Valcivir (Valaciclovir)

What Is Valcivir?

Valcivir is similar to Valtrex and Generic Valacyclovir. It is an antiviral used to treat or suppress herpes zoster infections and genital herpes. Valcivir can be used in conjunction with safe sex practices to reduce the spread to others. It does not cure the disease but lessens the symptoms. The antiviral slow the spread and growth so that the body is able to fight infection.

Infections that are caused by herpes viruses such as cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox can also be treated by Valcivir. As soon as the symptoms occur, treatment with Valcivir should be started. Symptoms include tingling, burning, and blisters.

Generic Valtrex (Valcivir tablets) is used for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) and the reduction of zoster-associated pain, which includes acute and postherpetic neuralgia when given to immunocompetent patients in infection of fewer than 72 hours duration. Generic Valtrex is also used for the treatment of herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent patients.

Valcivir tablets are used for the prevention (suppression) of recurrent herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including genital herpes in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.

How should I use this medicine?

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes zoster (shingles), herpes simplex, herpes labialis (cold sores), genital herpes, and chickenpox (varicella zoster) infections. The main ingredient in this medicine is classified as a purine nucleoside analog, and it undergoes conversion to acyclovir in the body, possibly as a result of an enzyme known as valaciclovir hydrolase. Following this, it starts to work through disruption and inhibition of viral DNA synthesis, thereby stopping the spread of the herpes virus.

How Does Valcivir Work?

Valaciclovir is rapidly and almost completely converted to acyclovir by intestinal and hepatic metabolism. Then it is converted to acyclovir monophosphate by virus-specific thymidine kinase and then further converted to acyclovir triphosphate by other cellular enzymes. Aciclovir triphosphate works by inhibiting DNA synthesis and viral replication by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for viral DNA polymerase and being incorporated into viral DNA.

How Do I take Valcivir?

The dosage and the drug form depend on the age, weight, and medical condition of an individual. Take Valcivir 500mg and 1000mg Tablets as prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Take the drug with or without food. However, taking the drug with food prevents stomach upset.

If you miss a dose of Valcivir 500mg and 1000mg Tablet, please take it immediately once you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Indications:

Valcivir is used for treating shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (fever blisters or herpes labialis), and treating, suppressing, or reducing transmission of genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. It is also used to treat chickenpox in children and teenagers. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection. Valcivir is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Valcivir does not eliminate the virus; it is not a cure. When used as a suppressive therapy in patients with normal immune systems with genital herpes using safer sex practices, the risk of spreading the infections to others is reduced.

Instructions:

Use Valcivir as directed by your doctor!

• Take Valcivir by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Valcivir is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• To treat cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start.
• If treating an acute outbreak, use Valcivir for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
• For suppressive therapy, Valcivir works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
• If you miss a dose of Valcivir, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have about how to use Valcivir.

Dosage:

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) tablets are available in 2 different strength versions, including 500mg and 1000mg tablets. Immunocompetent adults treating herpes zoster infections may be directed by their physician to commence treatment as quickly as possible upon diagnosis. It is possible that they may be directed by the physician in charge of treatment to administer 1000mg, 3 times per day for a period of 7 days. Patients treating genital herpes or other conditions may be told to take it according to a different dosing schedule. In all cases, it is essential to follow the directions of the physician in charge of treatment.

Where Should I keep my medicine?

Store Valcivir between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep Valcivir out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Precautions:

Valcivir (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) tablets will not cure the herpes virus nor will they prevent the virus from being spread to others via sexual contact or by other means. Patients who suffer from HIV or other immune system-related disorders, kidney disease, or who have undergone transplants must inform their physician of this prior to commencing treatment.

Active Ingredient: Valacyclovir hydrochloride.