VALCIVIR 500mg Tablet

ABOUT THE DRUG:

Valcivir 500 is Valacyclovir Hydrochloride. Valcivir 500 is an antiviral agent that is used to treat the infections caused by HSV or herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus, HSV-I &HSV-II, are responsible for causing cold sores and genital herpes respectively. The painful blisters and sores caused by these viruses are healed by Valacyclovir.
Valacyclovir tablet is a pro-drug of acyclovir and hence it is readily absorbed and converted into acyclovir by liver.

USES OF THE DRUG:

Cold sores are the infections caused by herpes simplex virus. In this infection fluid filled blister are formed on the various areas of face, body and also on the mucous membrane. These blisters leave the area red and swollen. The blisters usually heal in a few weeks but they can reappear.

GENITAL HERPES:

Genital herpes are the infection passed down during sexual intercourse from one infected partner to the other. These sores can be found on the membranes of the genitals and sometimes around the opening of rectum.

WORKING OF THE DRUG:

Valacyclovir is converted into acyclovir by liver. Acyclovir then blocks the DNA polymerase enzyme, inhibiting the viral DNA replication. The process of cell growth and division stops and the cell is not able to spread in the whole body and this finally helps to heal the symptoms of infection and prepare the body to fight off the infections. Valcivir 500 does not cure the herpes infection, as the virus can lie dormant in the body for a very long time and can re-attack once the immune system of the body becomes weak.

DOSAGE FORM AND STRENGTHS:

This drug is available in the tablet form in the following strength on our website:

Valcivir 500 tablets 500 mg
Valcivir tablets 1000 mg

DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU:

Are allergic to this drug or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
Are pregnant, take all the medicine for HIV prescribed by the doctor, to prevent the spread of HIV to the unborn baby
Are breastfeeding or planning to breast feed
Have any other kind of skin infections/ rashes or eczema

TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU:

Are taking some other medicines that can interact with Valacyclovir or acyclovir

HOW MUCH TO TAKE THE DRUG?

The dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly.

HOW TO TAKE THE DRUG?

The tablet must be swallowed with a glass full of water, with or without food. The dose must be according to the doctor. It is generally taken twice daily depending upon the age and the condition it is being given for. Follow the directions given by the doctor on your prescription carefully and take is exactly as directed by the doctor. Do not take more or less than the prescription.
Discuss the time of the day the drug should be taken with your doctor and take the tablet as prescribed by him. Take the dose at the correct time and that too the correct quantity because the improvement of the condition of the patient depends upon the correct dose taken at correct time.

FOR HOW LONG TO TAKE?

Continue treatment as long as doctor prescribes and if the cold sore does not heal after this time, treatment may continue for up to a further five days. If you are not fully recovered even after 10 days or if your cold sore has become very severe, consult your doctor.

OVERDOSE:

If you feel any alarming symptoms then immediately consult the doctor about this drug and its possible side effects of over dosage. If the situation worsens then visit the nearest healthcare center or call the emergency helpline number.

MISS DOSE:

In case you forget to take the dose, skip the dose and take the next dose on the recommended time period. Do not double up the dose for the missed one.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VALCIVIR 500MG:

SERIOUS

Diarrhea
Stuffy nose
Muscle pain
Unexplained weight loss
Joint pain
Vision changes
Skin rashes, hives and itching
Tiredness

COMMON DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Before taking Valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you are also using:

Methotrexate
Sirolimus or Tacrolimus
Certain antibiotics such as: Bacitracin, streptomycin, or Vancomycin etc.
Cancer medicines
Medicines used to treat ulcerative colitis
Certain painkillers like ibuprofen, Diclofenac or naproxen
Avoid taking the medicine and also consult your doctor if you are taking any OTC or herbal medicines. Ask your doctor to get the full list of the drugs needed to be avoided while taking the drug as they may interfere it and can worsen the situation. Your doctor is fully aware of the drug to be avoided. Also tell him about the herbal or OTC medicine that you are taking or you have been taking. Never start a new medicine without the information of doctor.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Avoid touching the sores unnecessarily
Keep regular contact with your doctor in case of emergency
Wear loose fitting clothes
Keep the lesions clean and dry
Do not give Valacyclovir to child until prescribed by doctor