Common Uses:
* Valtrex 500mg is an antiviral used in patients with normal immune systems to treat herpes zoster infections (shingles) or to treat or suppress genital herpes.
* Valtrex 500mg may be used in combination with safe sex practices in patients with genital herpes to help reduce the risk of spreading the condition to others.
* Valtrex 500mg may also be used for cold sores (herpes simplex) or other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before Using Valtrex 500mg:
* Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Valtrex 500mg.
* INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
* Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
* USE OF Valtrex 500 mg is not recommended in patients without a normal immune system (immunocompromised patients).
* Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Valtrex 500mg.
How to Use Valtrex 500 mg:
* Follow the directions for using Valtrex 500 mg provided by your doctor.
* An additional patient information leaflet is available with Valtrex 500 mg.
* Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information.
* Valtrex 500 mg may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
* DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking Valtrex 500 mg is recommended.
* Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions.
* Store Valtrex 500 mg at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat , moisture, and light.
* Continue to take Valtrex 500 mg even if you feel well.
* Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Valtrex 500 mg, take it as soon as possible.
* If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
* Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions of Valtrex 500 mg:
* IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE WITHIN A FEW DAYS or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
* IF YOU are using Valtrex 500 mg for genital herpes, begin using it as soon as you notice symptoms (pain, burning, blisters) of an infection.
* Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
* Valtrex 500 mg may cause dizziness.
* Do not drive, operate, machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Valtrex 500 mg.
* Using Valtrex 500 mg, alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
* Before you begin taking any medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
FOR WOMEN:
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you are or may be pregnant, check with your doctor for instructions on using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine.
Possible Side Effects of Valtrex 500 mg:
* SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Valtrex 500 mg include :
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- dizziness,
- diarrhea,
- headache.
* If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
* Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of a kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine, lower back pain), fever,
weakness, speech problems, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, bloody or dark urine, pale skin, or pinpoint bruises.
* An allergic reaction to Valtrex 500 mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
* Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
* If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Overdose of Valtrex 500 mg :
* If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional Information of Valtrex 500 mg:
* Do not share Valtrex 500 mg with others for whom it was not prescribed.
* Do not use Valtrex 500 mg for other health conditions.
* Keep Valtrex 500 mg out of the reach of children.
* If using Valtrex 500 mg for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out. |