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Valtrex

Valtrex

valaciclovir

Manufacturer:

Glaxo Wellcome SA

Distributor:

GlaxoSmithKline
Concise Prescribing Info
Contents
Valaciclovir
Indications/Uses
Herpes zoster (shingles) & herpes labialis (cold sores). Treatment & prevention (recurrences) of herpes simplex infections of skin & mucous membranes including initial & recurrent genital herpes. Reduce transmission of genital herpes. Prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection & disease.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Herpes zoster (shingles) including ophth zoster Adult 1,000 mg tid for 7 days. Immunocompetent & immunocompromised adult w/ renal impairment, CrCl ≥50 mL/min 1,000 mg tid, 30-49 mL/min 1,000 mg bid, 10-29 mL/min 1,000 mg once daily, <10 mL/min 500 mg once daily. Treatment of herpes simplex infections Immunocompetent adult & adolescent ≥12 yr 500 mg bid. Duration of therapy: Recurrent episodes: 3-5 days; initial episodes: 5-10 days. Immunocompetent adult & adolescent w/ renal impairment, CrCl ≥30 mL/min 500 mg bid, <30 mL/min 500 mg once daily. Treatment of herpes labialis Immunocompetent adult & adolescent ≥12 yr 2 g bid for 1 day; 2nd dose given 12 hr (not <6 hr) after 1st dose. Immunocompetent adult & adolescent w/ renal impairment, CrCl ≥50 mL/min 2,000 mg bid in 1 day, 30-49 mL/min 1,000 mg bid in 1 day, 10-29 mL/min 500 mg bid in 1 day, <10 mL/min 500 mg as a single dose. Prevention (suppression) of recurrences of herpes simplex infection Immunocompetent adult & adolescent ≥12 yr 500 mg once daily. Some patients w/ very frequent recurrences (eg, ≥10/yr) may gain additional benefit from 500 mg daily in divided doses (250 mg bid). Immunocompromised adult 500 mg bid. Immunocompetent adult & adolescent w/ renal impairment, CrCl ≥30 mL/min 500 mg once daily, <30 mL/min 250 mg once daily. Immunocompromised adult w/ CrCl ≥30 mL/min 500 mg bid, <30 mL/min 500 mg once daily. Reduction of transmission of genital herpes Immunocompetent heterosexual adult w/ ≤9 recurrences/yr 500 mg once daily given to infected partner. Prophylaxis of CMV infection & disease Adult & adolescent ≥12 yr 2 g qid, initiated as early as possible post-transplant. Adult & adolescent w/ CrCl ≥75 mL/min 2,000 mg qid, 50-<75 mL/min 1,500 mg qid, 25-<50 mL/min 1,500 mg tid, 10-<25 mL/min 1,500 mg bid, <10 mL/min or on dialysis 1,500 mg once daily.
Administration
May be taken with or without food: May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to valaciclovir or aciclovir.
Special Precautions
Ensure adequate fluid intake in patients at risk of dehydration, particularly elderly. Not for treatment of genital herpes & does not completely eliminate risk of transmission. Increased risk of developing neurological side effects in patients w/ renal impairment & in elderly. Caution when administering high doses in patients w/ hepatic impairment or liver transplantation. Pregnancy & lactation. Elderly.
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Increased aciclovir plasma conc w/ drugs that compete w/ aciclovir elimination eg, cimetidine & probenecid. Increased plasma AUCs of aciclovir & inactive metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil when co-administered. Monitor for changes in renal function if co-administering higher doses of valaciclovir (≥4 g/day) w/ drugs which affect other aspects of renal physiology eg, cyclosporin & tacrolimus.
MIMS Class
Antivirals
ATC Classification
J05AB11 - valaciclovir ; Belongs to the class of nucleosides and nucleotides excluding reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Used in the systemic treatment of viral infections.
Presentation/Packing
Form
Valtrex FC tab 500 mg
Packing/Price
10's
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