See also Side Effects section.
Before taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg may rarely make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg, especially mental/mood changes (such as confusion, agitation) and kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine).
Cold sores can spread easily. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Try not to touch the cold sore. If you do, wash your hands afterward.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg does not prevent the spread of herpes. To lower the chance of giving genital herpes to your partner, do not have sexual contact during an outbreak or if you have symptoms. You can spread genital herpes even if you do not have symptoms. Therefore, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during all sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
During pregnancy, Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg by mouth, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg to lower the chance of side effects.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your type of infection, medical condition, and response to treatment. For treating chickenpox in children, the dosage is also based on weight.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg works best when started at the first sign of an outbreak, as directed by your doctor. It may not work as well if you delay treatment. For shingles or chickenpox, start taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg at the first symptom or as soon as possible after the rash appears. For cold sores or genital herpes, start taking Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg at the first sign or as soon as you feel tingling, itching, or burning.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to take Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg until the full prescribed amount is finished. Do not change your dose, skip any doses, or stop Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg early without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, change in the amount of urine.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg may rarely cause a life-threatening disorder that affects the blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body. This disorder is more likely to occur if you have conditions related to a weakened immune system (such as HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: extreme tiredness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, sudden vision changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Click here to view a more detailed list of Valtrex side effects.
If you miss a dose of Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg include: other drugs that may cause kidney problems (including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen).
Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg is very similar to acyclovir. Do not use medications containing acyclovir while using Valtrex (valacyclovir) 1000mg.