How Long Starting Valtrex Are You No Longer Contagious
The herpes virus is very contagious and can easily spread via bodily fluids and skin contact. Once infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2, a person will be a carrier for life. There is no cure for herpes and no vaccinations exist right now.
When you have cold sores or blisters on and surrounding your genital area, you will be most contagious, although it is important to understand that carriers of HSV-1 and HSV-2 can always transmit the infection.
When you have cold sores or blisters you should take additional precautions as follows:
- Avoid kissing another person on the mouth or other areas of their body
- Do not share cutlery, toothbrushes or towels
Research has shown that Valtrex can reduce the risk of genital herpes transmission by up to 50% by decreasing viral shedding.
Taking Valtrex long-term is safe, and can decrease genital herpes outbreaks by up to 80%. However, you must tell your partner if you do have genital herpes, as they should be allowed to make up their own minds about the risks involved.
It is important to emphasize that even after taking Valtrex, HSV continues to be contagious. Whilst antiviral drugs can decrease viral shedding and reduce the severity of HSV-1 and HSV-2, patients can still transmit the disease.
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How Supplied/storage And Handling
VALTREX tablets containing 556.2 mg of valacyclovir hydrochloride equivalent to 500 mg valacyclovir.
Bottle of 30 .
Bottle of 90 .
Unit dose pack of 100 .
VALTREX tablets containing 1.112 grams of valacyclovir hydrochloride equivalent to 1 gram of valacyclovir.
Bottle of 30 .
Bottle of 90 .
Storage:
Store at 15° to 25°C . Dispense in a well-closed container as defined in the USP.
Treatment For Genital Herpes
There are three antiviral medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of genital herpes:
- Acyclovir: The oldest antiviral medication for herpes is acyclovir. It has been available since 1982 in a topical form and sold since 1985 in pill form. Acyclovir has been shown to be safe in persons who have used it continuously for as long as 10 years.
- Valacyclovir: A newer drug, valacyclovir, actually uses acyclovir as its active ingredient. This medication delivers acyclovir more efficiently so that the body absorbs much of the drug, which has the advantage of taking the medication fewer times during the day.
- Famciclovir: Famciclovir uses penciclovir as its active ingredient to stop HSV from replicating. Like valacyclovir, it is well absorbed, persists for a longer time in the body, and can be taken less frequently than acyclovir.
Antiviral medication is commonly prescribed for patients having a first episode of genital herpes, but they can be used for recurrent episodes as well. There are two kinds of treatment regimens: episodic therapy and suppressive therapy.
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Encouraging Healing Of Cold Sores
Wet or Dry?
Knowing when to keep your cold sore dry and when to keep it moist is an important part of getting rid of cold sores faster.
When you first notice a tingling or itching sensation that indicates a cold sore is on its way, try to keep the area dry. The area should remain dry until after the blister bursts and scabs over with a yellow or brown crust.
You can dry a cold sore out by pressing salt against it for about 30 seconds. You can also try applying a thin layer of white toothpaste to the sore before bed.
Once a scab forms on the sore, you can use petroleum jelly to keep the scab moist.
Supplements and Compresses
Taking lysine supplements and using a cold compress can also encourage cold sores to heal more quickly. You can try traditional natural compresses such as an ice pack, which can reduce pain and inflammation, but be sure that the ice usage doesnt cause the sore to become wet. You can also try compresses of cornstarch paste.
Best Practices
One of the most important ways to combat cold sores and shorten their duration is to take action at the very first sign of an outbreak. Whether you use cold compresses, keep the area dry, or try to minimize swelling by using ice and/or ibuprofen, all of these tips will work best when used early.
Additionally, be sure to avoid touching or picking at the cold sore, which could lead to infection. It could also further injure your skin and prolong healing time.
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When You Must Not Take Them
- Do not take Valtrex tablets if you have ever had an allergic reaction to valaciclovir, aciclovir or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction may be mild or severe. They usually include some or all of the following: wheezing, swelling of the lips/mouth, difficulty in breathing, hay fever, lumpy rash or fainting.
- Do not take Valtrex tablets if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding, unless your doctor says you should.
- Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Valtrex tablets when pregnant and during breast-feeding.
- Do not take Valtrex tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack.
- If you take it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
- Do not take Valtrex tablets if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
- If you are not sure whether you should be taking Valtrex, talk to your doctor.
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Suppressive Therapy For Recurrent Hsv
Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of genital herpes recurrences by 70%80% among patients who have frequent recurrences . Persons receiving such therapy often report having experienced no symptomatic outbreaks. Suppressive therapy also is effective for patients with less frequent recurrences. Long-term safety and efficacy have been documented among patients receiving daily acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir . Quality of life is improved for many patients with frequent recurrences who receive suppressive therapy rather than episodic treatment . Providers should discuss with patients on an annual basis whether they want to continue suppressive therapy because frequency of genital HSV-2 recurrence diminishes over time for many persons. However, neither treatment discontinuation nor laboratory monitoring is necessary because adverse events and development of HSV antiviral resistance related to long-term antiviral use are uncommon.
Valacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 3 daysOR
Valacyclovir 1 gm orally once daily for 5 days
*Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/day is also effective, but are not recommended because of frequency of dosing.
Is Acyclovir Or Valacyclovir Better
Acyclovir and valacyclovir are both effective treatments for viral infections arising from the herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus strains. The most clinically significant difference between them may be seen when treating shingles, as valacyclovir leads to a shorter duration of pain and fewer complications related to the eyes. An important consideration when choosing between the two treatments is that valacyclovir is dosed fewer times per day than acyclovir which decreases the pill burden for patients and may be easier to manage and remain compliant to treatment regimens.
