Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) used

Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) are used to treat infection infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by herpes simplex virus, including cold sores (herpes labialis), initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in people with a healthy immune system, and shingles (herpes zoster). Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) are also used for suppression of recurrent genital herpes infections in people with an active immune system (immunocompetent) and to reduce the transmission of genital herpes to others. In HIV-infected patients who are immunocompromised, Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) are used for prevention (prophylaxis) of herpes infections. Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) are also used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, and to treat chickenpox, caused by the closely related varicella zoster herpes in children who are at least 2 years old.

Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) work

Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) contain valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir that is more readily absorbed and is converted to acyclovir by the liver. Valacyclovir in Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) then works in the same way as acyclovir, as an antiviral agent that is highly active against both types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-I, that causes cold sores and HSV-II that causes genital herpes; and also against the closely related varicella zoster herpes virus that causes chicken pox and shingles. Acyclovir inhibits the action of a viral enzyme (DNA polymerase), blocking viral DNA synthesis without affecting normal cellular processes. This prevents the virus replicating and therefore stops the growth and spread of the virus, relieving symptoms of the infection and helping the body to fight off the infection. Valcivir, Valtrex (Valacyclovir HCL Tablets) will not cure a herpes infection, as the virus can lie dormant in infected cells until reactivated when immunity is low by stress, other illness or even exposure to sunlight, causing new infections like cold sores and shingles; but it does reduce pain and help the sores caused by the infection to heal faster.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

To make sure valacyclovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

·         kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

·         HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken the immune system; or

·         a history of kidney transplant or bone marrow transplant.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy, so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Valacyclovir can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give valacyclovir to a child without medical advice.

Generic Valtrex (Valcivir by Cipla) - Dosage

The dosage of Generic Valtrex (Valcivir tablets) is given below. This is a general dosage guideline. Please consult your doctor for exact dosage, which wuill vary as per individual and the indication being treated.

Shingles

For the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram) taken by mouth three times a day for seven days.

Cold Sores

For the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis) in adults and children age 12 and older, the recommended dose is Valtrex 2000 mg (2 grams), twice a day, for one day. The two doses should be taken about 12 hours apart.

Genital Herpes

When treating the initial infection of genital herpes, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram), taken twice a day for ten days.

For the treatment of recurring outbreaks, the recommended dose is Valtrex 500 mg, taken twice a day for three days.

Genital Herpes Suppression

For preventing future outbreaks of genital herpes, the recommended dose is Valtrex 1000 mg (1 gram), taken once a day, every day. For people who have had fewer than ten outbreaks of genital herpes in one year, the Valtrex dosage may be decreased to 500 mg a day, every day.

For people with HIV and genital herpes who have a CD4 cell count equal to or greater than 100 cells/mm3, the dose of Valtrex to prevent future outbreaks is 500 mg, taken twice a day, every day. Valtrex has not been studied in people with HIV who have a CD4 cell count less than 100 cells/mm3.

Preventing Spread of Genital Herpes

To decrease the chances of spreading genital herpes to sexual partners, people who have had fewer than ten outbreaks per year can take Valtrex 500 mg once a day. The medication has not been studied for this use in people who have ten or more outbreaks per year. Safer sexual practices should still be used. Condoms should always be used, and sexual contact should be avoided during an outbreak.

Chickenpox

Your child's healthcare provider will calculate the recommended Valtrex dose for chickenpox based on your child's weight. In general, the recommended dose for children age 2 to 18 years old is 20 mg per kg (about 9 mg per pound) three times a day for five days. The dose should not exceed 1000 mg three times daily, although this only becomes important for larger children.