According to the instructions, the drug "Valtrex" belongs to the category of antiviral. On sale represented by tablets. The main active ingredient is valaciclovir. Quite often, Valtrex is recommended by doctors to use for herpes, although the drug can also be used for other viral diseases. Before use, you should consult a doctor - an allergic reaction is possible. There is a slight risk of side effects.
Pharmacy shelves: what is for sale?
Products presented at pharmaceutical points of sale are cardboard boxes containing Valtrex instructions and tablets. The price of the drug is quite high - from a thousand rubles and above. The specific price tag depends on the amount of product in the package, the pharmacy's pricing policy.
In a cardboard box with the name, dosage, the manufacturer places the instructions for use, Valtrex tablets (price is indicated above). Each capsule is coated with a thin film-shaped shell. Doses are packaged in blisters, each containing six or ten tablets. In a cardboard box - from one to seven blisters. The specific amount present inside the preparation is indicated on the outside of the box.
In the instructions for use of Valtrex, the manufacturer lists all the compounds used in the production process. One tablet contains 556 mg of valaciclovir hydrochloride, which in terms of pure product is half a gram of valaciclovir. Auxiliary compounds are also used:
- cellulose;
- silicon dioxide;
- magnesium stearate;
- crospovidone;
- povidone;
- Opadra;
- carnauba wax.
Already at the stage of writing out a prescription for the composition, doctors should be warned about all possible allergic reactions. Before taking it, it is recommended that you carefully read the instructions, reviews for Valtrex tablets. This will prevent the negative response of the body, if the product contains substances that are intolerable to specific patients.
It should be noted: the drug is available strictly in the form of tablets. Ointment "Valtrex" (instructions for it, respectively, too) no. There are no injections, gels, creams with this name.
Indications
The manufacturer recommends the use of "Valtrex" for infectious and inflammatory processes in the body. The instructions for Valtrex tablets indicate:
- herpes simplex infection of the skin, mucous membranes;
- shingles;
- prevention of transmission of genital herpetic infection;
- prevention of relapse of damage to the skin, mucous membranes.
As an effective element of the therapeutic program, Valtrex is used for the following forms of herpes:
- genital;
- prone to relapse;
- labial.
If genital herpes is established, the Valtrex tablets according to the instructions for use as a prophylactic are combined with contraceptives with intimate contact.
With shingles, the drug relieves pain, weakens neuralgia, reduces the duration of the disease.
According to the instructions for use, Valtrex tablets can be used from the age of twelve. The remedy is effective as a prophylactic, if there is a risk of getting a herpetic virus, cytomegalovirus, opportunistic infection. This is especially important against the background of an organ transplant operation. If the patient has undergone a kidney transplant, Valtrex is indicated for an acute rejection reaction.
It is impossible!
The instructions for use of Valtrex (price, recall - from a thousand rubles and above) indicate that the tool is not used:
- under the age of twelve;
- with increased sensitivity to any of the components used by the manufacturer;
- with increased sensitivity to acyclovir.
At the age of 12-18 years, "Valtrex" is shown strictly to persons who underwent an organ transplant operation. In other cases, the drug is prescribed only after adulthood.
The use of tablets is allowed, but only under the strict supervision of a doctor if:
- HIV infection, accompanied by clinically expressed signs;
- renal failure.
According to the instructions for use, reviews on Valtrex tablets (the price of the drug, however, is considerable), the likelihood of side effects is increased with a combination of the composition and drugs that are toxic to the kidneys, therefore, with this combination therapy, the medication is used with caution.
Terms of use
Tablets can be used at a convenient time, without reference to the meal. It is recommended to drink plenty of the preparation with clean water. The dosage regimen, the duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the doctor, based on the diagnosis, the patient’s condition, background pathologies, and body characteristics. At the same time, observe the provisions of the instructions for use of Valtrex. The reviews claim that with proper use, the drug has a pronounced and quick effect.
