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Valtrex is one of the medicines used to treat symptoms caused by certain viral infections. Some of the main uses, indications and recommendations when using the drug need to be carefully studied to bring the best effect.1. What does Valtrex do?
Valtrex or Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain viruses. In children, it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth caused by the Herpes Simplex virus or chickenpox caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. In addition, in adults with Herpes Zoster shingles and perioral herpes, valacyclovir is also used to treat genital herpes outbreaks. In fact, in patients with frequent flare-ups, valacyclovir has been shown to reduce the frequency of these episodes.Valtrex is an antiviral drug that helps prevent the reproduction and growth of some strains of the virus, but this is not a method that can completely treat this infection. Even after taking drugs, these viruses continue to live in the patient's body. Valtrex can make symptoms less severe and make flare-ups shorter than usual. More specifically, when taking Valtrex, infected sores will heal faster, along with the ability to form new ulcers, symptoms such as pain and itching will also be reduced.
2. How to use Valtrex
Patients can consult the instructions for use and information provided by a qualified pharmacist before using Valtrex as well as each time it is used again. If you have any questions about taking a medication, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. Patients can take the drug with or without meals, depending on the doctor's prescription. In addition, patients should also drink a lot of water while taking the drug to minimize the side effects caused by the drug. The dosage and duration of drug use are based on different types of infection, health status as well as the body's response to the drug. In the treatment of chickenpox in children, the dose of Valtrex is calculated according to the weight of the child.Valtrex works best when taken at the first symptom of a flare-up as prescribed by the treating doctor. If treatment is delayed during this time, the drug may not be able to work at its maximum. For shingles and chickenpox, start using Valacyclovir at the first signs or as soon as possible after the rash appears on the body. Similarly, with perioral or genital herpes, Valtrex should be used at the first sign of symptoms or at the onset of tingling, itching and burning. In addition, Valacyclovir works best when the level of the drug in the body is kept at a steady level. Therefore, taking the medicine at regular intervals will help enhance the therapeutic effect of the drug.
3. Notes when taking Valtrex
Before taking Valacyclovir, patients should tell their doctor or pharmacist if they have any allergies to the drug or to Acyclovir, or to any other type of allergy. This medicine may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions and other health problems. In addition, patients also need to inform their doctor about their medical conditions, especially kidney problems, before taking the drug.Valtrex very rarely makes patients feel dizzy. Patients should not drive, use machines, or do any work requiring alertness until they can do so safely. Limit the use of alcoholic beverages while taking the drug.
Before surgery, the patient should also inform his doctor or dentist about the medicinal products being used, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and other pharmaceutical products to avoid unwanted drug interactions. happen.
Do not give vaccinations such as chickenpox without consulting your doctor first.
Some older people may be more sensitive to the side effects of Valtrex, especially mental changes such as anxiety, agitation or kidney problems.
Cold sores around the mouth can spread very easily, so close contact with others should be avoided during an outbreak until the sore is completely healed. Try not to touch the area with herpes, if you do not pay attention to touching, you should wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Valtrex cannot prevent the spread of herpes, but to reduce the chance of transmission of genital herpes to sexual partners, patients should not have sex during an outbreak or any other condition. whenever unusual symptoms occur. However, the disease can still be transmitted even if the patient does not have any clinical symptoms, so it is advisable to use safe contraception during sex such as condoms.
During pregnancy, Valtrex is only recommended in cases where it is absolutely necessary, so patients need to have a doctor's consent, consider the harms and benefits that the drug brings before using. .
This medicine may pass into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing baby. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor when using the drug while breastfeeding.
In summary, Valtrex is considered a popular antiviral drug today, used with many different uses, the most typical of which is to treat some diseases such as herpes. It is necessary to find out what Valtrex does so that it can be used correctly and safely.
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