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How to Use
Valtrex comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. Foll
ow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Valtrex exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Other medicines¡XAlthough certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your do
or may want to change your dose or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine
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What side effects may occur?
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effect occurs:
- Painful menstruation, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or nausea
- Black, tarry stools; ches
t pain; chills; cough; decreased frequency/output of urine; fever; flu-like symptoms; headache; lower back/side pain; reduced mental alertness; shortness of breath; unusual tiredness; yello
w eyes or skin
- Back, leg or stomach pains; changes in behavior, especially in interactions with other people; difficulty breathing or swallowing; fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
; high blood pressure; itching; lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position; redness of skin ;
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Overdose
When taken by people with kidney disorders, excessive doses of Valtrex have been known to cause psychological problems and kidney failure. If you suspect an overdose, check with your doctor immediatel
y.
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Other medical problems
Breast-feeding¡XIt is not known whether Valtrex passes into breast milk. However, acyclovir does pass into breast milk but has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
Valtrex is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from forming
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