Valtrex 500mg Tablets

Valtrex dosage for genital herpes

For adults aged between 18 - 65 years:

Treatment of genital herpes - The usual dose is 500 mg (one 500 mg tablet or two 250 mg tablets) twice a day. For the first infection, you should take Valtrex for five days or for up to ten days if your doctor tells you to.

Helping to prevent herpes infections from returning - The usual dose is one 500 mg tablet once a day. Some people with frequent recurrences may benefit from taking one 250 mg tablet twice a day. You should take Valtrex until your doctor tells you to stop.

Always complete the full course of medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you believe that your infection may have subsided. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If this is the case it is okay to skip a dose - never take a double dose in order to make up for a missed one.

Valtrex ingredients

Valtrex 500mg tablets contain one active ingredient: Valaciclovir (as valaciclovir hydrochloride).

Valtrex 500mg tablets also contain several inactive ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, Crospovidone, Povidone, Magnesium stearate, Silica colloidal anhydrous, Hypromellose, Titanium dioxide, Macrogol 400, Polysorbate 80 (500 mg tablets only), Carnauba wax.

Valtrex side effects

As with most medications, Valtrex can cause some people to experience unpleasant side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of using Valtrex include the following:

• Headache
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Skin reaction after exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity).
• Rash
• Itching (pruritus)

If you have any further concerns about anything addressed here, or you are worried about potential side effects, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Valtrex Warnings

It is important to read the following warnings before taking Valtrex tablets in order to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Consult your doctor before using Valtrex if any of the following apply to you:

• You have kidney problems
• You have liver problems
• You are over 65 years of age
• Your immune system is weak

Valtrex and other medicines

Speak to a doctor before using Valtrex if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Aminoglycosides
• Organoplatinum compounds
• Iodinated contrast media
• Methotrexate
• Pentamidine
• Foscarnet
• Cyclosporin
• Tacrolimus
• Cimetidine
• Probenecid
  

Valtrex in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Valtrex is not usually recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you could be, or if you are planning to become pregnant, don’t take Valtrex without checking with your doctor. Your doctor will weigh up the benefit to you against the risk to your baby of taking Valtrex while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before taking Valtrex.