The drug can also be taken to prevent a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people who have received organ transplants, and may eventually be used to treat the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is most active against the herpes simplex viruses, and while it is less effective against herpes zoster, EBV, and CMV, it still provides enough of a benefit to be used against those viruses. It is not a new drug, having been approved in 1995. Valacyclovir has been available as a generic drug since 2009.
How Does Valtrex Combat Herpes and Shingles Outbreaks?
Valtrex does not cure herpes or shingles, but it does help slow the growth and the spread of the virus so the body’s own immune system can fight the infection better. It also does not completely prevent the spread of the herpes virus, but it does make outbreaks less severe and less frequent, and can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus (which can be spread even when blisters are not visible).
Valtrex works best when it is initiated as early as possible in an outbreak, whether of herpes simplex (first or subsequent outbreaks) or shingles. Some people with repeated herpes outbreaks develop pre-outbreak symptoms like skin sensitivity or tingling, and the drug works even better if treatment is initiated during this pre-outbreak phase.
What Side Effects Should I Expect from Valtrex?
Allergic reactions to Valtrex are very rare, but they can be extremely serious. If you take Valtrex and experience signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, like hives, swelling of the throat, face, or tongue, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical treatment.
Serious side effects that are fortunately rare include easy bruising or bleeding, fever, red spots on the skin (that are not herpes sores), vomiting, pale or yellow skin, weakness, fainting, or urinating less than usual.
More common, but less serious side effects include nausea or stomach pain, headache, dizziness, tiredness, stuffy nose, sore throat, menstrual pain, or joint pain.
Is Valtrex Used Differently in Different People?
Valtrex is prescribed in different doses for different lengths of time depending on what type of outbreak it is being prescribed for. For example, someone experiencing their first herpes outbreak (which is usually the most serious outbreak) will likely be prescribed a different dosage than someone who experiences recurrent outbreaks. Likewise, dosages and durations differ for treating herpes simplex, and shingles, and may vary depending on the immune system health of the patient.
Can Pregnant or Nursing Women Take Valtrex?
Valtrex has not been shown to result in a higher rate of birth defects than in babies born to women not taking the drugs. In fact, herpes outbreaks – particularly a first outbreak – can threaten both maternal and fetal health. Therefore, a woman taking Valtrex for an initial outbreak who then discovers she is pregnant should not stop taking the drug, but should inform her doctor.
Though a small amount of Valtrex passes to a baby during breastfeeding, the benefits to the mother of continuing to take the drug outweigh any risks associated with breastfeeding, and the American Academy of Pediatrics supports the use of Valtrex during breastfeeding, since no side effects to babies have been reported.
Does Valtrex Prevent Transmission of the Herpes Virus?
Valtrex, when used in combination with safe sex practices (use of condoms), can help prevent the spread of the virus, but it is not 100% dependable for this purpose. Once-daily, long-term use of Valtrex reduces the chance of transmitting the virus to an asymptomatic partner by about half.
Unfortunately, around 90% of people with genital herpes aren’t aware they have it, and their initial outbreak could be mild enough not to cause significant symptoms. The problem is, these people can still shed the virus through sexual contact. In other words, the herpes virus can be transmitted even when people are not having visible symptoms. Condom use, along with the use of Valtrex, can cut down on sexual transmission of the herpes virus.
Can Valtrex Be Used in Children with Chicken Pox?
Valtrex is not used in children with chicken pox. Another antiviral drug called acyclovir (which is also sold under the brand name Zovirax) can be used to treat chicken pox in children and adults. However, in otherwise healthy children, it is usually not necessary. What’s more, unless treatment of chicken pox with Zovirax begins within 24 hours of the onset of the chicken pox rash, it doesn’t help significantly.
Recommended Dosage Table for Adults
The following table includes typical dosing for adults. People with kidney disease, particularly if they are on dialysis, may take a different dose that is specifically calculated by their doctor.
| ED Drug | Active Ingredient | Typical Starting Dose | Cost Per Dose | Onset of Action | Duration of Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra | Sildenafil Citrate | 50 mg | $47.501 | 30-60 mins | 4-6 hours |
| Generic Viagra (Greenstone) | Sildenafil Citrate | 50 mg | $30.001 | 30-60 mins | 4-6 hours |
| Levitra | Vardenafil hydrochloride | 10 mg | $41.002 | 30-60 mins | 4-6 hours |
| Cialis (On Demand) | Tadalafil | 10 mg | $94.003 | 30-45 mins | Up to 36 hours |
| Cialis (Daily) | Tadalafil | 5 mg | $18.004 | n/a | 24 hours if taken daily |
| Staxyn (orosoluable) | Vardenafil hydrochloride | 10 mg | $45.505 | 30-60 mins | 6-8 hours |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 100 mg | $43.006 | 15-30 mins | up to 6 hours |
- 1Based on the AccessRx price for 100-milligram tablet that can be split to yield two doses.
- 2Based on the AccessRx price for 20-milligram tablet that can be split to yield two doses.
- 3AccessRx prices for 10- and 20-milligram tablets are the same; tablets should not be split
- 4Price per tablet based on AccessRx price of $540 for 30-day supply; do not split
- 5Price per tablet based on AccessRx price of $182 for four orosoluble tablets; do not split
- 6Price per tablet based on AccessRx price of $172 for two tablets split to yield four doses
What Other Health Conditions Should My Doctor Know About?
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Valtrex before, you should inform your doctor immediately. Additionally, your doctor should know if you have any sort of kidney disease or are on kidney dialysis. Tell your doctor if you have HIV or AIDS, or if you have another medical condition that compromises your immune system. Your doctor should also know if you have had a kidney transplant or a bone marrow transplant. Though Valtrex can be taken by pregnant women, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
What Drugs Can Interact with Valtrex?
Many drugs have been found to interact with Valtrex, and some of these drug interactions can be dangerous. It doesn’t mean you can’t take Valtrex if you take these drugs, but your doctor may need to monitor you more closely if you do. The following drugs are known to interact with Valtrex:
- ATRIPLA Oral (efavirenz-emtricitabin-tenofov oral)
- Complera Oral (emtricitab-rilpivirine-tenofov oral)
- Stribild Oral (elvitegr-cobicist-emtric-tenof oral)
- Truvada Oral (emtricitabine-tenofovir oral)
- Viread Oral (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate oral)
You should inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs that you take, including supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
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