Valtrex Information For Genital Herpes Treatment
The following Valtrex frequently
asked question section is for informational purposes only. The information
has been compiled from a variety of resources in order to give the
reader an overview of the use and various effects of Valtrex for
the treatment of genital herpes.
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Why is Valtrex prescribed?
Valtrex is prescribed for the treatment of
genital herpes. Valtrex significantly decreases the number of
genital outbreaks. In addition, once an individual has a genital
herpes outbreak Valtrex will decrease both the duration and
symptoms associated with that particular genital herpes outbreak.
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Why is Valtrex sometimes referred to
as valacyclovir hydrochloride?
Valacyclovir hydrochloride is the generic name
for Valtrex. The generic name represents the medications nonproprietary
or chemical name, whereas, the brand name is the name a pharmaceutical
give to a medication for marketing purposes.
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What is the mechanism of action of Valtrex?
Valtrex (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).
Mechanism of Action of Valtrex
Valtrex (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is rapidly
converted to 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. This process results in blocking
the replication of the herpes viral DNA.
In non technical terms when the herpes virus
tries to reproduce and spread to other cells in the body, Valtrex
disrupts the process. This helps to keep the virus inactive, while
there is no cure for genital herpes, some people on suppressive
therapy with Valtrex can go 6 months or longer without any outbreaks.
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What types of results did Valtrex produce during clinical
trials?
During clinical trials over 1,400 patients
participated in a clinical study of suppressive therapy for genital
herpes in which Valtrex was proven effective. The findings were
as follows:
By the end of 12 months, one-third of the patients
taking Valtrex still had not had a single genital herpes outbreak
compared to only 4% of those taking placebo (sugar pill).
Over half of the patients (55%) who experienced a high frequency
of genital herpes outbreaks (six or more per year) did not have
a single outbreak for 6 months while taking a 1 g Valtrex Caplet
once a day.
Only 7% of those taking placebo (sugar pill) avoided a genital
herpes outbreak in 6 months.
Patients with 9 or fewer genital herpes outbreaks showed comparable
results with a 500 mg Valtrex caplet once a day.
There are no data on the safety or effectiveness of suppressive
therapy for herpes over more than one year's duration.
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Can I get Valtrex over the counter?
No, Valtrex is a prescription medication and
should only be taken when prescribed by a licensed physician.
Regulations do not permit Valtrex to be taken without a prescription.
Secondary to the advent of the internet individuals can now order
lifestyle medication, such as, Valtrex online. Individuals are
ask to complete a medical questionnaire which is subsequently
reviewed by a physician, once approved your Valtrex order will
be shipped discreetly to your home or office in 1-2 business days.
(order Valtrex online now)
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Are there any special warnings concerning the use of Valtrex?
High doses of Valtrex have proved dangerous
in people whose immune system is compromised because of HIV infection,
bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic
purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS), in some cases resulting
in death, has occurred in patients with advanced HIV disease and
also in allogeneic bone marrow transplant and renal transplant
recipients participating in clinical trials of VALTREX at doses
of 8 grams per day.
If your kidneys are not functioning properly,
or you are taking drugs that may damage the kidneys such as Neomycin
or Streptomycin, Valtrex can make your condition worse or affect
your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Valtrex is also contraindicated in patients
with a known hypersensitivity or intolerance to valacyclovir,
acyclovir, or any component of the formulation.
Valtrex relieves the symptoms of genital herpes,
but it is not a cure. There is also no evidence that Valtrex will
prevent transmission of genital herpes. To avoid spreading the
infection, do not have sexual intercourse during a flare-up. Valtrex
is not intended for use in children.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking Valtrex?
If you are taking Valtrex with certain other
drugs, the effect of either drug could be increased, decreased,
or altered. Check with your doctor before combining Valtrex with
cimetidine (Tagamet) and/or probenecid (Benemid).
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Can Valtrex be taking if you are pregnant or breast feeding?
The effects of Valtrex during pregnancy and
breastfeeding have not been adequately reviewed in clinical studies.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your physician
prior to taking the medication. If you are nursing and need to
use Valtrex, your physician may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
while using the medication.
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What are the Recommended doses of Valtrex?
Herpes Zoster - the recommended
dosage of Valtrex for the treatment of herpes zoster is 1 gram
orally 3 times daily for 7 days. Therapy should be initiated at
the earliest sign or symptom of herpes zoster and is most effective
when started within 48 hours of the onset of zoster rash. No data
are available on efficacy of treatment started greater than 72
hours after rash onset.
Genital Herpes (initial episodes) - The recommended
dosage of Valtrex for treatment of initial genital herpes is 1
gram twice daily for 10 days. There are no data on the effectiveness
of treatment with Valtrex when initiated more than 72 hours after
the onset of signs and symptoms. Therapy was most effective when
administered within 48 hours of the onset of signs and symptoms.
Recurrent Episodes - the recommended dosage of Valtrex for the
treatment of recurrent genital herpes is 500 mg twice daily for
3 days. If medical management of a genital herpes recurrence is
indicated, patients should be advised to initiate therapy at the
first sign or symptom of an episode. There are no data on the
effectiveness of treatment with Valtrex when initiated more than
24 hours after the onset of signs or symptoms.
Suppressive Therapy - the recommended dosage
of Valtrex for chronic suppressive therapy of recurrent genital
herpes is 1 gram once daily. In patients with a history of 9 or
fewer recurrences per year, an alternative dose is 500 mg once
daily. The safety and efficacy of therapy with Valtrex beyond
1 year have not been established.
Herpes Labialis (cold sores) - the recommended
dosage of Valtrex for the treatment of cold sores is 2 grams twice
daily for 1 day taken about 12 hours apart. Therapy should be
initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling,
itching, or burning). There are no data on the effectiveness of
treatment initiated after the development of clinical signs of
a cold sore (e.g., papule, vesicle, or ulcer).
Valtrex may be given without regard to meals.
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What if I miss a dose of Valtrex?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to
your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
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What if there is an overdose of Valtrex?
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, call
911 or visit your local emergency room or clinic.
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Is Valtrex a cure for herpes?
Patients should be informed that Valtrex is
not a cure for genital herpes. There are no data evaluating whether
Valtrex will prevent transmission of infection to others. Genital
herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, patients should avoid
contact with lesions or intercourse when lesions and/or symptoms
are present to avoid infecting partners.Genital herpes can also
be transmitted in the absence of symptoms through asymptomatic
viral shedding. If medical management of a genital herpes recurrence
is indicated, patients should be advised to initiate therapy at
the first sign or symptom of an episode.
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How is Valtrex stored?
Store Valtrex at room temperature between
59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
