Valaciclovir (Valtrex)
Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets
What Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets is and what it is used for
Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets belongs to the group of antivirals. The active ingredient valaciclovir is transformed into aciclovir in the body, which is active against various viral infections.
This medicine is used
- for herpes simplex viral infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including initial and recurrent genital herpes. The medicine can be used for preventive treatment against recurrent infections.
- for shingles (herpes zoster) infection.
- as preventive treatment for cytomegalovirus infection following renal transplantation.
Before you take Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets
Do not take Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to valaciclovir, aciclovir or any of the other ingredients of Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets.
Take special care with Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets
- if you have a kidney disease, dose adjustment could be necessary.
- if you have a liver disease and require high doses of the medicine.
Care should be taken to ensure adequate fluid intake in patients who are at risk of dehydration, particularly the elderly and patients with impaired kidney function.
Using other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets could affect the efficacy of other medicines and other medicines could affect the efficacy of Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets.
In particular tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- probenecid, used to treat gout
- cimetidine, used to treat stomach ulcers
- tacrolimus, ciclosporin or mycophenolate mofetil, used to stop your body rejecting transplanted organs.
Taking Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets with food and drink
Swallow the tablets with water. They can be taken with or without food.
Pregnancy
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Experience of use of this medicine in pregnant women is limited.
Breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. The medicine is secreted into breast-milk, but effects on the child are considered unlikely.
Driving and using machines
No known effect on the ability to drive or use machines.
While evaluating your ability to drive or use machines you should however bear in mind the possible side effects of Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets that can impair your concentration .
Important information about some of the ingredients of Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets
This medicine contains a small amount of lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
How to take Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets
Always take the medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dose for herpes simplex infections is one 500 mg tablet twice daily for 5 days. For recurrent infections, treatment should be maintained for 5 days. For initial episodes, which can be more severe, treatment may have to be extended to 10 days. Dosing should begin as early as possible. For recurrent episodes of herpes simplex, this should ideally be during the prodromal period or immediately the first signs or symptoms appear.
The usual dose for shingles (herpes zoster) is two 500 mg tablets (1000 mg) three times a day for one week. The treatment should be started as soon as possible after the symptoms appear, preferably within 72 hours.
The usual dose for prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following organ transplantation is four tablets (2 g) four times a day.
The usual dose for prevention of recurrent herpes simplex infections is 500 mg valaciclovir daily.
Combined with safer sex practices (particulary the use of condoms) taking one 500 mg tablet daily may lower the risk of you passing on genital herpes to your partner. You should always avoid sexual contact if lesions are present.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take a larger dose than recommended
Consult a doctor if you take a larger dose than recommended.
If you forget to take Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Common: affects 1 to 10 users in 100
- Headache, nausea
Uncommon: affects 1 to 10 users in 1,000
- Dyspnoea, rash, including photosensitivity reactions
Rare: affects 1 to 10 users in 10,000
- Dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, impaired consciousness, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, pruritus, impaired kidney function
Very rare: affects less than 1 user in 10,000
- Anaphylactic reactions, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, tremor, spontaneous muscle movements (ataxia), speaking disorders (dysarthria), convulsions, brain disorder (encephalopathy), coma, urticaria, angioedema, acute kidney failure, transient elevation of liver function test results.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Store below 30°C.
Do not use Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton.
The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Further information
What Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets contains
The active ingredient is valaciclovir (as valaciclovir hydrochloride)
Each film-coated tablet contains 500 mg of valaciclovir (as valaciclovir hydrochloride)
The other ingredients are: Calcium hydrogen phosphate, sodium starch glycolate, hydroxypropylcellulose, talcum, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, lactose, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 4000.
What Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets looks like and contents of the pack
Valaciclovir 500mg film coated tablets are white, oblong, biconvex film coated tablets The film-coated tablets are packed in blister packs (PVC/PE/PVDC/aluminium). Pack sizes: 10 tablets, 40 tablets, 42 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.