Valcivir contain Valacyclovir, an antiviral agent used to treat infection with herpes simplex virus that cause cold sores (HSV-1), genital herpes (HSV-II) and shingles or herpes zoster (varicella virus); to relieve painful symptoms and help heal blisters; also to prevent recurrent infection.
Valcivir is used to treat infection infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by herpes simplex virus, including cold sores (herpes labialis), initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes in people with a healthy immune system, and shingles (herpes zoster).
Valcivir is also used for suppression of recurrent genital herpes infections in people with an active immune system (immunocompetent) and to reduce the transmission of genital herpes to others. In HIV-infected patients who are immunocompromised, Valcivir is used for prevention (prophylaxis) of herpes infections. Valcivir is also used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, and to treat chickenpox, caused by the closely related varicella zoster herpes in children who are at least 2 years old and herpes zoster (shingles) in immunocompetent adults.
Valcivir contains the active ingredient Valacyclovir, an antiviral agent used to treat infections caused by herpes virus infections including genital herpes and cold sores;it is also effective against the closely related varicella zoster herpes virus that causes chicken pox and shingles.
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Valcivir include headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness. Less common side effects include mild reversible neurological reactions and fatigue and change in liver function tests, especially with long term therapy.
You should not use Valcivir if you: are allergic to valacyclovir or any ingredients in Valcivir; are pregnant or are breastfeeding; have kidney or liver disease; have had a bone marrow transplant; are taking medicines that interact with Valcivir, without discussion with your doctor, including probenecid (a treatment for gout), cimetidine for ulcers, methotrexate for cancer treatment, the immunosuppressant ciclosporin, the antiviral foscarnet, aminoglycoside antibiotics.
You should take your Valcivir swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food, usually twice daily depending on what you are being treated for and your doctors recommendations. You should start taking your Valcivir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms, such as tingling, burning, blisters. The dose you take, how often and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and your doctors recommendations. Your course of treatment may last for 3 to 10 days for an initial infection or longer, depending on your condition and whether you are taking Valcivir for initial or recurrent infection or for prevention.
You should continue to take your Valcivir for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for 3-10 day, or longer depending on your condition and what you are being treated for.
If you miss a dose of Valcivir take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
You should store your Valcivir below 25°C in a cool dry place.
