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| Pronunciation |
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 (val
ay SYE kloe
veer) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Valtrex® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antiviral Agent, Ophthalmic |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to valacyclovir or any other part of the
medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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|
- This medicine is used for the treatment and prevention of herpes
infections.
- If treating herpes zoster, valacyclovir should be started as soon as
possible; no later than 3 days after rash
appears.
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| How does it work? |
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- Valacyclovir prevents this virus from functioning normally. Virus
reproduction process is stopped.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Drink 8 tall glasses of liquid everyday unless told to drink less
liquid by healthcare provider.
- If you are treating a repeat infection start medicine as soon as
possible.
- Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling
better.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen;
wear protective and eyewear.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum
, or Lactobacillus acidophilus
may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some
pharmacies.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- If you are taking this medicine for repeat infections, watch for signs
of another infection. Start medicine as soon as possible after a sign of
infection.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Severe headache.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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