Valacyclovir
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat genital herpes and herpes zoster virus. It can treat conditions like:
- Cold sores or herpes labialis due to herpes simplex
- Shingles due to herpes zoster
- Genital herpes and due to the herpes simplex
- Chickenpox due to varicella zoster
Valacyclovir can stop the growth of the viruses that cause infection in the body. However, it does not cure the infection. It can only decrease the length and severity of the outbreak. It helps heal sore faster, keeps new sores from forming and decreases the itching and pain of the sores. The viruses that cause the infection will continue to live in the body even between outbreaks.
Valacyclovir works in four different ways of treating HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses:
- It can treat early symptoms of an outbreak
- It prevents an outbreak even when there are no symptoms
- It suppresses an outbreak over a long period of time
- It prevents the transmission of the viruses to an uninfected people
Why Buy Valacyclovir?
Valacyclovir is FDA approved for the treatment of HSV-1, HSV-2 and herpes zoster viruses. It is absorbed much better in the digestive tract than Acyclovir. Once absorbed, it is then converted into Acyclovir in the body where it effectively combats the viruses. It works better than Acyclovir.
It is available both as generic version and brand name. It comes in 500mg and 100mg tablet. The generic drug is less expensive than the branded counterpart but both have the same active ingredient. Both have the same mechanism of action.
How to Use Valacyclovir?
Take this medication exactly as directed by your physician. Take it by mouth with a glass of water. The usual recommended dose is 1 tablet every 8 hours or 3 times a day for 7 days for the treatment of shingles. Take 1 tablet twice a day for 5 days in treating genital herpes.
Use this medication at the first sign of the symptoms to get the best result. It may not work properly if the treatment is delayed. Take it at an evenly spaced time. Do not change your dose without telling your doctor. If symptoms persist or worsen see your doctor at once.
Things to Remember
- Valacyclovir can lower the chances of genital herpes to uninfected partner when used with safe sex practice.
- Patients with HIV, bone marrow transplant and kidney transplant have higher chances of getting blood disorder if they are taking this medication.
- Older patients have higher chances of having side effects.
- Keep the dose of this medication at a constant level for it to work best.
- In case of serious side effects, seek medical attention right away.