Valtrex
Valtrex (valacyclovir) can be used for the treatment of genital herpes, shingles, cold sores and chicken pox, as well as some of the viral infections of the kind. A patient taking Valtrex is supposed to be at least 2 years old. Make sure you start the treatment with Valtrex as soon as you get the first symptoms, such as tingling, burning, and blisters, as later it may not be as effective. Your doctor needs to be aware of the following health problems you have been diagnosed with: kidney disease, a history of kidney or bone marrow transplant, weak immune system, or HIV/AIDS. This may be crucial in determining the lowest efficient dose that you will benefit from. Also report the drugs you are taking at the moment, such as cancer medicine, IV antibiotics, lithium, methotrexate, antiviral medicines, pain or arthritis medicines, ulcerative colitis drugs, and medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection. This drug, being an FDA pregnancy category B, is not expected to affect the health of an unborn baby if taken by the mother, but it is not known for sure whether Valtrex can pass into breast milk. You are not supposed to breastfeed while using this medicine. You may be recommended to stop breastfeeding temporarily if you need to take Valtrex for the condition you have. Mild side effects are possible when you are taking Valtrex and can include stuffy nose, nausea, dizziness, headache, sore throat, joint pain, stomach pain, depression, and mild skin rash. Some patients rarely report more serious side effects. If you get such symptoms as pain in your lower back, drowsiness, aggression, mood changes, increased thirst, hallucinations, trouble concentrating, problems with speech, and loss of appetite, make sure you let your doctor know about them as soon as possible. It’s important to remember that you are still contagious even if you are taking Valtrex. You must not have unprotected sex with your partner, as the risk of him or her getting the infection is very high. Take this medicine for as long as prescribed and do not stop the treatment even though it may seem you have achieved the result desired. Never take too much of this medicine, as this may lead to an overdose. Although an overdose of Valtrex is not expected to be life-threatening, it’s important that you seek emergency medical help if you have taken too much of it. It’s your responsibility to prevent other people from abusing the Valtrex you have been prescribed.
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