Valtrex(TM) 500 mg Tablets for herpes zoster
(valaciclovir)
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Valtrex tablets. It does not contain all of the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Valtrex tablets against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Valtrex tablets are used for
Valtrex tablets belong to a group of medicines called antivirals. Valtrex tablets are used for the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster) and ophthalmic zoster (shingles affecting the eye region).
Valtrex tablets work by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes shingles. They can reduce the length and severity of an outbreak of shingles and the duration of pain associated with shingles. It is important the treatment is started within the first three days of the shingles attack.
Valtrex tablets are more effective in patients 50 years of age and older.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Valtrex tablets have been prescribed for you.
Valtrex tablets are not addictive.
Before you take Valtrex tablets
When you must not take them
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Valtrex tablets when pregnant and during breastfeeding.
If you take them after the expiry date has passed, they may not work as well.
Before you start to take them
You must tell your doctor if:
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, please do so before you take Valtrex.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may affect the way others work. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you what to do when taking Valtrex tablets with other medicines.
Use in children
There is not enough information to recommend the use of Valtrex in children.
How to take Valtrex tablets
Take Valtrex tablets exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you:
The label on the pack will give the same information. If there is something you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How much to take
If you have been prescribed Valtrex 500 mg tablets, the normal dose to take is two tablets with water three times a day.
If you think you have been advised to take a different dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
How to take them
Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
You should drink plenty of fluids while taking Valtrex tablets, especially if you are elderly.
When to take them
The shingles pack is designed to help you to remember to take the tablets at the correct times.
The usual times to take the tablets are in the morning, afternoon and evening.
How long to take them
The usual course of treatment is seven days.
Do not stop taking Valtrex tablets before the course of treatment is finished just because you feel better. The shingles may not be completely over.
If you forget to take them
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
If you take too much (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 131126) for advice, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Valtrex, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.
If you are not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
While you are taking Valtrex tablets
Things you must do
Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Valtrex tablets if you are about to be started on any new medicines.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or are trying to become pregnant or intend to breastfeed while you are taking Valtrex tablets.
Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not taken your medicine exactly as prescribed.
Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Valtrex tablets affect you.
Things you must not do
Do not stop taking Valtrex tablets, or alter the dose, without first checking with your doctor.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
Do not use Valtrex tablets to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.
Side Effects
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you have any health problems while taking Valtrex tablets, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or are not listed in this leaflet.
Like all medicines, Valtrex tablets can cause some side-effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
The most commonly reported side effects are:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
Some people are allergic to medicines. 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, hayfever, lumpy rash (“hives”) or fainting.
If you think you are having an allergic reaction to Valtrex tablets, stop taking the tablets and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not yet known.
Some rare side effects of Valtrex tablets include:
You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects which are more common in patients with kidney disease or in those taking high doses of Valtrex:
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don`t understand anything in this list.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them.
After taking Valtrex tablets
Storage
Keep this medicine where young children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Keep Valtrex tablets in a cool, dry place where it stays below 30 degrees C. Do not store them, or any other medicine, in a bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave them in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines
Keep your tablets in their pack until it is time to take them.
If you take the tablets out of their pack they may not keep well.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Valtrex, or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets left over.
Product description
What Valtrex tablets look like.
Valtrex 500 mg tablets are biconvex, elongated, unscored, white film-coated tablets with GX CF1 printed in blue ink on one side. They are available in a pack size of 42 tablets.
Ingredients
Valtrex tablets contain the active ingredient valaciclovir. The tablets also contain microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, povidone, colloidal anyhydrous silica, carnauba wax, magnesium stearate, white colour concentrate, and blue printing ink.
Supplier
Your Valtrex tablets are made by:
Further Information
Pharmaceutical companies are not in a position to give people an individual diagnosis or medical advice. Your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to give you individual advice. You may also be able to find general information about your disease and its treatment from books, for example in public libraries.