Valtrex Antiviral Medication

Indications: herpes zoster, genital herpes, cold sores

Uses: Valtrex is an antiviral agent used in the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), genital herpes and is also being used for herpes simplex (cold sores).

How to Take: Take this medication by mouth as directed. Take all your Valtrex medication as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop taking Valtrex without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, weakness, stomach pain or dizziness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if your condition does not appear to improve or you experience a worsening of symptoms while taking this medication.

Precautions: Tell your doctor if you have any kidney disease, blood disorders or if you have any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including cimetidine or probenecid.

Notes: This medication is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash first appears.

Missed Dosage: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

About Acyclovir:
Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat herpes zoster (shingles), chickenpox, or genital herpes.

Acyclovir may also be used to treat other conditions.

Acyclovir, also called Zovirax, is excreted through the kidneys so those with kidney problems need to fully inform their doctor and pharmacist if prescribe acyclovir, as dosage may need to be reduced in some cases.

Longterm use of acylovir can lead to the body developing resistance to it. Also, diarrhea and skin rash may occur with longterm use. More rare side effects include nausea, headaches and vomiting.

The list of medications with which Zovirax can react is quite long so be sure to take a complete list of all medications you are currently taking, as well as all vitamins and other nutrients, when talking to your doctor about taking acyclovir for your herpes outbreaks.

How many people have herpes? Whew, lots of people! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of 5 American teenagers and adults is infected with HSV-2. Women are more commonly infected than men. In the United States, 1 out of 4 women is infected with HSV-2. Visit the site for more important health information regarding herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. Source: The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases