Valtrex
Uses
This medicine is used
to treat shingles and to treat or suppress genital herpes.
How To Use
How much medicine
you take and how often you take it depends on many factors,
including the condition being treated, your age, and weight.
If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of
the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care
provider. This medicine may be taken without regard to meals.
This medicine should be taken at the earliest sign or symptom
of shingles or genital herpes and is most effective when
started within 48 hours of the start of the shingles or the
first episode of genital herpes. Take this medicine within 24
hours of recurrent episodes of genital herpes. This medicine
may not work after 72 hours past onset of shingles or genital
herpes or after 24 hours past the onset of recurring genital
herpes. It may not be effective in suppressing genital herpes
beyond 1 year. This medication is not a cure for genital
herpes. You should avoid contact with lesions or sexual
intercourse to avoid infecting sexual partners. This medicine
may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing
other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical
dexterity. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking
with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions
should talk with their health care provider before taking this
medication. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless
advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. This
includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Do
not take any other over-the-counter or prescription
medications without talking with your doctor.
Side Effects
Every medicine
can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor,
side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the
following occurs: Severe- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
Common- Nausea; headache; vomiting; dizziness; stomach pain;
painful menstruation;joint pain; depression.
Precautions
Before using
this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the
following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant,
or breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription medicine,
nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary
supplement; if you have a weakened immune system; if you have
impaired kidney function; if you have any other medical
condition
Notes
If you have any
questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider.
Missed Dose
If a dose is
missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have
passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not
double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If
more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
Storage
Store tablets
between 59 and 77 degrees F.
Valtrex