- 08.09.2007
- The antiviral agent Valtrex significantly reduces asymptomatic viral shedding in genital herpes according to new data presented today ... More Info
- 22.08.2007
- A shorter course (3 days) of therapy of the antiviral for treating recurrent episodes of genital herpes. Previously, a 5-day ... More Info
Valtrex, Valtrex Application
Therapeutic action:
Valtrex or Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It is a prodrug that through metabolisation is converted into acyclovir. Bioavailability after Valacyclovir hepatic first pass metabolisation reaches 55% unlike when using normal acyclovir only 10-11%. After Acyclovir reaches the virus infested cell it is converted into aciclo-GTP that later incorporates into the viral DNA, thus resulting in chain termination and unavailability for the virus to replicate. The overall effect of Valtrex is slowing growth and spread of the virus so that the body can fight it normally. It does not cure the virus completely but it eases the symptoms of the infection.
Indications:
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is used to treat the following types of viruses:
- Cytomegalovirus
- Varicella zoster virus
- Herpes simplex virus type I
- Herpes simplex virus type II
- Epstein-Barr virus
Though the drug is indicated for:
- Treatment and prophylaxis of genital herpes
- Reduction of transmission of herpes simplex
- Herpes zoster
- Prophylaxis of Cytomegalovirus disease that may follow organ transplantation.
Consult your doctor for any other conditions that may be treated by Valtrex.
Contradictions and cautions:
You should not use valacyclovir if any of the following apply to you:
- Undergoing treatment of HIV/AIDS
- Other conditions that decrease the potency of your immune system
- Hypersensitivity to acyclovir or valacyclovir
- Dehydration
- Kidney or bone marrow transplantation
- Kidney disease
Dosage adjustment may be considered by your doctor in these cases.
Valacyclovir is in FDA pregnancy category B meaning that is is not expected to harm an unborn baby. But you may need to consult your doctor before using it during pregnancy or lactation period. Do not breast-feed while taking Valacyclovir as it may pass into breast milk.
The herpes virus is contagious and may transmit to other people thus it is best to increase the level of your hygiene and use protective measures during sexual intercourse. Valtrex does not prevent the spread of herpes and it is advised to wash your hands thoroughly before and after each meal.
Valtrex Side-effects:
Valtrex like all the other medicine may possesses certain side-effects. If a valtrex side-effect is stated here it does not mean that you may experience it. Serious Valacyclovir side effects may be:
- Allergic reaction: swelling, hives, difficulty breathing and etc.
- Unusual weakness
- Back pain
- Easy bruising
- Fever
- Pail yellow skin, dark urine
- Weight gain, shortness of breath
- Hallucinations, anxiety, aggression, confusion
- Vision and speech problems
- Convulsions
Possible short-term side effects of Valacyclovir are:
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting
- Tiredness, headaches
- Joint and menstrual pain
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
If any of the above Valtrex side-effects or other unusual effects occur call your doctor immediately and consult him on the possible adequate ways to lower or get rid of them.
Interactions:
Be sure to tell your health care provider of any drug, food supplement or vitamin you are using during the treatment with Valtrex. Especialy mention the following:
- Lithium medication like Lithobid and etc.
- Methotrexate or Trexal
- NSAID's like diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin and others
- Aspirin, Acetaminophen
- Organ transplant medicine like sirolimus, tacrolimus
- Ulcer medicine mesalamine, sulfasalazine
- Last generation antibiotics like amphotericin B, amikacin, bacitracin, kanamycin, vancomycin
- Antiviral medication cidofovir, adefovir and etc.
- Cancer treatment tretionin, oxaliplatin, carmustine, cisplatin and others