VALCLOVIR 1000 mg

VALCLOVIR (valacyclovir) is an antiviral prescription medication which is used to treat patients who are suffering from outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus, cold sores and shingles. This drug has been clinically proven to reduce the duration and the severity of outbreaks as well as limiting the occurrence of future outbreaks.

Uses

VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is used for l treatment of viral infections of skin, mucus membrane, genitals and eyes caused by herpes virus including cold sores (blisters on and around your lips) and shingels (painful rashes usually in the form of a strip of blisters). It is also used for treatment of recurrent genital herpes infections, to treat chickenpox in children.

What is this medicine?

VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) plays the role of an anti-viral drug – which is known to slow the growth of herpes as it spreads and help improve your body?s fight against the infection. Whilst VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is not meant to cure herpes, it will help reduce the symptoms of the infection.

Some of the medical conditions caused by herpes virus include cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles. VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is a medication that can be used to treat herpes for both adults and children. For children, VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) can be used to treat cold sores – only if they are above the age of twelve. Meanwhile, for children with chickenpox – VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is recommended for those over the age of two years.

Know More About How VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) Works

VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is known to start working within twenty four hours of taking the first tablet. It has been proven to lessen the severity of any outbreak in this duration. When VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is used, not only will the outbreak be controlled – but also the pain that comes with herpes outbreak will be lessened.

Though VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is normally purchased for cold sores and shingles, it however also an effective form of treatment for genital herpes. By doing so, the risk of your partner catching genital herpes can also be reduced. Generally, the severity of an outbreak can be reduced within three days of taking VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir).

VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is an antiviral drug and belongs to class called synthetic nucleoside analogues. Once ingested, VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is converted in the body to active form acyclovir. It ?works by blocking the viral DNA replication a process essential for the virus to grow and multiply. It thus stops the virus from spreading in the body.

Genital Herpes Treatments:

While there is no cure for genital herpes there are effective forms of treatment that can help prevent future outbreaks. Currently all of the herpes treatment medications work as an antiviral and actually fight the virus itself, slowing it down and preventing it from spreading in the body.

What are Shingles and their Symptoms?

Shingles is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The herpes virus that causes shingles and chickenpox is not the same type of herpes that causes genital herpes. Most commonly it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms without the flu
• Rash that can cover large areas of the body and looks like red shingles that can also have lesions or blisters; which can ooze blood and pus and crust over
• Headache
• Fever
• Achy muscles

What To Take Note Before Taking VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir)

Before you start taking VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir), let your doctor know if you have certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, weak immune system, bone marrow transplant or HIV/AIDS. Also, inform your health care provider about any over the counter medication you may be taking – since the VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) dosage needs to be adjusted when combined with other medications.

If you are pregnant and you need to take VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir), you may safely do so as VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) is considered to be safe during pregnancy. In fact, it has been assigned as the category B medication. However, the exact safety of VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) during pregnancy has not been clinically proven, so the complete risks are not yet known. Women who are thinking of getting pregnant or already pregnant must discuss if the benefits of taking VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) far outweigh any risks to the developing baby.

How To Take VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir) Properly

Only take this prescription drug exactly as directed to by a physician. Most often it will be prescribed to be taken 1-2 times per day with a full glass of water. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you can. This medication works best when taken on a full stomach. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) -any other condition that may weaken the immune system -bone marrow or kidney transplant -kidney disease -an unusual or allergic reaction to VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir), acyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

-cimetidine -probenecid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after 1 week. This medicine works best when taken early in the course of an infection, within the first 72 hours. Begin treatment as soon as possible after the first signs of infection like tingling, itching, or pain in the affected area. It is possible that genital herpes may still be spread even when you are not having symptoms. Always use safer sex practices like condoms made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact. You should stay well hydrated while taking this medicine. Drink plenty of fluids.

Conditions Treated By VALCLOVIR (Valacyclovir)

• Treating herpes in adults
• Preventing genital herpes and its spread from one person to another
• Preventing shingles in adults
• Treating cold sores in both adults and children
• Preventing recurrent outbreaks of herpes