Valacyclovir Tablets

What is this medication?

VALACYCLOVIR (val ay SYE kloe veer) helps manage infections, such as cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox, caused by viruses. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valtrex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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 valacyclovir, acyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your care team even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your care team.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Adefovir
• Amphotericin B
• Certain antibiotics like amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin
• Cimetidine
• Cisplatin
• Colistin
• Cyclosporine
• Foscarnet
• Lithium
• Methotrexate
• Probenecid
• Tacrolimus

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 medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better after 1 week.

This medication 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 medication. Drink plenty of fluids.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.