Valtrex

Valtrex: use, side effects and special instructions

Valtrex (international name: Valaciclovir) is an antiviral drug from the group of antiviral drugs intended for the treatment of infections caused by the herpes virus, as well as for their prevention. The drug is manufactured by Glaxo Wellcome (UK) and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals S.A. (Poland).

Valtrex is available in the form of tablets that contain 500 mg of the active substance Valacyclovir. The drug is used to treat herpes zoster, infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the herpes simplex virus, as well as to prevent relapses of diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus infection against the background of immunodeficiency.

The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to acyclovir and other drugs similar in composition, as well as in children under 12 years of age. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not recommended to use this drug.

Side effects may include headache and nausea. With long-term use in high doses, the development of thrombocytopenic purpura and/or hemolytic uremic syndrome with signs of renal failure and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia is possible.

Valtrex may interact with certain medications, such as cimetidine and probenecid, which may reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Nephrotoxic drugs increase the risk of kidney failure and central nervous system disorders.

In case of an overdose of Valtrex, nausea, vomiting, headache and confusion may occur. Treatment in this case is carried out by hemodialysis.

The drug is prescribed with caution for any conditions accompanied by immunodeficiency, after bone marrow or kidney transplantation, for disseminated herpes zoster and primary genital herpes, for liver and kidney diseases. Elderly patients are advised to increase their fluid intake during treatment. During treatment of genital herpes, sexual contact should be avoided, as the drug does not protect against transmission of infection.

In conclusion, Valtrex is an effective antiviral drug that is used to treat various infections caused by the herpes virus. However, this drug has a number of side effects and special instructions that must be taken into account when using it. Before you start taking Valtrex, you should definitely consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.