Valaciclovir is used to treat certain viral infections such as shingles (viral infection that causes a painful rash), cold sores, and herpes infection of the skin and genitals.
This medicine may also be used to prevent infection with a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) after an organ transplant.
Valaciclovir may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Valaciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Valaciclovir at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Valaciclovir if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as aciclovir.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- weak immune system
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Valaciclovir to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Maintain adequate hydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
Valaciclovir does not reduce your risk of passing genital herpes. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading the infection to others. Practice safe sex, including the use of condoms. If you still have genital sores or blisters, you should avoid sexual contact until the doctor certifies that you are cleared of the infection.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, urinalysis, liver and kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs or symptoms of mood changes or skin reactions may also be needed.
Valaciclovir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, fever, tender or enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the face
- severe rashes, especially with multiple tiny red or purple spots on the skin and sometimes on the inside of the mouth
- confusion, agitation, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent), fits or seizures
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- certain antibiotics e.g. amikacin, gentamicin
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- probenecid (medicine for gout [high uric acid level in the blood])
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Valaciclovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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