Valtrex

Valtrex (generic name: valacyclovir) is the leading drug that is prescribed by most doctors in the United States to treat a certain unmentionable virus, herpes. Being an antiviral drug, Valtrex works wonders when it comes to reducing the symptoms of this incurable virus.

Typically, the drug is used to treat the infections that are caused by herpes namely, cold sores and chickenpox (caused amongst children) as well as shingles and genital herpes. Herpes is a highly contagious disease and therefore, immediate precaution is necessary to prevent it from spreading to others, most typically your sexual partners. So far, Valtrex has proved to be the only medication that has reduced this risk.

Valtrex Benefits:

• Slows the spread of the virus so that your body can fight the infection in a better manner.
• Slows the spread of the virus so that your body can fight the infection in a better manner.
• Reduces the pain caused due to the cold sores and keeps new sores from forming.
• It is the only FDA approved drug to treat this virus.

What Valtrex is used for:

Herpes as an infection is something that most people are petrified of. More dangerously however, people who have contracted it do not like to disclose this secret due to the stigma and fear associated with the fact that it is not curable and highly contagious. This secrecy can prove to be very harmful and is the root cause for the spread of the virus. Although there is no cure for it, there is a way to prevent its recurrences and reduce the manifestation of the symptoms. The answer is Valtrex!

It is generally taken as caplets with or without food and is considered to be the savior of all who suffer the consequences of contracting this virus. Since it cannot get rid of the infection, what it does is lessen and treat the symptoms of herpes both amongst children as well as adults (as mentioned before) such as cold sores, outbreak of genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles.

How Valtrex works:

As mentioned before, Valtrex does not cure herpes, but it treats the symptoms of herpes. The virus continues to live within the body despite the drug. However, it does reduce the severity as well as the frequency of outbreaks of the symptoms. Generally, cold sores are extremely painful and take a long time to heal. But Valtrex helps to speed up the healing of these sores. Moreover, it also prevents the formation of new sores and reduces the associated itching.

Valtrex side effects:

There are several precautions that have to be taken while consuming this drug. However, despite these precautions, one may encounter certain side-effects, most of which are listed below:

• Fever, easy bruising or bleeding
• Red marks on your skin which is not related to chickenpox or herpes
• Nausea and vomiting and in more severe cases, bloody diarrhea
• Paleness of the skin or increased yellowness of the skin
• Reduction in the amount of urine or in some cases no urination at all
• Weakness, fatigue and or fainting

In case of the above mentioned symptoms, it is absolutely essential that you stop taking the medication completely and consult your doctor to seek treatment.

In addition to the above mentioned symptoms, Valtrex has also led to serious nervous system problems which are listed below:

• Aggressive behavior
• Unsteady or shaky movements
• Speech and hearing problems
• Hallucinations where you hear and see things which are not really present
• Seizures and coma

These symptoms are much more severe and also very rare. Kidney failure is also said to be another side effect which the makers of Valtrex say has been seen only amongst people who already have kidney disease. Hence, there are a bunch of precautions that have to be taken before consuming this drug, in order to avoid the side effects.

Lastly, some of the rare side effects include:

• Menstrual pain amongst women
• Joint pain
• Fall in blood cell count

Amongst children however, the most common side effect has been headaches.

Valtrex precautions:

There are a number of precautions that need to be taken before taking this drug. Firstly, it is extremely essential that you have a healthy immune system and do not have a history of kidney or bone marrow transplant as people with these conditions can develop a serious blood disorder which is often fatal. Plus, patients with kidney problems are at a high risk of aggravating their problem.

Moreover, pregnant women also have to be cautious while taking this drug as the side effects may harm the baby as well. More importantly, valtrex may pass into the breast milk and affect the nursing infant. In addition, this drug is prohibited to anyone who is allergic to its ingredients

Lastly, you need to inform your doctor about any medicines (both prescription and non-prescription including vitamins and herbal medicines) that you are taking because valtrex could react to this drug and lead to harmful side effects.

It is also very important to note that valtrex does not prevent the spread of genital herpes, it merely reduces the risk. Thus, it is essential for people to use safer sex practices including condoms and refrain from indulging in sexual activities when they are feeling an outbreak.

How to take Valtrex:

Generally, your individual dose as well as the length of the treatment depends upon your type of infection, your medical conditions and your response to treatment. Thus, the manner in which the drug works also depends from person to person.

The drug should be taken as soon as the virus is diagnosed and it is effective within the next 2 days. Plus, the drug can be taken with or without food, but it is essential that you drink plenty of water so that your kidneys function properly.

Finally, though the drug will help in keeping your illness under control, it will not be able to cure it. Therefore, it is paramount that in addition to taking the dosage, you also take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness amongst others.