Valacyclovir is a drug that is widely used to help treat viral infections caused by a group of herpes simplex viruses.
Please note that valacyclovir does not cure herpes zoster or genital herpes. This drug works to relieve the symptoms and pain caused by herpes.
It can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription and is available in tablet form, here is information about valacyclovir that is important to know.
1. Benefits
Valacyclovir is used to treat certain viral infections and mostly to help treat herpes virus infections. Generally this drug is used to relieve the symptoms of herpes zoster and genital herpes.
In addition, this drug can also be given to treat cold sores, which are small, painful blisters that can appear around the mouth, face or nose, and chicken pox because varicella zoster.
Valacyclovir is a drug antivirus which works by stopping the growth of certain viruses. However, the virus that causes infection does not die and continues to live in the body of the sufferer. Valacyclovir only reduces the severity and duration of an illness. This is because this drug can speed up wound healing, prevent new wounds from forming, and reduce pain and itching. Valacyclovir can also reduce pain after the wound has healed, citing WebMD.
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2. Warning
valacyclovir drug illustration (pexels.com/KM L)–
Before taking valacyclovir, you must tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS infection, a weakened immune system, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant. This is because valacyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys and the harmful effects can be increased when used together with other drugs that also harm the kidneys.
Treatment with valacyclovir is started as soon as possible after the first symptoms appear, such as tingling, burning sensations, or blisters. This is because these drugs work most effectively at the beginning of the disease.
Reported Drugs, stop taking the drug immediately and report to your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects that have the potential to harm red blood cells, such as fever, easy bruising or bleeding, red spots on the skin that are not related to herpes or chickenpox, diarrhea that is severe to bloody, vomiting, pale or yellowed skin, weakness, fainting, or urinating less than usual or not at all.
Breastfeeding mothers should not take valacyclovir because the drug can pass into breast milk, so it can harm a nursing baby.
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3. Dose
illustration of taking medicine (pexels.com/Jeshoots)–
According to the National Drug Information Center of BPOM RI, the general doses of valacyclovir are:
- Herpes zoster: 1 gram to three times a day for 7 days.
- Herpes simplex: for episode 1 and recurrent infections the dose is 500 milligrams (mg) twice daily for 5 consecutive days. The duration of drug consumption may be longer if new lesions appear during therapy or if healing is not complete.
- Prevention of cytomegalovirus after kidney transplantation: Valacyclovir should be started within 72 hours of transplantation at a dose of 2 grams four times a day. Usually this drug must be taken for 90 days.
However, it is a general dose that may vary from patient to patient. Follow the dosage recommendations from your doctor.
Also Read: Morphea: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment
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4. How to use
illustration of taking valacyclovir (quebecnewstribune.com)–
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Valacyclovir tablets can be taken with or without food. Take the medication with plenty of water to keep your kidneys functioning properly. Start taking this medicine as soon as the first symptoms appear.
This medicine may not work as effectively if it is only taken 1-2 days after symptoms appear. So, you should really pay attention to when the symptoms start to develop.
Some herpes infections may require a longer treatment. Even if your symptoms improve, keep taking valacyclovir for the full length of time prescribed.
Try not to miss a dose, as this can increase the risk of the virus becoming resistant to the drug.
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5. Overdose, missed dose and storage
medicine storage illustration (pexels.com/Polina Tankilevitch)–
Symptoms of a valacyclovir overdose can include changes in urine volume, extreme fatigue, changes in mental status or mood, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience or see someone with symptoms of an overdose, especially if someone faints or has difficulty breathing.
You must also pay attention to the schedule for taking medication, so you don’t miss a dose. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose when it is near the time of the next dose.
Store the medication at room temperature away from light and moisture. If a medication is no longer needed or has expired, throw it away as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets, yes!
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6. Drug interactions
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Quotes Cleveland Clinic, do not take this drug together with cidofovir. Not only that, this drug is also able to interact with a variety of other drugs, including:
- Adefovir
- Amphotericin B
- Antibiotic drugs belonging to amikasin, gentamisin, tobramycin, vankomisin
- Cisplatin
- Colistin
- Simetidine
- cyclosporine
- Foscarnet
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Probenesid
- Tacrolimus
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7. Side effects
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according to RxListHowever, valacyclovir has side effects that can include:
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Stomach ache
- Sore throat
- Menstrual cramps or pain in women
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Gag
- Dizzy
- skin rash
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Low white blood cell count (leukopenia, neutropenia)
- Feeling tired
- Elevated aspartate transaminase (AST)
- Elevated alanine transaminase (ALT)
In addition, there are also less common symptoms of side effects, such as:
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Erythema multiformis
- Fast heart rate
- Hair loss
- High blood pressure
- Shaky
- Visual impairment
If symptoms do not improve or get worse within a few days after consuming valacyclovir, immediately consult a doctor.
Keep in mind, valacyclovir can not prevent transmission of herpes. Therefore, even if you are taking this drug, still avoid sexual activity as long as you or your partner still have herpes symptoms, yes!
Also Read: Fluoxetine: Benefits, Warnings, Dosages, Interactions, Side Effects
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