{"id":7667,"date":"2025-06-23T02:30:30","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T02:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-new-valtrex-uses-side-effects-interactions-and-warnings-in-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-06-23T02:30:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T02:30:30","slug":"hmn-new-valtrex-uses-side-effects-interactions-and-warnings-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-new-valtrex-uses-side-effects-interactions-and-warnings-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"HMN: New: Valtrex uses, side effects, interactions and warnings in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<br \/>Do you know:  New: Valtrex uses, side effects, interactions and warnings in 2025<\/p>\n<div id=\"main-content\">\n<div id=\"post-intro\">\n<div id=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex (valacyclovir) is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat viral infections, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of Valtrex include headache, nausea, and stomach pain. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects are rare, including allergic reactions, kidney problems, and nervous system problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to take Valtrex exactly as directed by your healthcare provider and to drink plenty of fluids while taking it.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"anchorLinks\">\n<div class=\"mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"dropdownLists\">\n<div tabindex=\"0\" class=\"dropdownBtn\"><span class=\"listsIcon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"20\"\/><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label><\/label><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"downArrow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/dropDownArrow.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve ever had shingles or cold sores, you know how uncomfortable these infections can be. Valtrex is an antiviral medication that can help relieve symptoms from viral infections like shingles or chickenpox. This article gives an overview of drug information, including Valtrex side effects, warnings, and drug interactions that you should be aware of before taking the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-valtrex\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Valtrex?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> belongs to a group of medications called antivirals that work by slowing down the growth and spread of viruses like herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and varicella-zoster viruses. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the brand name for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">valacyclovir hydrochloride<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The brand and generic versions of the medication are chemically the same, work the same way, and are equally effective at treating herpes virus infections.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Herpes virus infections include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cold sores<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">genital herpes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shingles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and chickenpox. Valtrex can\u2019t cure herpes infections but can help <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2005\/020487s007rel2_lbl.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treat symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like herpes sores and blisters. Valtrex is not an over-the-counter medication, so if you have a herpes infection, you\u2019ll need a prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex can take up to seven to 10 days to start working for some people, while others may feel relief from their symptoms after a day or two. The amount of time it takes your symptoms to go away will depend on factors such as your age, severity, and metabolism.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"valtrex-for-cold-sores\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex for cold sores<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people wonder whether Valtrex will stop cold sores from forming. Valtrex should be taken at the first signs of a cold sore (tingling, itching, burning) to prevent them from worsening and keep other cold sores from developing. However, it is not a cure for cold sores. It only treats them as a symptom of a viral infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"valtrex-for-genital-herpes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex for genital herpes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you\u2019re taking Valtrex, it\u2019s still possible to have an outbreak. If you\u2019re taking Valtrex for recurrent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealth.gov\/a-z-topics\/genital-herpes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">genital herpes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and have an outbreak, it\u2019s important to avoid sexual contact with your partner to keep the virus from spreading to them. Even if you\u2019re not experiencing an outbreak, using condoms is important to help prevent transmission of the herpes virus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, if you\u2019re wondering if your uninfected partner can take Valtrex to avoid becoming affected, the answer is no. Someone without herpes simplex virus shouldn\u2019t take medication for something they don\u2019t have. This could cause serious side effects or health problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-valtrex\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of Valtrex\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking Valtrex may cause possible side effects, such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain or abdominal pain\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritability\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joint pain\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"headache\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache is a common side effect of Valtrex. If you experience a mild headache while taking Valtrex, you can try nonmedicinal measures such as increasing fluid intake and resting in a cool, dark, quiet room. If needed, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about an appropriate over-the-counter (non-prescription) medication. If your headache is persistent or very painful, consult your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nausea\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea is a common side effect of Valtrex. Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea often resolve within a day or two. Consult your doctor if the nausea is severe and\/or causes vomiting. If the nausea is mild, you can stick to foods and drinks that help settle your stomach, such as crackers and ginger ale. Avoid spicy, heavy, fatty, and fried foods. You can ask your pharmacist for Emetrol or cola syrup.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s unknown whether Valtrex causes other adverse effects, such as weight gain, dry mouth, or any other symptoms not listed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is not a complete list of side effects. Other side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about the side effects of Valtrex.