Valacyclovir

Patient Drug Information
Valacyclovir 
(Generic for Valtrex) 

BPG-VALACYCLOVIR-PIB-OH01

About your medication: Written information about this prescription has been provided for you. Please read this information before you take this medication. If you have questions concerning this prescription, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer these questions.

Important information about your prescription: 

This medication should only be taken by the patient whose name appears on the prescription label.

Valacyclovir is FDA-approved to help treat genital herpes (initial or recurrent episodes, suppression, and

transmission reduction), herpes labialis (cold sores around the mouth), and herpes zoster. Treatment may differ based

on your diagnosis.

• Valacyclovir’s most common side effects are rash (including when exposed to sunlight), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, menstrual pain, and upper respiratory tract infections. If you’re experiencing a painful or threatening reaction to your medication, please get medical help now. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can either reach out to your prescriber, call 911, or visit a local urgent care.

Precautions and contraindications 

• Do not take valacyclovir if you are allergic or have a history of anaphylaxis to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any components of the product.
• Stop taking valacyclovir immediately and seek medical attention if agitation, hallucinations, confusion, delirium, seizures, or encephalopathy occurs.
• if you are using valacyclovir either to treat or to suppress a genital herpes infection: Do not have sexual contact (oral-genital or genital-genital) with anyone when you have any symptoms that precede a visible lesion (“prodrome”: burning,itching, tingling, or pain) or if you have a visible genital herpes sore, as you can transmit the herpes virus to them.
• During sexual activity, it is important that you use a condom made of latex or polyurethane.
• Valacyclovir does not cure oral or genital herpes. There is no cure for herpes.
• If you are using valacyclovir to treat oral herpes: Do not have intimate or sexual contact with anyone when you have any symptoms that precede a visible infection (“prodrome”:burning, tingling, itching, or pain) or you have a visible cold sore, as you can transmit the herpes virus to them. During these times, it is suggested that you
• do not:
  • Kiss anyone;
  • Share utensils, glasses, towels, products that are applied to the lips (lip balm, lip gloss, lip stick, etc.);
  • Perform oral sex on anyone while you have symptoms of an oncoming infection or a visible herpes outbreak (cold sore) as you can transmit the virus to an uninfected partner’s genitals and give them genital herpes.

Directions for use 

• Do not take this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• Take Valacyclovir tablets as directed by your prescriber, refer to the prescription label for proper directions. Valacyclovir may be dosed differently depending on what it is being used to treat.

Missed dose

• If you miss a dose of the medication, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
• Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. 

Storage 

• Store your medication at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in the packaging provided by the pharmacy until you need it. Keep out of reach of children.

Disposal of medications

• Do not flush unused medication down the toilet or pour in the sink or drain. Dispose according to local regulations.

Additional information 

• Important information regarding the Varicella Virus Vaccine and the Zoster Vaccine:
  • Varicella Virus Vaccine: Avoid use of valacyclovir within the 24 hours prior to administration of the varicella vaccine, and avoid use for 14 days after vaccination.
  • Zoster Vaccine (Live/Attenuated): Discontinue valacyclovir for at least 24 hours prior to and 14 days after receiving a live attenuated zoster vaccine
• If you have questions about your medication, please contact the pharmacy using the number on the label of your prescription product.

Questions
This written information may not cover all possible information. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or medical provider.

A local or a toll-free telephone service is available, staffed by registered pharmacists, to answer questions about your medication. You can find the number for the pharmacy on the label of your prescription product.

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