Risks, Side Effects and Interactions of Valtrex
While taking Valtrex, side effects may occur due to interactions with other medications. Side effects are generally mild and will disappear with time. Please read the following information and if you have any questions or concerns, please be sure to discuss them with your Doctor before taking Risks, Side Effects and Interactions of Valacyclovir.
Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
Less common side effects include:
- Painful periods in women
- Joint pain
- Depression
- Low blood cell counts
- Changes in Kidney and Liver functions
Rare side effects include:
- Nervous system problems
- Aggressive Behaviour
- Shaky movements
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Speech Problems
- Seizures
- Coma
- Kidney Failure
If any of these side effects become present, see your Doctor as soon as possible.
Who should not take Valacyclovir?
Do not take Valacyclovir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to acyclovir (Zovirax). The active ingredient is valacyclovir.
Special Medical Precautions
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.
For Valacyclovir, the following should be discussed and considered with your Doctor before taking, if these problems exist.
- Had a bone marrow or kidney transplant, or if you have advanced HIV disease or "AIDS". Patients with these medical conditions may have a higher chance for getting a blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) when taking Valacyclovir. TTP/HUS can result in death.
- Have kidney problems. Patients with kidney problems have a higher chance for getting side effects or more kidney problems with Valacyclovir. Your Doctor may give you a reduced dose of Valacyclovir.
- If you are 65 years of age or older. Elderly patients are at risk of certain side effects. Elderly patients are also more likely to have kidney problems.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Talk with your Doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Valacyclovir during pregnancy.
- If you are breastfeeding. Valacyclovir may pass into your milk which may harm your baby. Talk with your Doctor about the options available to you if taking Valacyclovir.
- Tell your Doctor about all the medicines you take (including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements). Valacyclovir may affect and interact with other medicines.
Other Important Information
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
The areas affected by herpes, coldsores, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores.
It is important to remember that Valacyclovir will not keep you from spreading herpes to others.
Herpes infection of the genitals can be caught from or spread to your partner during any sexual activity. Even though you may get herpes if your partner has no symptoms, the infection is more likely to be spread if sores are present. This is true until the sores are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. Therefore, it is best to avoid any sexual activity if either you or your sexual partner has any symptoms of herpes. The use of a latex condom may help prevent the spread of herpes. However, spermicidal (sperm-killing) jelly or a diaphragm will not help.
Please consult your doctor for your specific dosage or if you have any questions or concerns.
To review prices and to order, please refer to Compare Valtrex Prices
Take only under doctors directions. Refer to Dosage Information for a guide to dosages for different infections.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product