For viral diseases provoked by herpes simplex, the optimal course of treatment for adults is:
- twice a day;
- single dosage - 500 mg;
- duration is five days.
If the disease begins severely, the maximum effect will be given by timely started therapy. If necessary, the course can be extended to ten days. If the disease is prone to relapse, each new episode requires 3-5 days of treatment. "Valtrex" begin to be taken at the prodromal stage or immediately, as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appeared.
According to the instructions, "Valtrex" can be used for labial herpes twice a day, two grams. Such a program is suitable only for adult patients. Between receptions should be maintained twelve-hour intervals. Perhaps a slight reduction in this time, but not less than six hours. The duration of treatment is one day.
"Valtrex" begin to take, the first manifestations of the disease are barely apparent:
Deprive and Prevention
In the instructions of "Valtrex" it is recommended for shingles to take the drug in gram dosage three times a day. The duration of the program is one week. A half dose should be used by persons with an adequate state of the immune system when suppressing a relapse of herpetic infection. With immunodeficiency, Valtrex tablets are used twice a day at 500 mg.
Use "Valtrex" according to the instructions as a preventive measure against infection of the sexual partner with genital herpes should be as follows:
- dosage - 500 mg;
- frequency - once a day;
- Duration - a year or more.
To prevent infection with cytomegalovirus against the background of an organ transplant operation, two grams are used four times a day according to the Valtrex instructions. Reception begins immediately after surgery. The dosage is reduced if creatinine clearance is forced to do so. The duration of the course is three months. If the risk of infection is rated as high, treatment can be extended.
Health problems and dosages
If liver failure is established, Valtrex is used according to the standard program. Take into account that there is only limited information about the possibility of taking the tablets by people suffering from severe hepatic impairment, problems with the synthetic function of the organ, as well as with anastomoses.
In case of kidney failure, the instructions for Valtrex recommend adjusting the dose used. Shingles:
- if creatinine clearance is estimated at 15-30 ml / min - twice a day per gram;
- at lower rates - once a day, one gram.
With a creatinine clearance of less than 15 ml / min, the options for use according to the Valtrex instructions (in the reviews mention that doctors are strongly advised to adhere to these restrictions):
- infection with herpes simplex, labial - once a day 500 mg;
- prevention of recurrence of herpes simplex - 1 time 250 mg with normal immune status and twice as much with reduced;
- prevention of infection with herpes of a sexual partner - 250 mg once.
Labial herpes:
- with CC 31-49 ml / min - twice daily per gram;
- with CC 15-30 ml / min - twice daily 500 mg.
Prevention of cytomegalovirus infection after transplantation;
- with CC 75 ml / min - four grams a day, two grams;
- with CC 50-75 ml / min - four times a day, 1.5 g each;
- with CC 25-50 ml / min - three times a day, one and a half grams;
- with CC 10-25 ml / min - twice a day, 1.5 g each;
- with CC less than 10 ml / min, with dialysis - once a day and a half grams of the drug.
The nuances of using
The price, reviews, instructions of "Valtrex" attract the attention of many, since the tool is considered effective when used correctly. It is necessary to take into account certain restrictions that both doctors and the manufacturer pay attention to in the accompanying documentation. For example, the drug can be used in old age, but with severe renal impairment, the dosage will have to be adjusted.
If the patient is on hemodialysis, the medication is prescribed in a dose similar to CC less than 15 ml / min. The manufacturer advises using tablets immediately after hemodialysis.
There is no information on the use of the drug under the age of twelve.
Is there an alternative?
The difference in price of Valtrex analogues (the instructions for use for any medication is important to observe very clearly) varies widely. There are very inexpensive means - one package costs less than a hundred rubles, there are also expensive ones - you will have to pay more than three thousand rubles for the drug. The following Valtrex analogues are quite widespread:
- "Valacyclovir";
- "Famvir";
- Valtsikon.
