Valaciclovir


Uses


What is Valaciclovir for?

This medication is also known as “valacyclovir“

It is an antiviral medication used to treat shingles, susceptible viral infections of the skin and genitals, cold sores, prevent viral infections after organ transplants, treat and prevent viral infections of the eye. The medication works by killing or stopping the growth of the viruses. It may also be used for other indications as prescribed by your doctor.

How should I take or use Valaciclovir?

  • Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
  • You may take this medication with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water
  • It is very important that you drink water regularly while you are taking the medication

What should I do if I forget to take or use Valaciclovir?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.


Precaution


What precautions should I take when taking or using Valaciclovir?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
  • Do not drive, use machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Valaciclovir?

This medication may reduce the effects of certain vaccines and should be avoided. Other medications may increase the risks of this medication’s kidney-related side effects. You should therefore avoid taking these medications together. Consult your healthcare professionals for advice on the suitability of this medication with your other medications


Side Effects


What are some common side effects of Valaciclovir?

  • Headache
  • Rash, skin itchiness
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
  • Skin reaction after exposure to sunlight
  • Feeling unwell
  • Dizziness

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Some of these side effects include:

  • Kidney problem: Unable to pass urine, change in urine volume, blood in urine
  • Feeling confused, change in behaviour, mood changes
  • Seeing or hearing things that are not present
  • Slow, slurred speech
  • Seizures, tremors
  • Unsteadiness when walking and lack of coordination

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately


Handling


How should I store Valaciclovir?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Valaciclovir safely?

Pack the medication into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on April 2024


Need More Medicine?

Need More Medicine?

Use Medicine Order Service on HealthBuddy.


Medicines Reminder

Medicines Reminder

Get reminders and chart progress on HealthBuddy.


Understand Your Medicines
Understand Your Medicines

Learn to manage your medications in a series of easy-to-understand bite-size videos and infographics.

Health Articles