Product Details: Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GSK

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antiviral used in patients with normal immune systems to treat herpes zoster infections (shingles) or to treat or suppress genital herpes. This medicine may be used in combination with safe sex practices in patients with genital herpes to help reduce the risk of spreading the condition to others. This medicine may also be used for cold sores (herpes simplex) or other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. DRINKING EXTRA FLUIDS while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat , moisture, and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE WITHIN A FEW DAYS or if they become worse, check with your doctor. IF YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR GENITAL HERPES, begin using it as soon as you notice symptoms (pain, burning, blisters) of an infection. Use a condom during sexual intercourse. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE, MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine, alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you are or may be pregnant, check with your doctor for instructions on using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: fever, weakness, speech problems, seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, bloody or dark urine, pale skin, or pinpoint bruises. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Valacyclovir