Before replacing the composition prescribed by the doctor with a similar one, you should consult your doctor, otherwise the therapeutic course may be ineffective. Much depends on the diagnosis, on the basis of which the drug was prescribed, as well as the general condition of the patient's body. It must be understood that for any medication, an individual composition, instructions for use are individual. The reviews and price of Valtrex - evidence that the product is worth the money - shows a reliable effect, therefore it has become widespread, despite the rather high cost.
In some cases, the doctor recommends “Valogard” as an alternative to the composition under consideration. In certain points of the testimony, the instructions of Valtrex and their analogues are similar:
Each of these medicines has contraindications and side effects. The most affordable analogue of "Valtrex" (instructions for use, reviews were taken into account when comparing indications and results) - "Valacyclovir". One package costs a little more than 300 rubles.
Valtrex: side effects
As shown by kinic tests, quite often when taking the drug, nausea occurs, headache. Of the rare side effects worth mentioning:
- anaphylaxis;
- violation of liver samples, leading to erroneous suspicion of hepatitis;
- shortness of breath
- colic
- failure, impaired renal function;
- confused, oppressed consciousness;
- hallucinations;
- seizure
- ataxia;
- to whom;
- may be dizzy.
Mostly side effects are reversible. More often they are faced by people with impaired renal functionality, as well as in other conditions that have such an answer to the body.
In rare cases, taking the drug provokes vomiting, allergic reactions, angioedema. Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia are possible. With a very weak immune system, especially with progressive HIV infection, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia is possible while taking Valtrex, and the risk of kidney failure and thrombocytopenia also increases. To a greater extent, such dangers are associated with a course that involves the daily use of 8 g of valaciclovir.
The nuances of consumption
The dosage of Valtrex should be adjusted based on the functionality of the kidneys. If the work of this body is insufficient, it is important to regularly perform tests for medical monitoring of the condition. With the use of tablets, the likelihood of neurological side effects is increased. Mostly all of them pass when funds are stopped.
To reduce the likelihood of contracting genital herpes infection, the sexual partner Valtrex is used in combination with barrier contraception. Despite its effectiveness, the medication cannot provide one hundred percent protection against infection - the manufacturer pays special attention to this in the accompanying documentation. In addition, Valtrex cannot guarantee absolute cure if the patient does not use other means. Normally, tablets are used as an element of complex therapy.
A large dosage - from 4 g or more - is a reason for increased attention to the condition of patients suffering from liver pathologies. If you are likely to dehydrate, you will have to control the water balance. This is especially important if the treatment is an elderly person.
Management of transport and other mechanisms is possible during the course only with prior consultation with the doctor: the doctor evaluates the patient’s condition, the severity of side effects, and on the basis of this, makes recommendations.
Drug Interactions
At present, there is no accurate information about the clinically significant mutual influence when using Valtrex and any other formulations. If the drug on valaciclovir is prescribed in a dose of 4 g or more per day, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the patient using substances that enter into competition with valaciclovir for excretion. There is a risk of increasing the concentration of active compounds in blood plasma. In addition, there is a possibility of an increase in the content of drug metabolites.
At a dose of 4 g or more per day, Valtrex is used with caution when the patient takes substances affecting the renal function that contain:
Biology
Once in the body, valaciclovir is transformed into acyclovir during a reaction with one of the enzymes produced by the liver. The metabolic product effectively inhibits the chemical reactions of DNA production of the herpetic viral agent.
Currently, there is no official information about the possible consequences of taking Valtrex during gestation. The doctor evaluates the benefits of this composition and possible risks, warns about all the dangers associated with the chosen course, the patient, and only after that makes a decision about the start of treatment. You should resort to Valtrex only in extreme cases, when there is no more reliable and safe, proven and tested alternative.
During the tests, it was not possible to identify valaciclovir in breast milk, in the urine of an infant. During breastfeeding, Valtrex can be used, but only to a limited extent, with constant monitoring of the condition of the mother and baby.
