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Valaciclovir

  • Once inside the body valaciclovir is broken down into the active ingredient aciclovir.
  • You must complete the prescribed course of valaciclovir, otherwise your infection may re-occur.
  • You must keep up your fluid intake while taking valaciclovir.

About valaciclovir

Type of medicine Antiviral
Used for Herpes zoster (causes shingles)
Herpes simplex (causes cold sores, genital herpes)
Prevention of cytomegalovirus disease following renal transplant
Also called Valtrex
Available as Tablets

Valaciclovir is known as a pro-drug. Once inside the body it is broken down into the active ingredient aciclovir. Aciclovir works by blocking the action of DNA polymerase, therefore preventing the herpes viruses from multiplying.

Before taking valaciclovir

Before taking valaciclovir make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you are dehydrated
  • If you have liver or kidney problems

How to take valaciclovir

  • You must complete the prescribed course of valaciclovir, otherwise your infection may re-occur.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You must keep up your fluid intake while taking valaciclovir.
  • Valaciclovir may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Try to avoid sunlight and sun beds or use a cream with sun protection factor higher than 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
  • If you have been prescribed valaciclovir for genital herpes (sexually transmitted disease), it is recommended that you wear a condom during sexual contact to prevent spreading the infection, even if treatment with valaciclovir has begun.

Can valaciclovir cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Nausea Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.

How to store valaciclovir

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1505		 DocRef:
dils2348		 Last Updated:
30 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
29 Oct 2008		 Version:
22




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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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