Valaciclovir

Prescription Valaciclovir Drug Information

Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking this medicine. Stop taking valacyclovir and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious side effect that can harm red blood cells, such as: fever, easy bruising or bleeding, red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox), bloody diarrhea, vomiting, pale or yellowed skin, weakness, fainting, or urinating less than usual or not at all. Do NOT take Valaciclovir if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to valaciclovir or aciclovir or any of the other ingredients of Valaciclovir, you have kidney problems, you have liver problems, you are over 65 years of age, your immune system is weak. If you are not sure if the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Valaciclovir. Taking other medicines Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription, including herbal medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines that affect the kidneys. These include aminoglycosides, organoplatinum compounds, iodinated contrast media, methotrexate, pentamidine, foscarnet, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, cimetidine and probenecid. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines if you are taking Valaciclovir for treatment of shingles or after having an organ transplant. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Valaciclovir is not usually recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, or think you could be, or if you are planning to become pregnant, do not take Valaciclovir without checking with your doctor. Your doctor will weigh up the benefit to you against the risk to your baby of taking Valaciclovir while you're pregnant or breast-feeding.