Valtrex

Chickenpox, Herpes Labialis, Genital Herpes + 5 more
Treatment
20 Active Studies for Valtrex

What is Valtrex

ValaciclovirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryValaciclovir (also known as Valtrex) is an antiviral medication used to treat and manage various herpes infections. It was approved by the FDA in 1995 and is part of a drug class that is used to treat HIV, hepatitis, and other viral infections. Valaciclovir is especially effective in treating genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted disease that affects over 400 million people worldwide. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus and can never be cured, but Valaciclovir can help reduce or manage outbreaks.
Valtrexis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Valtrex Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Valtrex
Valaciclovir
1995
231

Effectiveness

How Valtrex Affects PatientsValacyclovir is an antiviral drug that can work against a range of viruses, including herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Clinical studies have shown that valacyclovir works best when taken within 72 hours of symptom onset. For cold sores, taking a 1-day regimen of valacyclovir (2 grams twice a day) or a 2-day regimen (2 grams twice daily for two days
How Valtrex works in the bodyValacyclovir works in three ways to fight off viruses like herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus. First, it stops the virus from replicating its genetic material by blocking its DNA polymerase enzyme. Second, it prevents the virus from making new DNA by ending any DNA chains it's already started. Lastly, it stops the virus from making new copies of its DNA polymerase enzyme. Valacyclovir is most effective at blocking herpes simplex virus because it has a stronger affinity for a specific enzyme called thymidine kinase which is only present in virus-infected cells.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dosage of Valtrex is contingent upon the recognized disorder, such as Genital Herpes, Herpes Labialis and Chickenpox. The measure of dosage will be contingent upon the approach of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet, film coated - Oral) as indicated in the accompanying table.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Herpes Genitalis
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Chickenpox
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Genital Herpes
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Herpes Labialis
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Shingles
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
HIV
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Genital Herpes
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral
Genital Herpes
, 500.0 mg, 1000.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Warnings

Valtrex has two contraindications; therefore, it should not be consumed when dealing with the conditions presented in the following table.Valtrex Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Valaciclovir may interact with Pulse Frequency
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Valaciclovir may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Valtrex.
Common Valtrex Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Neomycin
Major
The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Valaciclovir is combined with Neomycin.
Tenofovir
Major
Valaciclovir may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.
Tenofovir alafenamide
Major
Valaciclovir may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir alafenamide.
Tenofovir disoproxil
Major
Valaciclovir may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir disoproxil.
Abacavir
Minor
Valaciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Valtrex Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of valacyclovir in rats is 903.5 mg/kg. Studies have not shown any link between taking valacyclovir and a higher risk of cancer or birth defects in pregnant women. However, valacyclovir is secreted in breastmilk, so caution is advised when taking it while nursing. Elderly patients and those with decreased kidney function may be at risk of developing toxicity from valacyclovir, which can cause changes in the central nervous system such as confusion, agitation, difficulty speaking, and psychosis. It is recommended that the dose of this drug be reduced in
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Valtrex Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Valtrex?

62 active trials are currently assessing the potential of Valtrex to reduce symptoms of Herpes Labialis, Genital Herpes and other Genital Herpes-related illnesses.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
HIV
38 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4
Herpes Labialis
0 Actively Recruiting
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
Chickenpox
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
Shingles
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1
Herpes Genitalis
0 Actively Recruiting

Valtrex Reviews: What are patients saying about Valtrex?

5Patient Review
1/22/2016
Valtrex for Shingles
I've been struggling with shingles for the last five years, and my doctor recommended Valtrex as a way to manage future outbreaks. I was really pleased with how well it worked; although it didn't completely remove the pain, it significantly reduced the duration of my symptoms.
5Patient Review
6/3/2021
Valtrex for Suppression of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection in HIV
This medicine is very effective and has no side effect
5Patient Review
11/16/2016
Valtrex for Shingles
I'm really glad I found this stuff- it's helped me a lot.
4Patient Review
10/14/2016
Valtrex for Shingles
Valtrex was very effective at reducing the pain associated with my shingles diagnosis. I didn't experience much itching, but it definitely helped with the overall discomfort.
4Patient Review
7/1/2021
Valtrex for Treatment to Prevent Cytomegalovirus Disease
This treatment is effective and doesn't have any negative side effects that I've experienced.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about valtrex

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is Valtrex used for?

"Valacyclovir is a medication used to treat herpes virus infections, including cold sores, shingles, and genital herpes in adults."

Answered by AI

When should you take Valtrex?

"If you start taking valacyclovir within 48 hours of the first appearance of shingles or genital herpes symptoms, it will be most effective. For recurrent genital herpes outbreaks, valacyclovir is most effective if taken within 24 hours of symptom onset."

Answered by AI

What happens when you take Valtrex?

"Valacyclovir may cause several potential side effects, the most common of which are vomiting, diarrhea, headache and nausea (affecting more than one percent of users). Less common side effects (affecting less than one percent of users) include vertigo and dizziness."

Answered by AI

How long does it take Valtrex to work?

"It may take up to a week or more for some people to feel relief from their symptoms after taking Valtrex, while others may feel relief after just a day or two. Factors such as age, the severity of your symptoms, and your metabolism can affect how long it takes for your symptoms to go away."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Valtrex

Have you considered Valtrex clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Valtrex, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Valtrex clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Valtrex, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Valtrex clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Valtrex, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
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