Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Valacyclovir Generic Valtrex is an antiviral drug. Antiviral halt the growth and spread of the herpes simplex virus, cold sore, herpes zoster, shingles, genital herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection. Valacyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.
Valacyclovir generic valtrex is used to treat infections caused by herpes Viruses. Valacyclovir Valtrex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Drug Name: Valtrex

Generic Name: Valacyclovir

Manufacture By : Cipla (Cipla manufacturing strengths have established it as a producer of world-class generics, branded generics and a major supplier of its range of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) World-Wide).

Valacyclovir is available as 500mg and 1000mg tablet form.

Shoppillrx the Best Online Pharmacy supplies only top-quality generic drugs that are exact equivalent of the brand name drugs.

Prescription Required: No

Information About: Virus, Antiviral Drugs, Cold Sore, Herpes, Herpes Simplex Virus, Herpes Zoster, Genital Herpes, Shingles, Herpes Cure, Herpes medication and Herpes treatment?

Virus: A virus (from the Latin noun virus, meaning toxin or poison) is a sub-microscopic particle (ranging in size from about 15–600 nm) that can infect the cells of a biological organism. Viruses can replicate themselves only by infecting a host cell. They therefore cannot reproduce on their own. At the most basic level, viruses consist of genetic material contained within a protective protein coat called a capsid. They infect a wide variety of organisms: both eukaryotes (animals, plants, protists, and fungi) and prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea). A virus that infects bacteria is known as a bacteriophage, often shortened to phage. The study of viruses is known as virology and people who study viruses are known as virologists. Viruses cause several serious human diseases, such as AIDS, influenza and rabies. Therapy is difficult for viral diseases as antibiotics have no effect on viruses and antiviral drugs are expensive. The best way to prevent viral diseases is with a vaccine, which produces immunity.

Antiviral drugs: Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics, specific antivirals are used for specific viruses. Antiviral drugs are one class of antimicrobials, a larger group which also includes antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic drugs. They are relatively harmless to the host, and therefore can be used to treat infections. They should be distinguished from viricides, which actively deactivate virus particles outside the body.

Herpes: Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HCV). Herpes has spread quickly because people do not realise or do not know when their herpes is active and pass the disease on to others. Herpes affects millions of people in the United States. Herpes viruses cycle between periods of active disease—presenting as blisters containing infectious virus particles—that last 2–21 days, followed by a remission period, during which the sores disappear. Herpes can be contracted through direct contact with an active lesion or body fluid of an infected person.

Herpes is most infectious during the period when itchy sores start to appear on the skin during an outbreak. Herpes can also be transmitted by non-penetrative sex. Herpes infections also can be transmitted by a person who is infected with HSV but has no noticeable symptoms. Herpes lesions may occur in areas that can be covered or protected by a condom, but they also may occur in areas that cannot be covered or protected by a condom.

Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called cold sores, infects the face and mouth. Infection of the genitals, commonly known as herpes, is the second most common form of herpes.
Genital herpes can be more difficult to diagnose than oral herpes since most HSV-2-infected persons have no classical signs and symptoms.

Lysine supplementation has been used for the prophylaxis and treatment of herpes simplex in doses exceeding 1 g/day; smaller doses appear ineffective.

Herpes Simplex Virus: The term herpes generally refers to a sexually-transmitted, double-stranded DNA virus, called herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 (also known as human herpesvirus 2, or HHV2). This virus is closely related to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1 or HHV1), which is the cause of common nonsexually-transmitted cold sores. These two viruses are among the eight members of the herpes virus family to infect humans, causing a variety of illnesses ranging from cold sores to brain infection (encephalitis) to chickenpox to various cancers.

Herpes Zoster: Herpes zoster, colloquially known as shingles, is the reactivation of varicella zoster virus, or VZV. The virus, one of the Herpesviridae group, leads to a group of painful blisters over the area of a dermatome. After an attack of chicken pox, the varicella-zoster virus retreats to nerve cells within the ganglion or the spinal cord, where it will lie dormant for several months up to several decades. Herpes zoster can develop at any age, but the highest incidence is after 60 years. Aging, stress, or disease will cause the varicella zoster virus to reactivate and reproduce, at which point it is known as herpes zoster. Once activated, the herpes zoster virus travels along the path of a nerve to the skin's surface, where it causes shingles.

Genital Herpes: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Genital herpes can cause recurrent painful genital sores in many adults, and herpes infection can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems.

Genital herpes is a very common infectious disease, but there is a surprising lack of information available about genital herpes, and an equal lack of "heart" in dealing with having genital herpes. Genital herpes does not always occur on the groin. Genital herpes need not be restricted to the genitals and may affect the skin anywhere in the groin.

Genital herpes is spread only through direct skin-to-skin contact or mucous membrane contact. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection. Genital herpes is one of the commonest sexually transmitted infections, and the prevalence is increasing. Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which also causes herpes on the face (in the form of cold sores). Genital herpes is passed on through skin contact with a person infected with the virus, most frequently during sex.

