Valacyclovir

• Valacyclovir is an antiviral medicine. It treats infections caused by herpes viruses.
• It is used for shingles, a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus waking back up.
• It is used for genital herpes, both for treating outbreaks and for lowering how often they happen.
• It is used for cold sores on the lips or around the mouth.
• Valacyclovir does not cure herpes infections. The virus stays in your body, but this medicine helps control outbreaks and can lower the chance of spreading the virus to others.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• You can take valacyclovir with or without food.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids while you are taking this medicine to help protect your kidneys.
• Start taking valacyclovir as soon as you notice symptoms, such as tingling, burning, or the first sign of a rash, for the best results.
• Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare professional tells you. The amount and how often you take it will be on your prescription label.

If you miss a dose

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule.
• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting this medicine.
• This medicine passes into breast milk. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks if you are breastfeeding.

• Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had an allergic reaction to valacyclovir or acyclovir.
• Tell your healthcare professional about any kidney problems, past or present.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Tell your healthcare professional about all other medicines you take, including over-the-counter products.

Important warnings

• In rare cases, valacyclovir has caused serious kidney problems and confusion or other changes in how your brain works. This is more likely in older adults and people with kidney problems who take more than their prescribed dose.
• A rare but serious blood disorder that affects clotting has happened in some people with advanced HIV disease or organ transplants who took very high doses. Tell your healthcare team right away if you notice unusual bruising, bleeding, or purple spots on your skin.
• A serious allergic skin reaction with fever, rash, and swollen glands has been reported. Stop taking valacyclovir and get medical help if you develop a widespread rash along with fever or swelling.

• Headache
• Upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired or weak
• Dry mouth

When to get emergency help

• A severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, or trouble breathing.
• Confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, unusual agitation, or trouble staying awake.
• Passing very little urine, swelling in your legs or ankles, or unexplained weight gain.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding, or tiny purple or red spots on your skin.
• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin.

When to contact a healthcare professional

• If your symptoms do not improve or get worse after starting treatment.
• If you develop a new rash that is not part of your usual condition.
• If you have ongoing diarrhea, especially if it is watery or contains blood.
• If you have questions about how long to continue treatment.

• You can take valacyclovir with or without food.
• Tell the Care365 care team about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, especially other medicines that affect your kidneys.
• No specific interactions with alcohol have been identified, but check with the Care365 care team if you have concerns.

• Store at room temperature, away from light.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Return unused or expired medicine to your pharmacy for safe disposal.