What is Valtrex?
Valtrex is the brand name for the drug valaciclovir (spelled valacyclovir in the USA). Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The generic valaciclovir is also available from several drug manufacturers.
Valaciclovir is in a class of drugs called antivirals. In the human body, valacyclovir is converted into aciclovir (spelled acyclovir in the USA). Aciclovir is the active form of the drug. Aciclovir works by damaging viral DNA without harming human DNA. This prevents the viruses from being able to reproduce.
Who Uses Valaciclovir?
Valacyclovir is used to treat a number of different viral infections. It is not a cure. The viruses will continue to live inside the body. Valaciclovir helps to decrease the severity and frequency of outbreaks from the viral infection, by stopping the growth or reproduction of the viruses.
In the USA, valacyclovir is approved to treat herpes labialis, also known as cold sores. Cold sores are most often caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), also called the human herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1). Cold sores are also sometimes caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or human herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2). When taking valacyclovir for cold sores, it is important to take it at the first sign of tingling, itching, or burning. The dosage for cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for only one day, taken 12 hours apart.
Valaciclovir is also approved for treating genital herpes, which is mainly caused by HSV-2. Valaciclovir is used to treat the initial episode, recurrent episodes, and for suppressive therapy to prevent outbreaks. Valaciclovir is also used by partners of those infected with genital herpes, to reduce the possibility of transmitting the infection to the non-infected partner.
Valacyclovir is also approved to treat herpes zoster, also called shingles. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is a different type of herpes virus. Treatment for shingles should be started as early as possible. Aciclovir works best when treatment is started within 48 hours of the beginning of the rash.
How is Valaciclovir Supplied?
Dosage forms of valaciclovir include tablets, film-coated tablets, and capsules. Valaciclovir comes in 500 milligram (500 mg) and 1 gram (1 g) strengths.
Side Effects
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you take valacyclovir. This will help lower the chance of experiencing side effects. Common side effects of valacyclovir include headaches, dizziness, and digestive system problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, pain, and indigestion.
Rare but serious side effects include mood changes, trouble speaking, shaky movements, and kidney problems. Other rare but serious side effects include severe rash, sensitivity to sunlight, unusual bruising or bleeding, and liver problems.
Interactions
Valaciclovir may have interactions with other medications, including some antibiotics and antivirals. Because of this, valaciclovir should always be used under the supervision of a physician.
Valtrex In Australia
In Australia, according to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), Valtrex or valacyclovir is a prescription drug. There are websites such as
http://edonlinestores.net that offer to sell valaciclovir over the counter. It is best to use sources of this type, because of the low prices and high quality of generic products.
It is always best to consult with your primary care physician to make sure you are a healthy candidate for valaciclovir use, and to discuss side effects and interactions with your other medications. The only way to be certain to obtain safe and effective Valtrex or generic valaciclovir is with a prescription from your doctor that you fill at a store-based pharmacy or a reliable online pharmacy.