Valtrex Antiviral Medication - Potential Side Effects and Drug Interactions

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 Valtrex: 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.

Potential Valtrex Side Effects: Partial list. Be sure to ask your doctor about any discomfort you have while taking Valtrex, whether or not your side effect is listed below.

Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, weakness, abdominal pain or dizziness may occur the first several days on Valtrex, as your body adjusts to the medication. Of these symptoms, pain in the abdomen, nausea and headaches are most common. If any of these side 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 When Taking Valtrex: 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.

Potential Valtrex Drug Interactions: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including cimetidine or probenecid. Valtrex may interact with quite a few different prescription drugs so make sure to go over all drugs you are taking carefully. A few drugs to consider include Tagamet, Cymbalta, Lyrica, Benuryl and NSAID's.

Notes: Valtrex is most effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the herpes outbreak symptoms first appear.


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 hsv1 and hsv2? 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