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Australia. Genital herpes a world wide problem in the USA it is estimated that as many as 50 million Americans are infected with genital herpes. Genital herpes is more common in women. Genital herpes may never be more severe than one very small sore on the labia or foreskin, around the anus, or on the thigh.

Genital herpes is a recurrent skin condition that can cause skin irritations in the genital region (anus, vagina, and penis). Genital herpes infections are transmitted sexually or from a mother's genital tract to her newborn baby.

Shingles: Herpes zoster, colloquially known as shingles. Shingles is an acute infection by a virus called Herpes zoster, which causes an eruption of vesicles in the skin. The eruption is usually distributed along the area of the skin that is innervated by a nerve that supplies sensation. The pain associated with shingles is, in part, related to inflammation of the associated sensory nerve. Herpes zoster, zoster, acute viral disease in adults which is characterized by a painful skin rash on nerve pathways which is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.

Cold Sore:

• Cold sores (also called facial herpes, labial herpes or orofacial herpes) are caused by a virus, usually herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is passed from person to person by direct contact with infected skin or saliva. Many people, who experience cold sores, have two or three outbreaks (recurrences) each year.
• As the cold sore "feeds" itself from water, this will end its existence in a day or two. The virus can be reactivated due to the effects of other illnesses such as cold and influenza, eczema, emotional and physical stress, exposure to bright sunlight, gastric upset, fatigue or injury, as well as menstruation resulting in the reappearance of surface sores.
• During oral sex, herpes can be passed from a cold sore around the mouth to a partner's genitals or vice versa. In other cases, they may recur when a woman's resistance is lowered by a cold or the flu.  HSV 1 commonly causes 'cold sores' and tends to occur in the upper half of the body, mainly around the lips and mouth.
• Commonly the cause of 'cold sores', HSV 1 tends to occur in the upper half of the body, mainly around the lips and mouth. HSV1 commonly causes 'cold sores', and tends to occur in the upper half of the body, mainly around the lips and mouth. Herpes Simplex 1 is responsible for oral herpes, more commonly known as cold sores, which generally show up on or around the mouth.
• However, if a person with HSV-1 oral herpes (cold sores) performs oral sex, it is possible for the partner to get HSV-1 genital herpes. Cold sores and genital lesions remain infectious until they have crusted over, so contact should be avoided during this time because the virus can be transmitted to other parts of the body, and to other people, especially between the mouth and the genitals.
• Cold sores and genital lesions also create a breach in the skin's natural defences, creating portals for other infections, like HIV. HSV-1 is commonly associated with herpes outbreaks of the face known as cold sores or fever blisters, whereas HSV-2 is more often associated with genital herpes.
• Type 1 herpes (HSV-1) is carried by over 80 per cent of the population and is the culprit behind recurrent cold sores. However, avoid sharing razors, especially with someone who has an active cold sore. 

Herpes Cure: There is no cure yet, but there are treatments which reduce the likelihood of viral shedding.

• Taking antiviral medications daily reduces both viral shedding and disease transmission. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk.
• Once-daily valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes. Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of symptoms and recurrence of outbreaks. In addition, suppressive therapy reduces subclinical viral shedding, lowering the risk of transmission through sexual contact or kissing.
• The amino acid lysine has demonstrated the ability to reduce the duration of infection through inhibiting the replication of the HSV.
• Used as a cream formulation, this treatment reduces viral shedding and severity of itching associated with an HSV outbreak, but does not prevent episodes, speed up healing, or reduce lesion size.
• Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes.
• To reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes, people who have the virus should avoid sexual contact from the time they first feel any symptoms until their lesions are completely healed.
• Researchers have found that daily doses of antiviral herpes drugs reduce a symptomatic shedding, but whether this suppressive therapy can help prevent transmission is not yet known.
• Most doctors advise stopping suppressive therapy after a year in order to re-assess the activity of the disease, and to reduce the risk of developing viral resistance to the antiviral drugs.
• If you are infected with the herpes virus for the first time during pregnancy, there are medications you can take to reduce how severe the symptoms are and how long they last.
• In some cases, women who have a recurrent bout of genital herpes can take a medication during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy to help reduce the risk of an outbreak at the time of delivery and prevent infection in the baby.

Herpes treatment: There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.

• Treatments are available to reduce viral reproduction and shedding, prevent the virus from entering the skin, and reduce the severity of herpetic symptoms.
• Treatment's usually recommended for a first episode, aiming to relieve pain and prevent the virus from spreading.
• Treatment focuses on reducing the intensity of a primary infection, and the frequency and severity of subsequent viral reactivations.
• Treatment should begin within 24–48 hours of onset.
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex), Zovirax (Acyclovir) and other antiviral drugs helps to control the skin eruption.

