valacyclovir herpes

Valacyclovir (Generic for Valtrex®) Treatment Plan: Genital Herpes

Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of genital herpes, herpes zoster in adults, and oral cold sores.

This treatment plan will review some of the benefits and the risks of the treatment your physician is recommending for GENITAL HERPES. Always make sure to read it, along with the manufacturer’s pamphlet that comes with your medicine.

What is Valacyclovir and How Does it Work?

When you take valacyclovir by mouth, it gets converted in the body to acyclovir, which is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus infections (Herpes Type-1 and Herpes Type-2). It works to inhibit the ability of herpes viruses to multiply inside the body.

One can only get access to Valacyclovir with a doctor’s prescription. Valacyclovir, if used on a daily basis (suppressive therapy) along with safe sex practices may help to lower (albeit not completely eliminate) one’s chances of transmitting genital herpes to your partner. In case you have any symptoms or is affected by genital herpes, it is best to avoid all sexual contact with your partner for safety reasons. If you do so, using a latex condom or polyurethane will be necessary for any sexual contact.

What Is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can cause painful and small blisters to appear in your genital area. One can easily spread genital herpes to others, even without any symptoms. If a person is sexually active, it is still likely for a person to infect their partner with herpes, even if they are already on the medication (valacyclovir). Studies show that taking valacyclovir daily as a means of suppressive therapy as prescribed, and used alongsid safe sex practices (use of condoms) can help lower the chances of infecting your partner with genital herpes.

Any recurring genital herpes infections are considered outbreaks that normally follow an initial infection. The severity and frequency of genital herpes infections recurring naturally declines over time, but this would still vary from person to person.

Difference Between SUPPRESSIVE and EPISODIC Treatment for Recurrent Genital Herpes

Suppressive Therapy:

This therapy follows daily intake of the medication. It is often recommended for those who have experienced severe and frequent recurrences of genital herpes, and people who would like to minimize their risk of infecting their sexual partner with Genital Herpes.

Episodic Therapy:

This mode of therapy follows taking the medication for every single outbreak that occurs. Normally, one would start treatment within one day after observing a genital lesion or after seeing initial signs of any prodromal symptoms (burning, itching, or tingling) which often precedes outbreaks. Episodic therapy may shorten the healing time for Genital Herpes.

How Will I Know the Right Treatment For Me?

You may use this guide to determine the right treatment for you. However, do not use this as a final decision. This is for informational purposes only. For further details, please take the time to discuss the appropriate treatment for you with your healthcare provider:

I am not sexually active at the momoment and also don’t experience frequent/severe outbreaks → EPISODIC THERAPY
I prefer taking medication only when I get symptoms of this condition → EPISODIC THERAPY
I don’t want to infect my partner who does not have genital herpes → SUPPRESSIVE THERAPY
I get severe and/or frequent episodes of this recurrent genital herpes condition → SUPPRESSIVE THERAPY **if you get more than 9 outbreaks within a year, we recommend that you seek treatment in-person**

Can Valacyclovir Cure My Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes, once diagnosed, is a chronic condition that can only be managed by medicines. And no, there is no cure for the lifelong viral infection (genital herpes).

Who Should Not Be Taking Valacyclovir?

People who should NOT be taking Valacyclovir are: hypersensitive / allergic to valacyclovir, acyclovir, and any other component of the formulation

If these conditions apply to you, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional in-person regarding seeking treatment for genital herpes:

HIV infection or AIDS
Kidney or liver problems
If you are < 18 years old
If you have history of bone marrow transplant or a kidney transplant
A weakened immune system not related to HIV infection
Aseptic encephalitis or transverse myelitis
Urinary retention issues
Widespread herpes simplex virus
History of seizure disorder

May I Take Valacyclovir If I Am Breastfeeding Or Pregnant?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to see a healthcare provider in-person and discuss the best approach to treating genital herpes without harming your infant.

What Are The Ingredients in Valacyclovir?

Active ingredient:

Valacyclovir hydrochloride

Inactive Ingredients:

colloidal silicon dioxide, carnauba wax, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, crospovidone, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, povidone, edible white ink

What Will Happen If I Stop Using This Topical Medication?

You could experience any of the following:

● Headache ● Nausea ● Abdominal pain

Proper Storage & Use

Store the medicine in a closed container that’s away from heat, direct light, and moisture at room temperature. Keep it from freezing. Do not keep expired medicines or medicines no longer needed. Ask your healthcare provider how you should dispose of any medicine that you do not use. Always keep out of reach from children.