Valaciclovir for viral infections

About valaciclovir

Valaciclovir is known as a pro-drug. Once inside your body it is broken down into an active ingredient called aciclovir. It is used to treat infections caused by two common viruses - herpes zoster and herpes simplex. The herpes zoster virus is the cause of shingles. Herpes simplex viruses cause cold sores, and genital herpes. You will have been prescribed valaciclovir to treat (or prevent further episodes of) one of these infections.

Valaciclovir works by preventing viruses from multiplying, and this reduces the severity of the infection and stops it from spreading.

As well as treating infections, valaciclovir is also prescribed to prevent some viral infections from occurring. This is particularly the case in people who have had an organ transplant and are at risk of infection from a virus called cytomegalovirus.

Before taking valaciclovir

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking valaciclovir it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take valaciclovir

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about valaciclovir, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Your dose will depend upon the type of infection you have, so take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. Typically, doses range from 500 mg to 2 g, taken 1-4 times daily. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you what dose is right for you, and this information will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you.

• Space out your doses evenly during the day. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take valaciclovir tablets either with or without food.

• Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking valaciclovir until the course is finished (unless your doctor tells you to stop sooner). A short course of treatment commonly lasts for up to 10 days. You will be prescribed a longer course than this if you are taking it to prevent further episodes of infection, or following an organ transplantation.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue as before. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You should drink plenty while you are on valaciclovir to keep your kidneys working well. Drinking water is best, but hot drinks and non-alcoholic cold drinks are also suitable.

• Valaciclovir could cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, and use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor until you know how your skin reacts.

• If you have been prescribed valaciclovir for genital herpes, do not have sex while you have sores or blisters. Even after these have healed, there is still a small chance that you may pass on the virus when you have sex - using a condom reduces this risk.

• If you are having an operation or any other medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking valaciclovir.

Can valaciclovir cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with valaciclovir. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store valaciclovir

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines