Prescriptions Drugs to Treat of Genital Herpes
Wednesday, September 2, 2009 6:03Here is Literature for When Your Physician Prescribes Valtrex to You
You might have been taken aback and confused after receiving the diagnosis of genital herpes. While genital herpes isn’t totally curable, it can be treated. Even though you can control your genital herpes, it still has a major effect on your life.
After your doctor has given you the diagnosis of genital herpes and decided to treat you with Valtrex, the literature you have received will educate you and allow you to become more comfortable with the use of Valtrex and its ability to fit into your everyday routine.
Prescription Drug Valtrex is the more familiar name for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride, recognized as a treatment for genital herpes. Oblong shaped, Valtrex is a blue tablet. The tablets are made in 500 mg and 1000 mg doses. Valtrex is used to treat genital herpes in dosages of one gram twice a day over the course of ten days. Take 500 milligrams twice daily for three days to treat recurrent genital herpes. Cold sores created by herpes can actually be treated by Valtrex. As soon as you feel a cold sore coming on, take two grams of Valtrex twice a day for one day.
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride, the key ingredient in Valtrex, converts to acyclovir by the metabolism through the first-pass intestinal and/or hepatic system — which is what makes Valtrex effective. ‘Fake’ acyclic nucleotides such as acyclovir have the ability to inhibit the herpes virus. The DNA chain that contains the herpes virus is eliminated by the incorporation of acyclovir into the chain of the DNA. The repetition of this process does not cure the herpes virus, but treats it and its symptoms. Valtrex reaches its full effect after administration orally in two and one-half to three and one-half hours. The elimination of Benemid, also called probenacid, or Tagament, also called cimetidine, may be lowered by Valtrex.
Patients with a sensitivity to Valacyclovir Hydrochloride in any form should not take Valtrex. If you have impairment of the renal system and you have been prescribed Valtrex by your physician, lower the dosage of Valtrex that has been prescribed.
In patients who are very low on fluids, precipitation of Acyclovir can occur in the renal tubes. (This is why it’s extremely important to drink plenty of fluids when you’re on Valtrex.) Your physician should have advised you that even though you are taking Valtrex, other viral mutations of herpes can occur, and when the virus is active in your body, you must do everything possible to avoid spreading the herpes to others, either by practicing very safe sex, or even not having sex at all for a while.
Valtrex may cause some unwanted side effects, including headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. In addition, you may feel tremors. If any swelling of the throat, rashes, hives, or any other allergic reactions are noted, get emergency medical attention swiftly. If you forget a dose, take it the moment you realize it, unless the time is near to your next dose. Never take two doses. Valtrex should be kept away from children and stored out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place. The strength of Valtrex may be lowered by sunlight. Don’t forget that you can’t stop taking Valtrex, even though your symptoms are almost gone and you start to feel better.
You can use an array of anti-vital and daily suppressive medications, like Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Acyclovir (Famvir) to help relieve your symptoms. You may also utilize pain relievers such as ibuprofen, and take warm baths, to help ease your symptoms.