U.S. Brand Names

Valtrex®

Canadian Brand Names

Valtrex®

Mexican Brand Names

Rapivir

Pharmacologic Category

Antiviral Agent, Oral

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat a variety of viral infections.

How does it work?

• Valacyclovir works to injure the virus and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• If you are taking this medicine for a recurring infection, start medicine as soon as possible.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Belly pain.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe headache.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.

• Pinpoint red spots on skin.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 16:14:12.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:31.0

Lexi-PALS^TM © (1977)-(2008) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.