Valtrex (Generic)

Generic Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral drug that is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. In children 12 years or older it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and can be used by children 2 years old and up to treat chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth.

Generic Valtrex is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes.

While generic Valtrex stops the growth of certain viruses and lessen symptoms it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks, meaning you can still spread the virus to other people even if you don't have symptoms yourself. What generic Valtrex can do is decrease the severity and length of these outbreaks, including helping to heal sores faster, prevent new sores from forming, and decrease uncomfortable symptoms like pain and itching. Generic Valtrex may also help reduce lingering pain once sores heal.

Valtrex Prescription

Generic Valtrex requires a prescription. You can get a prescription for generic Valtrex (valacyclovir) at Blink Health, including online doctor visit. All generic medications sold through Blink Health Pharmacy are FDA-approved.

Related

Cold Sores Treatment and Prescription

How Do I Know If I Have a Cold Sore?

Some patients feel tingling, itching or burning sensations in the affected area before the blister(s) appear. Read more.

Does Cold Weather Cause Cold Sores?

Drastic temperature changes, in combination with cold and flu season, tend to trigger the painful blisters more frequently. Read more.

How to use generic Valtrex

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking generic Valtrex and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take generic Valtrex by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking generic Valtrex to lower the chance of side effects.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your type of infection, medical condition, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight.

This medication works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, start taking generic Valtrex at the first symptom or as soon as possible after the rash appears. For cold sores or genital herpes, start taking generic Valtrex at the first sign or as soon as you feel tingling, itching, or burning.

Generic Valtrex works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take generic Valtrex at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Continue to take generic Valtrex until the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop generic Valtrex early without your doctor's approval.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Valtrex Side Effects

Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

This medication may rarely cause a life-threatening disorder that affects the blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body. This disorder is more likely to occur if you have conditions related to a weakened immune system (such as HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: extreme tiredness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, sudden vision changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Valtrex Precautions

Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.

This drug may rarely make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Do not have certain immunizations/vaccinations (such as vaccines against the varicella virus) without the consent of your doctor.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation) and kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine).

Cold sores can spread easily. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Try not to touch the cold sore. If you do, wash your hands afterward.

Valacyclovir does not prevent the spread of herpes. To lower the chance of giving genital herpes to your partner, do not have sexual contact during an outbreak or if you have symptoms. You can spread genital herpes even if you do not have symptoms. Therefore, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Valtrex Pill Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Valtrex Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that may cause kidney problems (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen).

Valacyclovir is very similar to acyclovir. Do not use medications containing acyclovir while using valacyclovir.

Valtrex Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, extreme tiredness, mental/mood changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.