Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) - Summary

VALTREX SUMMARY

VALTREX (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is the hydrochloride salt of L -valyl ester of the antiviral drug acyclovir (ZOVIRAX® Brand, GlaxoSmithKline).

Herpes Zoster:   VALTREX is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).

Genital Herpes:   VALTREX is indicated for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals.

Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis):   VALTREX is indicated for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).

See all Valtrex indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

ASP2151 for the treatment of genital herpes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and valacyclovir-controlled, dose-finding study. [2012]
replication... CONCLUSIONS: Three-day or single-day courses of ASP2151 appear to be effective

Valacyclovir suppressive therapy reduces plasma and breast milk HIV-1 RNA levels during pregnancy and postpartum: a randomized trial. [2012]
mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions is unknown... CONCLUSIONS: Valacyclovir significantly decreased early breast milk and plasma

Lack of a pharmacokinetic interaction between steady-state tipranavir/ritonavir and single-dose valacyclovir in healthy volunteers. [2011.03]
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the single-dose pharmacokinetics of the herpes antiviral acyclovir (administered as the pro-drug valacyclovir) alone and in combination with twice-daily 200 mg ritonavir-boosted tipranavir (500 mg) at steady state... CONCLUSIONS: When administered as a single dose of valacyclovir with steady-state tipranavir/ritonavir, there were no clinically important changes in acyclovir pharmacokinetics. This result indicates that valacyclovir can be co-administered safely with no dose adjustments.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of valacyclovir prophylaxis to prevent zoster recurrence from months 4 to 24 after BMT. [2011.02]
Reactivation of latent VZV remains a significant cause of morbidity after SCT. Twenty-five percent or more of patients undergoing SCT will experience zoster within the first year after transplant... Adverse events resulting in discontinuation were more frequent in the placebo group (5 of 26 vs 3 of 27 for placebo and study drug, respectively).

Can herpes simplex virus type 2 suppression slow HIV disease progression: a study protocol for the VALacyclovir In Delaying Antiretroviral Treatment Entry (VALIDATE) trial. [2010.11.24]
BACKGROUND: Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically decreased HIV-related morbidity and mortality, the associated costs, toxicities, and resistance risks make the potential delay of HAART initiation an attractive goal. Suppression of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may be a novel strategy for achieving this goal because HSV-2 is associated with clinically significant increases in HIV viral load, the primary driver of HIV disease progression...

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Clinical Trials Related to Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

30-Day Trial of Oral Valtrex or Valtrex Plus Aspirin on Shedding of HSV DNA in Tears and Saliva of Volunteers [Recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to determine whether oral Valtrex alone or in combination with aspirin will reduce the shedding of herpes simplex virus DNA in the tears and saliva from volunteers with no evidence of ocular herpes infection. The secretion of virus into the tears and saliva might make people more susceptible to virus infection in the future if their immune system becomes deficient. The study will also try to determine if there is a correlation between shedding of viral DNA and herpes virus antibodies in serum and to determine if subjects are carriers of a special form of a gene in their blood cells, the presence of which may suggest the possibility of an increased susceptability to herpes and to Alzheimer's disease and heart disease.

Fed Study of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets 1000 mg and Valtrex® Tablets 1000 mg [Completed]
The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence of Mylan's valacyclovir hydrochloride 1000 mg tablets to GSK's Valtrex® 1000 mg tablets following a single, oral 1000 mg (1 x 1000 mg) dose administration under fed conditions.

Food Study of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets 1000 mg to Valtrex® Tablets 1000 mg [Completed]
The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence of Mylan's valacyclovir hydrochloride 1000 mg tablets to GlaxoSmithKline's Valtrex® 1000 mg tablets following a single, oral 1000 mg (1 x 1000 mg) dose administration under fed conditions.

Fasting Study of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets 1000 mg and Valtrex® Tablets 1000 mg [Completed]
The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence of Mylan's valacyclovir hydrochloride 1000 mg tablets to GlaxoSmithKline's Valtrex® 1000 mg tablets following a single, oral 1000 mg (1 x 1000 mg) dose administered under fasting conditions.

