Valtrex is an antiviral agent.

Valtrex treats herpes zoster infection (shingles) or genital herpes infection.

Valtrex is not a cure; it will help the sores heal faster and relieve the pain or discomfort. Valtrex can also be used to help prevent a genital herpes infection from coming back.

Valtrex contains the antiviral ingredient valacyclovir. Valacyclovir is known as a pro-drug. Once inside the body it is broken down into the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections with herpes viruses. These include the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex 1 and 2) and the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles (varicella zoster or herpes varicellae). Aciclovir works by stopping these herpes viruses from reproducing and infecting more cells in the body.

Aciclovir is converted to a more active

Valtrex may be given without regard to meals.

Herpes Zoster
The recommended Valtrex dose for the treatment of herpes zoster is 1 gram orally 3 times daily for 7 days. Valtrex therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of herpes zoster and is most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of zoster rash. No data are available on efficacy of treatment started greater than 72 hours after rash onset.

Genital Herpes

Initial Episodes:
The

The blood level of Valtrex may be increased by the following medicines:

• cimetidine
• mycophenolate
• probenecid.

This is not normally clinically important. However, where high doses of Valtrex are being used to prevent CMV infection following a kidney transplant, your doctor may consider using alternatives to these medicines, or simply monitor you more closely.

Most Important Fact about Valtrex
Valtrex should not be used by anyone with a very weak immune system, such as those with HIV infection or those who have undergone a bone marrow transplant. Valtrex can cause serious side effects, including death, in such people.

Valtrex precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Valtrex should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the fetus. Seek medical advice from

More common side effects of Valtrex may include:

• headache,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• abdominal pain.

Rare side effects of Valtrex may include:

• aggressive behavior,
• agitation,
• allergic reactions,
• coma,
• confusion,
• decreased consciousness,
• depression,
• diarrhea,
• facial swelling,
• hallucinations,
• hepatitis,
• high
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