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To Use Acyclovir Cream Follow These Steps:
Valacyclovir Dosage For Genital Herpes
If you have genital herpes, youll understand how stressful an outbreak can be. People infected with genital herpes can experience four to five outbreaks of the virus per year, making it vital to have medication like valacyclovir on hand in the event you notice herpes lesions developing.
Like oral herpes, valacyclovir is highly effective at treating genital herpes and speeding up the healing process.
Genital herpes occurs in two phases. After being infected with the virus, most people will have an initial outbreak a powerful outbreak of the virus that can result in severe symptoms. After this, genital herpes presents itself in recurring outbreaks every few months.
The typical dose of valacyclovir used to treat an initial outbreak of genital herpes is 1,000 mg taken two times per day. This twice-daily 1,000 mg dosage usually continues over 10 days as the herpes outbreak retreats and the lesions close, scab and heal.
During a very severe initial outbreak of genital herpes, your doctor might recommend taking valacyclovir over a longer period.
For recurring genital herpes, the typical dosage of valacyclovir is 500 mg taken twice daily for three days.
As with cold sores, valacyclovir is most effective at treating genital herpes when its taken as early as possible during an outbreak. Taken early, consistently and at the right dose, use of valacyclovir can make dealing with a difficult genital herpes outbreak more manageable.
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What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- increased sensitivity to UV light
Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- behaviour changes
- pain in the side between the ribs and hip or kidney area of the back
- signs of anemia caused by red blood cell destruction
- signs of bleeding
- signs of decreased kidney function
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
- signs of a severe skin reaction
Stages Of Herpes Outbreaks
Like any other infection, every case is different. The duration of a herpes outbreak will depend on factors such as:
- Your individual immune system
- How many outbreaks youâve had in the past
- Treatment history
Keep in mind that no matter your history or treatment, thereâs help.
The stages of a herpes outbreak can last between two and 14 days and can be broken down into stages:
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Can Valacyclovir Treat Shingles
Yes. Valacyclovir is an FDA-approved treatment for herpes zoster . It decreases the duration and severity of symptoms . It should be started as soon as possible after the rash starts. You will get the best response if you take the medication within 72 hours of the rash appearing .
Data shows that even if valacyclovir is started more than 72 hours after a rashs appearance, there can still be some benefit . Sometimes, depending on your pain level, your healthcare provider may recommend pain medication or over-the-counter remedies along with valacyclovir. As with other herpes viruses, valacyclovir does not cure shinglesit can make your current episode less painful and resolve faster if started right away.
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What Are The Main Differences Between Acyclovir Vs Valacyclovir
Acyclovir is a prescription medication used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus . It belongs to a class of antiviral drugs known as synthetic purine deoxynucleoside analogues. This class is also sometimes referred to as nucleoside and nucleotide DNA polymerase inhibitor antivirals. Acyclovir fights viral infections by incorporating itself into the viral DNA and then prohibiting viral DNA synthesis. Acyclovir is available in a variety of forms including topical cream and ointment, ophthalmic ointment, solution for injection, oral capsules, oral tablets, oral dissolving tablets, and oral suspension. The oral acyclovir formulation has poor bioavailability because it is altered in first-pass metabolism, resulting in poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
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Can Valacyclovir Stop Genital Herpes From Spreading
Valacyclovir is an oft-prescribed treatment for both oral and genital herpes. It can also treats chickenpox, which is another herpes virus strain. Valacyclovir, when prescribed to prevent herpes outbreaks or lower their frequency, also reduces the rate of transmission.
Research has found that using valacyclovir will reduce the risk of transmission by about 50%. If in addition, you use condoms, the risk of contagion drops by another 50%. So, the total risk reduction is about 75% of whatever the initial risk was. Its not 100% safe, but a significant odds improvement. Studies have found that daily valacyclovir therapy for the duration of one year did not cause any significant adverse health effects. If you suffer from recurring genital herpes outbreaks, talk to your doctor about whether valacyclovir may be right for you.
If you arent a herpes carrier yourself but your partner is, to be safer yet, just avoid having sex when your partner has an active outbreak, even if he does take valacyclovir. The same goes for oral sex. If your partner has cold sores , dont let him or her give you oral sex, and avoid skin-to-skin contact with the affected area on his or her mouth.
If you know that you have genital herpes , you need to take extra care in order to prevent the virus spreading to your partner. Be frank and tell your partner, practice safer sex, and avoid sex completely when you notice signs of an outbreak, however mild.
To Use Acyclovir Ointment Follow These Steps:
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. Read this information before you start using acyclovir and each time you refill your prescription.
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Valacyclovir May Interact With Other Medications
An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help prevent interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking.
To find out how valacyclovir oral tablet might interact with something else youre taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that youre taking.
This drug comes with several warnings.
How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me
Valacyclovir belongs to the class of medications known as antivirals. It is used to treat a viral infection affecting the skin known as shingles . It is also used to treat cold sores, and to treat and prevent recurrences of genital herpes. It works by interfering with the way the virus reproduces. Valacyclovir works by stopping the virus from multiplying and spreading to nearby healthy cells.
It does not cure shingles, cold sores, or genital herpes, but it does help the sores to heal more quickly, and it relieves pain and discomfort. When used to prevent recurrences of herpes, it also reduces the risk of transmission of the infection to others.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
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Using Valacyclovir To Treat A Primary Outbreak Of Cold Sores
Valacyclovir is also used to treat primary outbreaks of cold sores, or oral herpes. The standard dosage of valacyclovir for managing a primary oral herpes outbreak is 2,000 mg every 12 hours for one day .
During a particularly severe or persistent outbreak, your doctor may recommend adjusting your valacyclovir dose or extending the dosage to provide greater relief. Follow your doctors advice and instructions for the best results from valacyclovir and other antiviral medication.