Valclovir (Valtrex)

Valtrex Product Description

Drug Uses

Valtrex is an antiviral agent used for the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV). Valtrex can be used in children aged 2 years and older, adolescents and adults. Valtrex antiviral drug is approved as:

• treatment of chickenpox caused by VZV infection *
• herpes zoster (shingles) caused by VZV infection **
• initial therapy of first-episode genital herpes caused by HSV infection **
• treatment and prevention of ophthalmic zoster caused by VZV or HSV infections **
• chronic suppressive therapy of genital herpes recurrences caused by HSV infection **
• recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) caused by HSV infection ***
• prevention of diseases that can be caused by cytomegalovirus infections (such as, CMV infections in post-transplant period) ***

* in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years

** in adult patients aged 18 years and older

*** adolescents aged 12 years and older and adults

Missed Dose

If a dose of Valtrex is missed, take it as soon as you remember and then continue with the next prescribed dose at the proper time interval. If it is close time to the next Valtrex dose, do not use two doses of this antiviral agent together and skip the missed dose.

More Information

HIV-infected patients can be prescribed with Valtrex only for treatment or prophylaxis of anogenital herpes. Adult patients with recurrent genital herpes can be prescribed with Valtrex to reduce a risk of transmission of genital herpes simplex infections.

Storage

Room temperature between 15°C and 30°C is optimal for Valtrex storage. This antiviral agent must be kept in a well-closed container in order to protect the tablets (caplets) from moisture and light.

Valtrex Safety Information

Warnings

Valtrex may cause psychiatric side effects (such as hallucinations, psychomotor agitation) in some children, adults and elderly patients. In patients with kidney failure, the risk of change in mental status is higher than in patients with normal kidney function. Therefore, the patients with kidney diseases may need decrease in the daily doses of Valtrex.

Disclaimer

All material about CMV, VZV and HSV infections published in Valtrex review is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the health specialist’s medical advice. The ultimate responsibility for the use of information on Valtrex antiviral agent does not lie on the online pharmacy.

Valtrex Side Effects

Valtrex is a well-tolerated antiviral agent. The most common unwanted effects of Valtrex are nausea, headache and abdominal pain. Less frequently, this antiviral agent may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, pruritus, rashes or dizziness. Valtrex practically does not cause unwanted effects in children and adolescents under 18 years old. Elderly and patients with a history of renal impairment are at high risk of neurological side effects; however, they usually go away quickly after the discontinuation of Valtrex use.