Valaciclovir

USES
Valacyclovir is used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis), shingles (herpes zoster). It is also used to treat genital herpes in patients with a normal immune system. Valacyclovir can also be used to control genital herpes outbreaks in all patients including those with HIV. This is also known as suppressive therapy. This medication helps control symptoms, but does not cure the disease. Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals. If you are taking valacyclovir for treatment of genital herpes, to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner, it is important to follow safe sex practices even if there are no symptoms present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.

OTHER USES
This medication may be used to prevent or treat other types of viral infections (cytomegalovirus) in certain patient populations.

HOW TO USE
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Take valacyclovir by mouth, as directed by your doctor, with or without food. When taking this medication to treat an outbreak, it works best if you take this medication when you first notice an outbreak is starting. The medication may not work as well if you wait more than 72 hours to start it. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. When treating an outbreak, continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear. When using this drug to suppress/control outbreaks, take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment. If using this medication to treat an outbreak, inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, stomach pain, painful periods may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations), confusion, speech problems, shaky/unsteady movement, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, loss of consciousness, signs of other infections (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat). This medication may rarely cause a blood disorder (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) or a severe kidney problem (hemolytic uremic syndrome). These problems are more likely to occur if you have HIV disease or if you have had a bone marrow transplant or an organ transplant. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual fever. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, blood disorders, immune system problems (e.g., HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, organ transplant). This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially confusion, agitation, and kidney problems. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Based on information for similar drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: cimetidine, probenecid. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are also using other drugs which may be harmful to your kidneys such as: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), amphotericin B, cyclosporine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), tacrolimus, vancomycin.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, sluggishness, loss of consciousness, seizures.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.