For adults treating a first outbreak of genital herpes, 1,mg of valacyclovir two times daily for a total of 10 days. For adults with recurring genital herpes, mg of valacyclovir two times daily for a total of three days. The best approach for treating any virus, including HSV or VZV, is talk to your doctor and follow their treatment advice.
Breastfeeding or pregnant women should also discuss the risks of valacyclovir treatment with their doctor. Medications that can potentially interact with valacyclovir include foscarnet, tenofovir, mycophenolate, zidovudine and the varicella virus and zoster virus vaccines. If you use any of these medications, you should discuss potential interactions with your doctor before considering valacyclovir or any other herpes treatment.
Valacyclovir has several potential side effects, the most common of which affecting more than one percent of users are vomiting, diarrhea, headache and nausea. Our guides to valacyclovir cover every aspect of the medication, including:. Valacyclovir vs. Alternative Herpes Treatments: Which is Best? This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
According to Harvard Health Publishing , cold sores can last for around 10—12 days without treatment. Valtrex may reduce the formation of cold sore blisters by up to 2 days. Valtrex may cause side effects for some people. According to the NLM , the most common side effects may include:.
The most common side effect is a headache. The NLM also state that dizziness is a common side effect in people using Valtrex for cold sores. Other symptoms may occur when treating either shingles or herpes with Valtrex at different or prolonged doses.
The NLM state that there are no known major drug interactions between Valtrex and other medications. There is also no known risk of taking Valtrex during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, the NLM acknowledge that a very small amount will be present in breast milk.
There is a risk of accidental overdose, so a person taking Valtrex should make sure they stick to the prescribed dosage. People living with kidney issues should talk to their doctor about their risk before taking the medication. Valtrex is not the only prescription available for oral herpes. Famvir famciclovir is another antiviral medication for cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes.
It has similar side effects to Valtrex, such as headaches and nausea. Like Valtrex, people take it orally. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. If you or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
The areas affected by genital herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores blisters. It is important to remember that this medicine will not keep you from spreading herpes to others. Herpes infection of the genitals can be caught from or spread to your partner during any sexual activity.
Even though you may get herpes if your partner has no symptoms, the infection is more likely to be spread if sores are present. This is true until the sores are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. Therefore, it is best to avoid any sexual activity if either you or your sexual partner has any symptoms of herpes.
However, spermicidal sperm-killing jelly or a diaphragm will probably not help. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Store this medication 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. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any ingredients of the medication.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. 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 this medication. 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 this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney disease: Valacyclovir may cause decreased kidney function or kidney failure.
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