Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is an antiviral medication used to treat patients suffering from cold sores, shingles and genital herpes, infections caused due to herpes. Doctor are also known to prescribe it as a preventive measure for the disease and as a cure for chickenpox.

Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is an antiviral medication and as such should be administered as soon as the symptoms of the disease start appearing. This medication can be administered with or without food. Drinking a lot of water and juices is important. The lesions caused by herpes should always be kept dry and clean. Wearing loose clothing till the lesions disappear is recommended. The full course of the treatment as advised by the doctor should be followed.

Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) may cause side effects in some patients.

Some of the more common but not serious side effects are as follows:

• Stomach pain, nausea
• Joint pain
• Mild skin rash
• Dizziness, depression, headache, tired feeling
• Menstrual pain
• Sore throat, stuffy nose

Serious side effects which are unlikely are as follows. If they do occur, the doctor should be informed as early as possible:

• Pain in the lower back
• Shortness of breath, weight gain, swelling
• Unsteadiness
• Seizure
• Drowsiness, increased thirst, vomiting and nausea, mood changes, loss of appetite

Very serious side effects which, if they do occur, require a call to the doctor straight away are as follows:

• Bleeding, fever, easy bruising
• Vomiting, bloody diarrhea
• Fainting or weakness
• Yellowing of the skin
• Decrease in urination

Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) may cause drug interactions leading to a weakening of the kidneys or other adverse reactions. The following drugs are to be specially avoided:

• Probenecid
• Cimetidine
• aminoglycosides (for instance, gentamicin, tobramycin),
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs (for instance, ibuprofen),
• vancomycin
• tacrolimus
• cyclosporine
• amphotericin B

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.

Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is an antiviral medication used to treat, prevent and control the following conditions in adults:

• cold sores
• shingles
• genital herpes in adults who have a normal immune system
• genital herpes in adults who are HIV positive

This medication is used to treat the following conditions in children:

• chickenpox (above the age of 2)
• cold sores (above the age of 12)

This medication is also known to be used by people who want to practice a safer sexual life as it lowers the risk of infecting the partner.

Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) should be kept in a cool and dry area.

Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) should not be used by breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women without consulting the doctor.

Abstinence from sex or using a latex condom is important while treatment for an outbreak of herpes is going on.

This medication is not to be administered to a child unless it has been specifically prescribed by a doctor.

This medication may harm the kidneys and should never be administered along with other medications that may do the same.