Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) - Summary

VALTREX SUMMARY

VALTREX®
(valacyclovir hydrochloride)
Caplets

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 >>

VALTREX NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Does frequency of genital herpes recurrences predict risk of transmission? Further analysis of the valacyclovir transmission study. [2008.02]

Valacyclovir prophylaxis versus preemptive valganciclovir therapy to prevent cytomegalovirus disease after renal transplantation. [2008.01]

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) suppression with valacyclovir reduces rectal and blood plasma HIV-1 levels in HIV-1/HSV-2-seropositive men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. [2007.11.15]

Does Frequency of Genital Herpes Recurrences Predict Risk of Transmission? Further Analysis of the Valacyclovir Transmission Study. [2007.10.01]

Valacyclovir treatment in Epstein-Barr virus subset chronic fatigue syndrome: thirty-six months follow-up. [2007.09]

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Clinical Trials Related to Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Fed Study of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets 1000 mg and Valtrex® Tablets 1000 mg [Completed]

Food Study of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets 1000 mg to Valtrex® Tablets 1000 mg [Completed]

Fasting Study of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Tablets 1000 mg and Valtrex® Tablets 1000 mg [Completed]

Evaluation Of Valaciclovir In Patients With Chickenpox [Active, not recruiting]

VALTREX(Valacyclovir) Once Daily for Viral Shedding In Subjects Newly Diagnosed With HSV-2 [Completed]

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VALTREX 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:		Moderately Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		herpes
Dosage & duration:		500 mg taken 2 times a day for the period of 10 days
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		To lessen the severity of an onset or outbreak of genital herpes.
Side effects:		I had no noticable side effects to taking the medication.
Comments:		I started taking the medication at the first signs of an outbreak (usually a brief sharp pain at the site). The medication seemed to shorten the actual outbreak time and lessened the pain and discomfort.

Valtrex review by 43 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Chronic Cold Sores
Dosage & duration:		4 Tablets then another 4 in 12 hours taken first sign of the cold sore for the period of 3 Separate Break Outs
Other conditions:		None
Other drugs taken:		None
		Reported Results
Benefits:		The first time I took it the cold sore ended up just slightly smaller than they usually are. The second time it was about 1/2 the size. The third time it got red and itchy but it didn't actually blister. The forth time I didn't take the medication because it was only the size of a small pimple. I used to get them about every 4 to 6 weeks but the last one came about 4 months after the previous one.
Side effects:		No side effects at all.
Comments:		You take 4 pills as soon as you can tell the cold sore is beginning and then 4 pills 12 hours later.