Description
Valaciclovir is a prodrug of the antiviral aciclovir. It is used in in Kenya the treatment of herpes zoster and herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including genital herpes . Treatment should be started as soon as symptoms occur. It is also used for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection following renal transplantation. Valaciclovir is given by mouth as the hydrochloride; doses are expressed in terms of the base. Valaciclovir hydrochloride 1.11 g is approximately equivalent to 1 g of valaciclovir.
For herpes zoster, the dose of Valtrex is 1g three times daily for 7 days. For treatment of herpes simplex infections, 500 mg is given twice daily for 5 days in Kenya (3 days in some countries like the USA) for recurrent episodes or for up to 10 days for a first episode; the recommended dose for a first episode of genital herpes is 1 g twice daily for 10 days. For the suppression of herpes simplex infection, a dose of 500 mg daily as a single dose or in two divided doses, is recommended; a dose of 1 g daily as a single dose is recommended for suppression of recurrent genital herpes. A dose of 500 mg twice daily may be used in immunocompromised patients. For the treatment of herpes labialis, a dose of 4 g in two divided doses 12 hours apart is recommended. A dose of 2 g four times daily is recommended for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection in renal transplant recipients; prophylaxis should begin within 72 hours and is usually continued for 90 days.
Doses of valaciclovir may need to be reduced in patients with renal impairment. See below.
Administration in renal impairment.
Doses of valaciclovir may need to be reduced in patients with renal impairment. The following dosage reductions are suggested by the UK manufacturer according to creatinine clearance (CC):
herpes zoster:
CC 15 to 30 mL/minute: 1 g twice daily
CC less than 15 mL/minute: 1 g daily
patients on haemodialysis: 1 g daily after haemodialysis
herpes simplex infections:
CC 15 to 30 mL/minute: no modification
CC less than 15 mL/minute: 500 mg daily
patients on haemodialysis: 500 mg daily after haemodialysis
suppression of herpes simplex:
CC below 15 mL/minute: immunocompetent patients: 250 mg once daily; immunocompromised patients: 500 mg once daily
patients on haemodialysis: immunocompetent patients: 250 mg once daily after haemodialysis; immunocompromised patients: 500 mg once daily after haemodialysis
prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus:
CC 50 to 74 mL/minute: 1.5 g four times daily
CC 25 to 49 mL/minute: 1.5 g three times daily
CC 10 to 24 mL/minute: 1.5 g twice daily
CC less than 10 mL/minute: 1.5 g once daily
patients on haemodialysis: 1.5 g once daily after haemodialysis
Possible side effects when using Valtrex
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach pain, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, change in the amount of urine.
Valtrex may rarely cause a life-threatening disorder in Kenya that affects the blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body. This disorder is more likely to occur if you have conditions related to a weakened immune system (such as HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant). Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: extreme tiredness, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new fever, bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, sudden vision changes, loss of consciousness, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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