Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Valacyclovir is a medicine used to treat or prevent genital herpes and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.

It’s also given to treat cold sores in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Additionally, valacyclovir is used as a therapy for children with chickenpox who are between ages 2 and 18.

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug that won’t cure an infection like herpes, but can improve symptoms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1995. It’s sold under the brand name Valtrex.

uses

What is Valtrex (Valacyclovir) used for?

• Herpes Simplex -- Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host
• Herpes Simplex -- Mucocutaneous/Immunocompromised Host
• Herpes Zoster
• Varicella-Zoster
• Herpes Zoster -- Prophylaxis
• Varicella-Zoster -- Prophylaxis
• Infection - Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral
• Herpes Zoster Iridocyclitis
• Herpes Zoster Peripheral Neuropathy
• Herpes Zoster Meningitis
• Varicella Pneumonitis
• Herpes Zoster Otitis Externa
• Herpes Simplex Labialis
• Herpes Simplex -- Suppression
• Herpes Zoster Myelitis

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Valtrex (Valacyclovir) ?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• a weak immune system;
• HIV or AIDS; or
• a kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Valtrex (Valacyclovir) ?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, agitation, or you feel shaky or unsteady;
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);
• problems with speech;
• a seizure; or
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Serious side effects may be more likely in adults who are 65 or older.

Stop taking valacyclovir and call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious side effect that can harm red blood cells:

• fever, pale skin;
• unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• red or pink urine, little or no urination;
• purple or red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox);
• feeling weak or tired;
• stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting; or
• swelling in your face, hands, or feet.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.