Overdose
With a one-time excess of the prescribed dose, Valtrex does not provoke negative reactions of the body. With a systematic violation of the doses recommended by the manufacturer and the attending physician, the patient may encounter:
- retardation;
- vomiting
- nausea
Thinking also slows down, headache.
Chemistry chemistry
One dose contains 556 mg of valaciclovir hydrochloride, which is similar to 0.5 g of valaciclovir - that is, a therapeutic dose. Soon after taking the drug in food, the active compound is absorbed through the walls of the stomach and intestines. In the circulatory system, under the influence of liver enzymes, the substance is transformed into acyclovir, valine. The first is excreted from the body with urine. The half-life of acyclovir from blood plasma is estimated at three hours, if the kidneys function normally, with a weakened activity of this organ, the period can reach 14 hours.
The active components show a pronounced effect in the first, second and sixth types of herpetic virus, as well as in cytomegalovirus, smallpox and Epstein-Barr virus. The active compound inhibits the synthesis of viral DNA by the phosphorylation reaction, during which acyclovir triphosphate is produced.
Soon after the absorption of valaciclovir into the circulatory system, the component is distributed over organs and tissues. Only a small percentage of the drug comes into contact with plasma proteins.
Valaciclovir: an analogue of Valtrex
The instructions for use (but the price for them is completely different!) Indicates that the active substance of these drugs is the same - valacyclovir. If the drug considered in the material costs more than a thousand per package, then they ask for “Valaciclovir” three times less. Both drugs have a similar effect on the body: under the influence of enzymes, transformation into acyclovir, known for its pronounced antiviral qualities, occurs. , . «», , «». , . , , .
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The manufacturer draws attention to the need to abandon alcoholic beverages during the course of treatment. “Hot” drinks have a depressing effect on the immune system, which means they increase the risk of contracting viruses, relapse of a chronic infection.
Is it worth the money?
The popularity and relevance of Valtrex tablets is explained by the widespread prevalence of herpes viral agents. Both the described tool and its analogues are widely used in medical practice, and in pharmacies they are always in high demand. As can be seen from the responses, Valtrex, at its high price, shows a good result, many note that the next manifestation of the disease quickly exhausted itself, and a new one did not come soon. But you need to remember the individuality: for some, Valtrex showed poor performance, and soon after the cessation of admission, a new relapse began. It depends on the characteristics of immunity, and other individual qualities of a person, as well as his lifestyle.
Doctors pay attention: the fight against the virus is a difficult task that requires consideration of the individual characteristics of the patient's body. Many doctors advise combining tablets with topical preparations - ointments and creams. This helps to achieve the most pronounced result in a short time.
In relapse, the main task of the patient is to notice the manifestations of the disease in time and begin treatment. By delaying this, one may encounter a complication against the background of a weakened immunity. It must be remembered that any chronic infection leads to a weakening of the body's natural defenses. For the maximum effectiveness of therapy, it is reasonable to use formulations, products, drugs to increase immunity.
Herpes: what is it about?
Herpetic infection is a collective term by which it is customary to understand the first and second types of virus. The development of such a disease indicates a decrease in immune status. The more pronounced the violations, the harder the disease.
For the first time, the term "herpes" was used in the first century of our era by Herodotus in works dedicated to the disease, expressed simultaneously by fever and the appearance of blisters on the lips. The word Greek translates as “creeping”.
Herpetic viruses are widely distributed in the world around us. Often their carriers are cats, dogs, other domestic and wild animals, fish and birds. In this case, a complete absence of symptoms is possible. Viruses are characterized by polytropy, when they enter the human body can affect a variety of systems and organs. Specific foci are determined by local immunity.
As specific studies have shown, on average, women tend to underestimate the danger of herpes. Complications of virus infection are more common in the fair half of humanity. Science knows more than a hundred types of herpetic virus, of which eight are found in humans.