Valacyclovir 1000mg

Antiviral Agent

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Valacyclovir/Valtrex is an inactive prodrug that is rapidly and extensively converted to acyclovir by the intestine and liver. Acyclovir is converted through a series of steps to acyclovir triphosphate which inhibits DNA synthesis thereby preventing viral replication by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate and taking its place during viral DNA transcription.

Valacyclovir/Valtrex is officially indicated for use in herpes simplex virus, or herpes zoster (shingles).  It may also be prescribed off-label for Bell Palsy, cytomegalovirus, or varicella zoster virus. (may be used for other conditions not listed)

Before starting Valacyclovir/Valtrex make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding

500-2000mg one to three times per day depending on condition it is used for

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature and take with food if it upsets your stomach

You Need to Avoid: Careful with use in the elderly as it can cause CNS (central nervous system) effects  such as agitation, hallucinations, delirium, seizure, or encephalopathy

Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, increased AST/ALT (liver enzymes), nasopharyngitis, fatigue, rash 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only common ones

1. I have had Valacyclovir/Valtrex before but why is my dosage so different this time?
   Depending on the condition or scenario that this medication is used for the dosage can vary greatly.  It may change depending if this is the first episode of a chronic infection versus subsequent episodes, if it is used for prevention, or for a completely different condition.  For example, if you use this medication as needed for cold sores but then get shingles you would have a completely different regimen.  If you are concerned, speak with your physician or pharmacist for further clarification.