Herpes Simplex Type 2 Co-infection in Veterans With Chronic Hepatitis C [Recruiting]
This trial is to determine the safety of valacyclovir in persons with chronic hepatitis C and herpes simplex type 2 infection. Participants will be randomized to valacyclovir or matching placebo. After receiving the initial therapy for eight weeks, the participants will cross over to the alternate therapy for an additional eight weeks. Each treatment period will be separated by a two-week period of daily placebo. The hypothesis is that treatment with valacyclovir will result in a significant reduction in serum levels of hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid.

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Reports of Suspected Valtrex (Valacyclovir) Side Effects

Renal Failure Acute (58),  Altered State of Consciousness (49),  Encephalopathy (42),  Dysarthria (41),  Blood Creatinine Increased (39),  Renal Impairment (36),  Dizziness (32),  Blood Urea Increased (26),  Drug Ineffective (25),  Malaise (25), more >>

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Valtrex review by 59 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		shingles
Dosage & duration:		1000 mg (generic) taken 4 times a day for the period of still taking at 800 mg 3 times a day
Other conditions:		developed Ramsay-Hunt syndrome prior to mega doses of acyclovir
Other drugs taken:		acupril 20 mg od, estratest hs od
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Prior to starting 1000 mg acyclovir QID, I was taking the standard 200 mg 5 times a day regimin. I devloped the shingles in the 5th cranial nerve. I had lesions following the entire nerve roots across my face, but had them internally as well. There were lesions in the ear canal, the side of my tongue and down my throat. I had taken a flu shot and had exposure to sun, as well as starting 2 new jobs about the same time as the first onset. I developed 1 blister which I thought was herpes. I had not had a herpes outbreak in years. I started the acyclovir and noticed more and different complaints every day. I first got a lesion on the entrance to the ear canal and more accompanying the first one on my lower chin. Then my lower teeth began to become painful, as if I had a great toothache. After about 4 days, I began to feel exhausted and unable to snap out of my fatigue. The next day I awoke and had a sensation that my mouth was not fully moving. Later the eye began to remain open and would not blink. The 3rd day of these symtoms, I devloped total paralysis of the left face. I saw 1 of my doctors immediately. He gave me a cortisone shot and told me the dose of acyclovir to take. He said it was bell's palsey. A friend called and said it was Ramsay-Hunt. I was on bedrest from Mid October until 2 weeks ago. I have very little stamina, and slowly I am getting more energy. The latest addition to my medication arsenal was Alpha-lipoic acid. I had statrted lysine and red marine algae. I stopped coffe, soda, most meat and ate only what little I cooked or made myself. I am pleased that most of my facial functions have returned, with the exception of the eye bliking completely, and a slight difference in my smile. I take at least 1 dose of ibuprophen every day due to neuralgia or a sense of swelling in my left face.
Side effects:		I did not notice any.
Comments:		acyclovir, rest. PRN doses of ibuprophen. Tape eye shut and use of moisture drops.

Valtrex review by 40 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		Mild Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Cold Sores
Dosage & duration:		2000 mg twice per day, for 1 day taken 1 day for the period of 2 yrs
Other conditions:		None
Other drugs taken:		None
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Significantly diminished the symptoms and size of the cold sore. Often, it would halt the development and the redness and swelling would disappear after a day or two, without the sore blistering/weeping/scabbing. For my body, Valtrex has proven to be far more effective than either Famvir, or Zoviraz. It is surprising how many people either do not treat cold sores, or are not aware of any new treatments after Zovirax.
Side effects:		Slight dizziness and tiredness, very minor.
Comments:		2x 1000mg tablets every 12 hours for 1 day.

Valtrex review by 31 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Herpes
Dosage & duration:		500mg taken once per day for the period of 1 month
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Was taking this drug for herpes suppression. It is recommended by some to take an antiviral for one year after the initial outbreak so as to have less outbreaks over one's lifetime. I did get an outbreak while on the drug, however it was during a very stressful time so that is understandable. Also, it is nice that only one dose is needed per day for most people.
Side effects:		Side effects included mild hair loss (had much more hair loss on acyclovir), random dry heaving (retching) for no apparent reason, and headaches. Although it seems that when I drink lots of water the headaches are fewer.
Comments:		Took one pill per day at the same time everyday. It does and will stain things so be careful of the blue dye.