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A frequently asked question about Valtrex is whether it will make you urinate more often. It won\u2019t necessarily make you pee more, but you should drink plenty of water while taking Valtrex to help the kidneys process it as best they can. Therefore, this extra hydration can result in frequent urination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-valtrex\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of Valtrex<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it\u2019s rare, Valtrex can cause more serious side effects that may require medical help, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nervous system problems: agitation, hallucinations, confusion, aggressive behavior, seizures, speech problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unusual bruising or bleeding\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood cell counts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful periods for women\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A serious blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura\/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP\/HUS)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, you should seek immediate emergency medical treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some patients are more susceptible to these serious side effects than others. Consult your healthcare provider to find out if you\u2019re at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These side effects are very rare. Antiviral medicines are effective at treating viral infections, but after long-term use, they can eventually weaken the immune system by affecting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1904068\/#:~:text=The%20inhibitory%20effects%20of%20antivirals,prolonged%20use%20of%20the%20drugs.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">immune cells<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though they\u2019re not typically taken for long periods, if your doctor wants you to take them long-term, that\u2019s okay. Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdedge.com\/internalmedicine\/article\/12649\/infectious-diseases\/valacyclovir-safe-long-term-suppression-genital#:~:text=Valacyclovir%20Safe%20for%20Long%2DTerm%20Suppression%20of%20Genital%20Herpes,-Publish%20date%3A%20November&amp;text=CHARLESTON%2C%20S.C.%20%E2%80%94%20Once%2Ddaily,months%20in%20a%20recent%20study.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have even shown that the long-term use of Valtrex is well-tolerated for healthy individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you start to have side effects from Valtrex and are thinking about stopping the medication, you should call your doctor before doing so. Abruptly stopping Valtrex can cause new side effects or worsen symptoms. If you stop Valtrex before you\u2019re supposed to, your viral infection may get worse because the medication hasn\u2019t had the opportunity to work properly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"kidney-failure\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney failure<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before taking Valtrex, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or have ever had a kidney transplant. While taking Valtrex, drink plenty of water to help keep your kidneys work properly. Be alert to signs of kidney problems, such as urinating less frequently, tiredness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the feet or ankles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"nervous-system-problems\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nervous system problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex can cause nervous system problems. Reactions can include agitation, hallucinations, seizures, confusion, speech problems, and aggressive behavior. Nervous system problems are more likely to occur in older adults and\/or people with kidney problems. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care if these symptoms occur. Valtrex should be discontinued if nervous system problems occur.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re taking Valtrex and have any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor for medical advice as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"valtrex-warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though Valtrex is very effective at treating herpes virus infections, it shouldn\u2019t be taken by everyone. You should talk with your doctor before taking Valtrex if you have any of the following medical conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>HIV<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Having HIV suppresses the immune system, making it harder to fight infections and increasing the probability of getting certain other medical conditions. People with HIV who take Valtrex may have an increased risk of getting TTP\/HUS\u2014a serious blood disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kidney or bone marrow transplants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you\u2019re taking Valtrex and are about to have a bone marrow or kidney transplant, you should talk with your doctor. Your risk of getting TTP\/HUS may be increased if you take Valtrex during your transplant process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kidney problems or kidney disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: People with kidney problems or kidney disease could experience a worsening of symptoms or kidney failure if they take Valtrex.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of its potential to negatively affect the kidneys, some people wonder if Valtrex is also hard on the liver, but studies have shown that it\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK548655\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rarely associated with mild liver injury<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that resolves quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>If you are over the age of 65<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s best to consult with your doctor before taking Valtrex. Older adults may have a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects and are more likely to have kidney problems. This doesn\u2019t mean that if you\u2019re over 65, you can\u2019t take Valtrex. Your doctor may simply recommend a lower dose to reduce this risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Pregnant women<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should talk with a healthcare professional if they\u2019re considering taking Valtrex to learn how it might affect their pregnancy. \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through laboratory testing, Valtrex had no effects on the fetus; nevertheless, Valtrex was not adequately tested with pregnant people,\u201d says Vikram Tarugu, MD, a gastroenterologist and the CEO of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/detoxofsouthflorida.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Detox of South Florida<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThe safety of Valtrex has not been proven in breastfeeding babies.\u201d Women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor for medical advice about taking Valtrex.