What is Valtrex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Valtrex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • valACYclovir HCl AvPak, Valtrex

Generic Names:

  • Valacyclovir Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats herpes virus infections, including shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. This medicine will not cure herpes, but may prevent a breakout of herpes sores or blisters. Also treats chicken pox.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiviral

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Valtrex come in

  • Tablet

What are common Valtrex doses?

  • Tablet 1GM

  • Tablet 500MG

Common Valtrex prescriptions

  • Valtrex
    10 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    14 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    18 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    21 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    3 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    30 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    4 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    42 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    7 tablets bottle

  • Valtrex
    1gm tablet

  • Valtrex
    500mg tablet

How to take Valtrex

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine works best when you take it at the first sign of a herpes breakout.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Discard any unused medicine after 28 days.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine works best when you take it at the first sign of a herpes breakout.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Discard any unused medicine after 28 days.

Valtrex contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or acyclovir.

Valtrex warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, HIV or AIDS, or had a bone marrow or kidney transplant.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Kidney problemsNervous system problemsThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (in patients who have HIV or had a bone marrow or kidney transplant)

  • Do not have sex while you have herpes sores. Valacyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex.

  • Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others. Always use condoms made from latex or polyurethane when you have sexual contact.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or change how you take it, without talking to your doctor.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Valtrex interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, HIV or AIDS, or had a bone marrow or kidney transplant.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Kidney problemsNervous system problemsThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (in patients who have HIV or had a bone marrow or kidney transplant)

  • Do not have sex while you have herpes sores. Valacyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex.

  • Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others. Always use condoms made from latex or polyurethane when you have sexual contact.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly, or change how you take it, without talking to your doctor.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Valtrex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Confusion, agitation, depression, or other behavior changes

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

  • Problems with walking, speaking, or coordination, seeing or hearing things that are not there

  • Fast heartbeat, fainting, or extreme weakness

  • Seizures or tremors

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Pinpoint red spots on your skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine or stools

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache or dizziness

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain