Valclovir (Valacyclovir) is used for treating shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (fever blisters or herpes labialis), and treating, suppressing, or reducing transmission of genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. It is also used to treat chickenpox in children and teenagers. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection. Valclovir (Valacyclovir) is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Valclovir (Valacyclovir) does not eliminate the virus: it is not a cure. When used as a suppressive therapy in patients with normal immune systems with genital herpes using safer sex practices, the risk of spreading the infections to the others is reduced. HOW TO USE Use Valclovir (Valacyclovir) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Take Valclovir (Valacyclovir) tablets by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce your stomach irritation. Drinking extra fluids while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor for more instructions. To treat cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. If treating an acute outbreak, use Valclovir (Valacyclovir) for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days. For suppressive therapy, Valclovir (Valacyclovir) works best if it is taken at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Valclovir (Valacyclovir). WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS High doses of Valclovir (Valacyclovir) have proved to be dangerous in people whose immune systems are compromised because of HIV infection, bone marrow transplant, or kidney transplant. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, or you are taking drugs that may damage your kidneys such as Neomycin or Streptomycin, Valclovir (Valacyclovir) can make your condition worse or affect your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Effects on the central nervous system are more common in older adults, leading to such symptoms as agitation, confusion, and hallucinations. Their kidneys are also more likely to be affected; and those with kidney problems need a smaller dose. In addition, older adults tend to suffer the pain of shingles for a longer time after healing has begun. Valclovir (Valacyclovir) relieves the symptoms of genital herpes, but it is not a cure. There is also no evidence that it will prevent transmission of the disease. To avoid spreading the infection, do not have sexual intercourse during a flare-up. Valclovir (Valacyclovir) is not intended for use in children. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Valclovir (Valacyclovir) may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Valclovir (Valacyclovir) with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptoms or outbreak of genital herpes. Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact. Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, kidney function, and liver function, may be performed while you use Valclovir (Valacyclovir). These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all your doctor and lab appointments. Use Valclovir (Valacyclovir) with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially kidney and nervous system problems. Valclovir (Valacyclovir) should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Valclovir (Valacyclovir) while you are pregnant. Valclovir (Valacyclovir) is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Valclovir (Valacyclovir), check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby. SIDE EFFECTS Any medicine may cause side effects. If the side effects occur, seek medical attention or consult your doctor for more information. Anyway, such common side effects may bother you: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behaviour; bloody or dark urine; change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; depression; fatigue; fever; hallucinations; joint pain; lower back pain; pale skin; painful menstrual periods; pinpoint bruises; seizures; severe abdominal pain; shaky movements; speech problems; swelling of your face, hands, feet, or entire body; unsteady movement; unusual bruising or bleeding from the nose or mouth; weakness; yellowing of your skin or eyes. OVERDOSE Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consulting your doctor can cause an overdose. MISSED DOSE: If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss a dose and if you missed one, take that missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have any allergic reaction to any component of this medicine. STORAGE CONDITIONS Valclovir (Valacyclovir) should be kept away from heat, direct light, water, moisture, at a room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C). The medicine should be kept in a place unreachable for children. Please note, all the information given above is a summary. You should visit your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider to get more details about this medicine. Do not share this product with the others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use it for other health conditions. Do not store the medication with an end term of its storage.