HERPES

Valtrex® (valacyclovir.HCI)

Valtrex® (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is the hydrochloride salt of L-valyl ester of the antiviral drug acyclovir (Zovirax® Brand, GlaxoSmithKline).

An F.D.A. approved therapy for the treatment of recurrent genital herpes and shingles. You must get a prescription from your health care provider for Valtrex.

A recent clinical study proved that VALTREX, when taken once daily, can significantly reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes.

VALTREX is not a replacement for practicing safer sex.

If you are taking VALTREX to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to your partner, there are a few important things you still need to do:
Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you get an outbreak or think you are about to get an outbreak and always use a condom when you have sex, even between outbreaks.

Important Information About VALTREX®

• There is no cure for herpes. Even with treatment, it may be possible to spread herpes.
• When daily VALTREX is used to reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes, still practice safe sex.
• It is not known if VALTREX reduces the risk of spreading genital herpes in same sex couples.
• Do not take more or less of Valtrex or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
• VALTREX is intended for healthy adults. To avoid a potentially serious complication, tell your doctor if your immune system is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, bone marrow or kidney transplant.
• Patients with kidney problems may have a higher chance of side effects or more kidney problems.
• Elderly patients have a higher chance of certain side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Side Effects

• Common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, abdominal pain, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation or dizziness.
• If you have more severe side effects like blood in your urine, confusion, a rash, fever, itching, or jaundice, call your doctor immediately.