Drug name: Valtrex

Active substance: valacyclovir hydrochloride

Pharmacological effects: Valtrex is an antiviral medicine. In the human organism valacyclovir is metabolized into acyclovir due to a specific enzyme called valacyclovirhydrolase. Valtrex works by fitting into the viral DNA making viral replication nearly impossible. Valtrex possesses a specific antiviral activity against Herpes simplex type 1 and 2, Varicella zoster, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus.

Indications: Valtrex is indicated to treat infections caused by:

• Shingles
• Cold sore
• Genital herpes
• Chickenpox

Valtrex can also be prescribed for the prophylaxis of genital herpes.

Warnings and Precautions: The drug should not be used in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparations.

Talk with your doctor if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• Kidney and liver diseases
• Bone marrow or kidney transplantation
• HIV and AIDS
• Thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Depression
• Immune system diseases
• Cancer
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Valtrex side effects: Drugs may cause side effects which in specific patients may manifest differently. In the following paragraph we want to underline the most serious and frequent side effect of Valtrex that were identified by the drug manufacturers. The possibility of the adverse effect manifestation depends only on the individual and his specific traits.

• The most common Valtrex side effects include: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, painful menstrual periods, depression, vomiting, joint pain, increased amount of liver enzyme, dizziness.
• The less common Valtrex side effects include: decreased urination, itching, hives, vision problems, fever, hallucination, mood changes

For full information on any risks and adverse effects associated with Valtrex, please consult your doctor, read the included leaflet or contact our customer support service.

Interactions: Before using Valtrex please tell your doctor which drugs or supplements you are already taking including those bought without a prescription. Also check if any additional medicine which you will take during the course of Valtrex therapy are safe in combination. Especially mention if you are taking the following drugs:

• Cimetidine that increases Valtrex blood levels
• Probenicid that may enhance the effects of Valtrex
• Tenofovir and Valtrex increase the effects of each other(sinergism)

Patients information: Valtrex is not to be shared with healthy individuals. It is strictly FORBIDDEN to use the drugs in treatment of any conditions unrelated to their indications. The product as well as utilized vials, syringes, needles if used during the course of treatment should be kept out of reach of children and never reused.