Valtrex® (valaciclovir)

Valtrex® 500 mg Tablets for herpes simplex

Valtrex tablets belong to a group of medicines called antivirals. Valtrex tablets are used for the treatment of genital herpes infection.

Valtrex tablets work by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes herpes. They can reduce the length and severity of an outbreak of herpes, the duration of pain and shorten the time to healing of crusts associated with herpes. They do not eliminate the herpes virus from the body. The herpes virus is also known as the Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV.

Valtrex tablets help the blisters to heal more quickly. If you start taking them as soon as you feel an outbreak starting, you may actually prevent the blisters from developing.

Valtrex tablets can also be taken long term to help prevent the HSV infection coming back.

Valtrex is more effective in patients 50 years of age and older.

Valtrex tablets can also reduce the risk of transmitting the virus that causes genital herpes in patients who are taking it continuously to prevent or reduce recurrent outbreaks. It does not cure genital herpes or completely eliminate the risk of transmission. Therefore, in addition to therapy with Valtrex, it is recommended that patients avoid contact when symptoms are present and always use condoms.

Valtrex (or any other antiviral) is not a cure for genital herpes. Because genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, you should minimise having intercourse when you have an outbreak of herpes or show any symptoms. This will avoid the risk of spreading herpes to your partner.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Valtrex tablets have been prescribed for you.

Valtrex tablets are not addictive.

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When you must not take them

• Do not take Valtrex tablets if you have ever had an allergic reaction to valaciclovir, aciclovir or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

  
  

  Symptoms of an allergic reaction may be mild or severe. They usually include some or all of the following: wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hayfever, lumpy rash ("hives") or fainting.

  
  
• Do not take Valtrex tablets if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor says you should.
  

  Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Valtrex tablets when pregnant and during breastfeeding.

  
  

• Do not take Valtrex tablets after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.

  If you take it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
  
  

• Do not take Valtrex tablets if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

  
  

  If you are not sure whether you should be taking Valtrex, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take them

You must tell your doctor if:

• you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
  

  
  
• you have a kidney or liver condition.
  

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may affect the way others work. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you what to do when taking Valtrex tablets with other medicines.

Use in children

There is not enough information to recommend the use of Valtrex in children.

Things you must do

Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Valtrex tablets if you are about to be started on any new medicines.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or are trying to become pregnant or intend to breastfeed while you are taking Valtrex tablets.

Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed.
Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Valtrex tablets affect you.

Things you must not do

Do not stop taking Valtrex tablets, or alter the dose, without first checking with your doctor.

Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

Do not use Valtrex tablets to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any problems while taking Valtrex tablets, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet.

Like all medicines, Valtrex tablets can cause some side effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

The most commonly reported side effects are:

• headache
  
• gastrointestinal discomfort (vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion)
  

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following:

• dry mouth
  
• fever
  
• difficulty sleeping
  
• chills
  
• back pain
  
• nervousness
  
• skin rash which may be itchy
  
• weakness

If you think you are having an allergic reaction to Valtrex tablets, tell your doctor immediately or go to your casualty department at your nearest hospital. Symptoms usually include some or all of the following:

• wheezing
  
• swelling of the lips/smouth
  
• difficulty in breathing
  
• hayfever
  
• lumpy rash ("hives")
  
• fainting

Some rare side effects of Valtrex tablets include:

• sensitivity to UV light, such as development of a rash like sunburn even after short exposure to UV light
  
• damage to the kidney, which gets better when Valtrex treatment is stopped.
  
• unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any bruising or bleeding, as it may indicate that the number of platelets (a type of blood cell responsible for blood clotting) in your blood are reduced.
  
• Damage to the liver, which gets better when Valtrex treatment is stopped.

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects which are more common in patients with kidney disease or in those taking high doses of Valtrex:

• Dizziness
  
• Confusion or imagining sights or sounds (hallucinations)
  
• Drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not yet known.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand anything in this list.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.