VALTREX®

(valacyclovir hydrochloride) Caplets

DESCRIPTION

VALTREX (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is the hydrochloride salt of L-valyl ester of the antiviral drug acyclovir (ZOVIRAX® Brand, GlaxoSmithKline).

VALTREX Caplets are for oral administration. Each caplet contains valacyclovir hydrochloride equivalent to 500 mg or 1 gram valacyclovir and the inactive ingredients carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, and titanium dioxide. The blue, film-coated caplets are printed with edible white ink.

The chemical name of valacyclovir hydrochloride is L-valine, 2-[(2-amino-1,6-dihydro-6-oxo- 9H-purin-9-yl)methoxy]ethyl ester, monohydrochloride.

Valtrex.com, Valacyclovir Homepage:"Welcome VALTREX is the only once-a-day prescription medication proven to suppress future genital herpes outbreaks. VALTREX works by disrupting the process by which the herpes virus reproduces itself and spreads to other cells in the body. There is no cure for genital herpes, and no drug has been proven to prevent the spread of herpes to others. Use VALTREX to suppress herpes outbreaks or to treat them when they occur."

Drug Name: Valtrex (valacyclovir HCl), Centerwatch.com:"In clinical trials, Valtrex shortened the healing time of genital herpes sores by 33% on average compared to placebo. The duration of pain associated with genital herpes was reduced by 25% in subjects who received Valtrex as opposed to placebo. Valtrex also stopped viral shedding 50% faster on average than placebo. Viral shedding is the process in which virus is released from the skin during an outbreak of genital herpes."

July 17, 2001: Treatment Course for Recurrent Genital Herpes Reduced from Five Days to Three Days, American Social Health Association:"For some patients suffering from genital herpes, treatment just got simpler. In another first for leading genital herpes medication, VALTREX® (valacyclovir HCl) caplets, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for a shorter course of therapy which will allow patients to effectively treat recurrent episodes of genital herpes in three days versus the standard five days of treatment. VALTREX, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is also the only antiviral with once daily dosing to suppress recurrent genital herpes outbreaks. Patients who previously treated recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes with one 500 mg VALTREX caplet twice a day for five days can now take one 500 mg VALTREX caplet twice a day for just three days."
American Social Health Association

Valtrex
Active Ingredients: Valacyclovir
Representative Names: Valtrex
Available Product Images:

What are valacyclovir caplets?
What should my health care professional know before I take valacyclovir?
How should I take this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with valacyclovir?
What side effects may I notice from taking valacyclovir?
What should I watch for while taking valacyclovir?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What are valacyclovir caplets? (Back to top)
VALACYCLOVIR (Valtrex®) is an antiviral agent. Valacyclovir treats herpes zoster infection (shingles) or genital herpes infection. Valacyclovir is not a cure; it will help the sores heal faster and relieve the pain or discomfort. Valacyclovir can also be used to help prevent a genital herpes infection from coming back. Valacyclovir might help prevent genital herpes from being passed on to a partner who does not have genital herpes if it is used with 'safer sex' practices. Generic valacyclovir caplets are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take valacyclovir? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• any other condition that may weaken the immune system
• dehydration
• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to valacyclovir, acyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine? (Back to top)
Take valacyclovir caplets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. You can take valacyclovir with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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