Treating Herpes with Valacyclovir

The very efficient medication of Valacyclovir is used as an antiviral medication for the treatment of herpes. It is used to treat various infections caused by different herpes viruses. Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 causes cold sores around the lips, mouth, and sometimes on the face. It occurs when a person kisses an infected person or has any other physical contact with the infected skin. Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2, also known as Genital Herpes, causes sores or blisters around the genitals. It is a sexually transmissible disease. Varicella-Zoster or Herpes Zoster causes chickenpox and shingles. Chickenpox is highly transmissible, and if you are not vaccinated, you can get infected easily. Shingles occur only in people who had chickenpox in their childhood. It causes severe rashes in the form of a band, usually on the back and torso.

Benefits

There is no definite cure for herpes as the virus never leaves the body. The herpes simplex virus type-1 resides in the nerve endings of the jaw (cold sores). The herpes simplex virus type-2 (genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles) reside in the nerve ending of the spine. They remain there in an inactive form. There will be recurrences or outbreaks of herpes if the virus gets activated due to some triggers. Even though it is not a cure, Valacyclovir is used to ease and treat the symptoms of herpes. Using regularly can significantly reduce the number and the intensities of herpes outbreaks. It can also reduce the pain long after the sores and itching heal. Valacyclovir is also efficiently used for the treatment of chickenpox for kids above 2 years of age. It can also be used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old.

Usage

Valacyclovir is an oral tablet that should be taken by mouth. The dosage depends on the severity of the condition, age, type of infection, and many other factors. You must take this medication as prescribed to you without skipping a dose as it might take more or less time to heal depending on your infection. Do not take this medicine more or less than the prescribed amount. This medicine is most effective if you start taking it as soon as the first symptoms of herpes appear such as tingling, itching, and burning. It may take longer to heal if you start using this medication after a few days of the outbreak.

Side Effects

The common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, or stomach pains. Call your doctor immediately if you have any other fatal side effects such as hallucinations, mood changes (confusion or aggression), problems with speech, seizures or convulsions, and kidney-related issues such as low urination, painful urination, and swelling of feet and ankles.  This medication can sometimes cause a life-threatening blood disorder such as TTP or HUS that tends to harm kidneys, blood cells, and other parts. This is more likely to occur if you have HIV or underwent transplantation of kidney or bone marrow. The possible symptoms are irregular heartbeat, tiredness, yellowing eyes or skin, dark or bloody urine, severe stomach pain, loss of consciousness, seizures, easy bruising, and vision changes.

Precautions

Speak to your healthcare professional before the consumption of valacyclovir if you are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in this medicine. Pregnant women should use this only if highly necessary and must discuss the risks with a doctor. Doctors state that the pill does pass through breast milk, so lactating women must also consult a doctor before use. Adults over 65 must be careful as they are more susceptible to the side effects such as mood changes and kidney-related issues. For people with a history of kidney-related illnesses, valacyclovir may cause more side effects as it will be difficult for them to clear this medication from the body. You must note that valacyclovir does not prevent anyone from spreading herpes. Use condoms or any other protective barrier methods to avoid genital herpes. You can spread the infection even if there are no visible symptoms. Do not touch open sores and wash your hands immediately if you come in contact with them.