Herpes medication: There are several prescription antiviral medications for controlling herpes simplex outbreaks, including Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), famcyclovir (Famvir), and pencyclovir.  There is evidence in mice that treatment with Valacyclovir during an initial outbreak can help lower the incidence of future outbreaks by reducing the amount of latent virus in the neural ganglia.  Antiviral medications are also available as topical creams for treating recurrent outbreaks on the lips although their effectiveness is disputed.  Treatment is available in the form of antiviral medications such as nucleoside analogs, which reduce the duration of symptoms of a herpex simplex virus outbreak and accelerate healing.  Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famcyclovir (Famvir) or Valacyclovir (Valtrex) are taken daily to assist with the outbreaks, to help prevent the virus replecating and to reduce recurrance.

How Does Valacyclovir Valtrex Works (Drug Class and Mechanism)?

Valacyclovir hydrochloride is rapidly converted to acyclovir which has demonstrated antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) both in vitro and in vivo.
The inhibitory activity of acyclovir is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV and VZV. This viral enzyme converts acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue. The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes. In vitro, acyclovir triphosphate stops replication of herpes viral DNA. This is accomplished in 3 ways: 1) competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, 2) incorporation and termination of the growing viral DNA chain, and 3) inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase. The greater antiviral activity of acyclovir against HSV compared with VZV is due to its more efficient phosphorylation by the viral TK.

Valacyclovir Valtrex doses?

The dose of valacyclovir will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of valacyclovir. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For oral dosage form (tablets):

• For treatment of genital herpes, first outbreak: Adults: 1 gm tablets two times a day for ten days.
• For treatment of genital herpes, recurrent outbreaks: Adults: 500 mg two times a day for three days.
• To prevent recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes: Adults: 500 mg or 1 gm once a day.
• For treatment of shingles: Adults: 1 gram three times a day for seven days.

The most important information Before taking Valacyclovir?

• Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.
• Valacyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys.
• Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using. You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking certain medications together with valacyclovir.
• Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
• Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
• If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
• Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes.
• Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking with valacyclovir.
• Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people.
• Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).
• Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
  • if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant
• If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take valacyclovir.
• FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.
• However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
• If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
• Valacyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.
• Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

What are the possible side effects of Valacyclovir?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever
• pain in your lower back
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath
• confusion, agitation, aggression, hallucinations, trouble concentrating
• feeling shaky or unsteady
• problems with speech or vision; or
• seizure (convulsions)

Missed dose:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
• Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose

Storage:
Store Valtrex at room temperature, Keep Valtrex in a tightly closed container. Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. Keep Valtrex and all medicines out of the reach of children.

What other drugs affect Valacyclovir?

• Valacyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you are also using:
  • lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
  • methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexal)
  • pain or arthritis medicines such as aspirin (Anacin, Excedrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and others
  • medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis, such as mesalamine (Pentasa) or sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
  • medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, such as sirolimus (Rapamune) or tacrolimus (Prograf)
  • IV antibiotics such as amphotericin B (Fungizone, AmBisome, Amphotec, Abelcet), amikacin (Amikin), bacitracin (Baci-IM), capreomycin (Capastat), gentamicin (Garamycin), kanamycin (Kantrex), streptomycin, or vancomycin (Vancocin, Vancoled)
  • antiviral medicines such as adefovir (Hepsera), cidofovir (Vistide), or foscarnet (Foscavir); or
  • cancer medicine such as aldesleukin (Proleukin), carmustine (BiCNU, Gliadel), cisplatin (Platinol), ifosfamide (Ifex), oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), plicamycin (Mithracin), streptozocin (Zanosar), or tretinoin (Vesanoid).
• You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking any of these medications together with valacyclovir.
• There may be other drugs that can interact with valacyclovir.
• Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
• Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
• Valacyclovir is used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis), shingles (herpes zoster).
• It is also used to treat genital herpes in patients with a normal immune system.
• Valacyclovir can also be used to control genital herpes outbreaks in all patients including those with HIV. This is also known as suppressive therapy.
• This medication helps control symptoms, but does not cure the disease.
• Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals.
• If you are taking valacyclovir for treatment of genital herpes, to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner, it is important to follow safe sex practices even if there are no symptoms present.
• Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane.
• When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.

Warning and Precautions of Valacyclovir Valtrex?

• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• The areas affected by genital herpes or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores (blisters).
• Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
• Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do they may need medical attention.
• Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effect occurs: Painful menstruation, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or nausea.

More Information on Valacyclivir Valtrex?

• Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes.
• Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking with valacyclovir.
• Valtrex may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.
• Use Valtrex with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.
• Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptoms or outbreak of genital herpes.
• Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.
• Use Valtrex with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially kidney and nervous system problems.
• Valtrex should not be used in CHILDREN who have not reached puberty; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor.
• You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Valtrex while you are pregnant.
• Valtrex is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Valtrex , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
• Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.
• Valacyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys.
• Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using.
• You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking certain medications together with valacyclovir.
• Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
• Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
• If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
• Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes.
• Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking with valacyclovir.
• Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people.
• Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

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