Valaciclovir is the generic name for an antiviral treatment used to prevent or suppress symptoms caused by certain viruses:

• Herpes simplex virus type I & II
  
• Herpes labialis (chicken pox)
  
• Varicella zoster virus (shingles)
  
• Epstein-Barr virus
  
• Cytomegalovirus after an organ transplant
  

Once in the body valaciclovir breaks down into aciclovir, which inhibits the ability of viruses to duplicate and spread. This product is superior to aciclovir in that valaciclovir is easier for the body to absorb and utilize, thus is more effective in smaller amounts.

With valaciclovir inhibiting the replication and spread of the virus the body is able to more effectively combat it, reducing the severity of symptoms and promoting faster healing. Valaciclovir is not a cure for viral infections.

This product is also sold under the brand name Valtrex.

Treatment with Valaciclovir:

Valaciclovir comes in tablets, which should not be crushed or split. Dosage strength and duration of treatment depends on the condition being targeted. Standard doses for otherwise healthy adults are as follows:

• Treating Shingles:
• • 1000 mg 3 times a day for 7 days. Treatment should begin within 3 days of symptoms starting.
    
• Treating herpes:
  
• • 1000 mg a day for 5 days. Treatment should begin at the earliest signs of an outbreak, ideally within 72 hours.
    
• Preventing recurrent herpes outbreaks:
• • 500 mg a day for 6 to 12 months, at which time effectiveness of treatment should be evaluated.
    
• Preventing cytomegalovirus:
  
• • 2000 mg 4 times a day for 3 months (90 days). Treatment should commence immediately after an organ transplant.
    
• Treating Epstein-Barr Virus:
  
• • Dosage strength varies by individual; usually between 500 mg to 1500 mg a day, but in some cases as high as 3000 mg. It may take several months of treatment before improvements are noticed.
    

Valaciclovir is sometimes given to children to treat chicken pox and in cases of organ transplants. A doctor should be consulted for correct dosage.

Because the medication suppresses the spread of the herpes virus, transmission is somewhat less likely but is still possible during sexual contact. Condoms should always be used and intercourse should be avoided completely if sores or blisters are present.

Precautions:

Valaciclovir is safe for most adults as long as simple precautions are taken:

• Patients with liver or kidney disease should use this medication with caution and discuss risks with a doctor.
  
• Some individuals become more sensitive to sunlight while taking valaciclovir and may need avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for the duration of treatment.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids during treatment; it's easy to become dehydrated while taking this medication.
  
• Physicians or dentists should be notified of valaciclovir use before any medical or dental procedures are undertaken.
  
• There is a chance valaciclovir will interact with other medications. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before mixing medications.
  
• Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take this medication unless explicitly instructed to do so by a physician.
  

It's important to complete treatment with valaciclovir even if symptoms improve or disappear. Discontinuing treatment too soon contributes to virus resistance.

Side Effects:

Only a small percentage of patients experience side effects with this treatment. Most are mild and do not warrant medical attention unless they are severe or persist:

• Headache - non-prescription painkillers can be taken along with valaciclovir.
  
• Nausea or stomachache - eating mild foods when taking a tablet may help prevent stomach upset.
  
• Fatigue or vertigo - use caution when driving or operating machinery.
  
• Vomiting or diarrhea - Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration.
  

A rash or swelling of lips, eyes, tongue or throat indicate an allergic reaction and call for immediate medical attention.