genital herpes it is essential that you avert herpes lesions during pregnancy. This will in turn prevent a genital lesion in the baby after birth.
  • Moreover, Valacyclovir may even pass to a nursing baby through the breast milk. Therefore, make sure that you inform the doctor if you are breastfeeding your baby.

Most importantly, Valtrex should not be given to a child ever without the medical advice of a qualified doctor. 

Lastly, never buy Valtrex from any store. Research about the store and then choose the best one such as RXShopMD.com.

Intake and storing

You must take Valtrex just as it is prescribed for you. You may also follow the directions on the label. You should never take this medicine neither in smaller nor in larger amount and certainly not for a period longer than recommended. If you miss a dose take it as soon as your remember but skip it if it is already time for the next dose. Never, ever take more than what is recommended.

  • When you are recommended to take Valtrex make sure that you start taking it as soon as possible preferably right after you notice the symptoms. This is important because this medicine will not be as effective as it should if you start taking it a couple of days after the start of the herpes symptoms usually associated with blisters or red spots on the skin.
  • If you want to have the best results then you must make it a point to take this medicine for the full length of time as prescribed. There are some specific herpes infections that may need to be treated for a longer time than others. In such cases the symptoms may improve but the infection may not be cured completely. If you skip doses then it may enhance the risk of the virus of herpes becoming more resistant to any antiviral medicine.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food but make it a point that you drink plenty of water when you take it. This will ensure that your kidneys are working properly. 
  • If there are lesions caused by herpes viruses you must keep it as clean and dry as possible. You must also wear loose clothes as it will prevent irritations cause by these lesions.

Store these tablets away from heat and moisture and at room temperature to retain its effectiveness and usability.

Things to avoid

When you are infected with herpes, avoid having sexual intercourse. Do not use a latex condom as that will not help you to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid touching the areas infected by the herpes virus and do not let these areas to come in contact with others.

Lastly, do not share the medicine with others even if they have the same symptoms and make sure that you frequently wash your hands to prevent spreading the infection.

Post Author: Violet

Violet Rae Murphy: Violet, a biotech analyst, covers advances in health technology, biotech innovations, and the future of personalized medicine.