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"valtrex-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valtrex interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking Valtrex at the same time as certain other medications may cause additional side effects or complications. You should talk with your doctor before taking Valtrex if you\u2019re on any of these medications:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foscarnet\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Famciclovir<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nephrotoxic agents (drugs that can harm the kidneys)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methotrexate\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancer medications (chemotherapy)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arthritis medications that affect the immune system<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications used to prevent organ transplant rejections\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, talk to your doctor if you\u2019ve recently had a varicella virus vaccine (live)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring a complete list of all the prescription drugs and supplements you\u2019re taking to your healthcare provider so they can decide if Valtrex is right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are currently no known interactions between Valtrex and grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can sometimes interfere with how much of a drug stays in the body at one time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol, on the other hand, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is best avoided<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while taking Valtrex. This is because when alcohol and Valtrex are combined, they can cause excessive drowsiness and dizziness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to caffeine and Tylenol, two of the things most likely to be consumed while on Valtrex, it\u2019s okay to take them unless told otherwise by a medical professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-valtrex-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid Valtrex side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Taking the right dose at the right time of day<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the best way to avoid Valtrex side effects. Here are the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f8e0d8f8-cb73-4206-a484-88f5c4fbd719\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">standard doses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Valtrex for adults and children:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold sores (herpes labialis)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 grams twice daily for one day, taken 12 hours apart<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold sores<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children (12 years and older)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 grams twice daily for one day, taken 12 hours apart<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shingles<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 gram three times daily for 7 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chickenpox<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children with normal immune function (ages 2 years to &lt;18 years)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dose is based on weight (20 mg\/kg) and given 3 times daily for 5 days. The total dose should not exceed 1 gram three times daily for 5 days.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genital herpes (initial episode)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 gram twice daily for 10 days<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These dosages are only general guidelines. If your doctor prescribes Valtrex differently, then you should follow their instructions. Valtrex is most effective when started as soon as symptoms begin, so see your doctor immediately if you have symptoms. It\u2019s safe to take Valtrex every day as long as you\u2019ve been instructed to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>If you miss a dose of Valtrex, you should take the missed dose as soon as possible.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Taking your missed dose as soon as you remember you\u2019ve missed it will help keep your herpes infection from worsening. Taking two doses at one time can cause serious side effects, so if you\u2019ve missed a dose, only take one dose when you remember. However, if it\u2019s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Taking Valtrex with a full glass of water<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> helps your kidneys process it more efficiently<\/span><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Once it\u2019s been taken, Valtrex starts working to treat symptoms right away. Even though it starts working right away, it may take several days for you to notice a difference in your symptoms. Take Valtrex exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to remember that <\/span><b>Valtrex has an expiration date,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> just like any other medication. Look for the expiration date on the prescription label to see how long your particular version of Valtrex is good for. Expired medications can be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/special-features\/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines#:~:text=Expired%20medical%20products%20can%20be,serious%20illnesses%20and%20antibiotic%20resistance.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less effective<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and risky to take.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some medications are also sensitive to heat, so store Valtrex at room temperature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Switching medications is also an option.<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acyclovir<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (brand name <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zovirax<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is another antiviral drug that can treat herpes virus and varicella-zoster virus infections. Neither medication is better than the other, but if someone can\u2019t tolerate Valtrex or has an underlying medical condition that prevents them from taking it, acyclovir is another good option. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can compare the medications here<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><svg style=\"display:none\">\n  <g id=\"facebook\">\n    <rect width=\"32\" height=\"32\" rx=\"4\" fill=\"var(--social-bg)\"\/>\n    <path fill=\"var(--social-ico)\" d=\"M19.51 9.32003H21.39V6.14003C20.4798 6.04538 19.5652 5.99865 18.65 6.00003C15.93 6.00003 14.07 7.66003 14.07 10.7V13.32H11V16.88H14.07V26H17.75V16.88H20.81L21.27 13.32H17.75V11.05C17.75 10 18.03 9.32003 19.51 9.32003Z\"\/>\n  <\/g>\n  <g id=\"twitter\">\n    <rect width=\"32\" height=\"32\" rx=\"4\" fill=\"var(--social-bg)\"\/>\n    <path fill=\"var(--social-ico)\" d=\"M26 9.9506C25.2483 10.2767 24.4534 10.4923 23.64 10.5906C24.4982 10.0779 25.1413 9.27138 25.45 8.3206C24.6436 8.80066 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Common side effects of Valtrex include headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Serious side effects are rare, including allergic reactions, kidney [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7667\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}