Centrex (Valacyclovir)

        Centrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral prescription medication which is used to treat patients who are suffering from outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus, cold sores and shingles. This drug has been clinically proven to reduce the duration and the severity of outbreaks as well as limiting the occurrence of future outbreaks.

        Centrex (Valacyclovir) is used for l treatment of viral infections of the skin, mucus membrane, genitals and eyes caused by herpes virus including cold sores (blisters on and around your lips) and shingles (painful rashes usually in the form of a strip of blisters). It is also used for the treatment of recurrent genital herpes infections, to treat chickenpox in children.

        Centrex (Valtrex) plays the role of an anti-viral drug – which is known to slow the growth of herpes as it spreads and helps improve your body’s fight against the infection. Whilst Centrex (Valtrex) is not meant to cure herpes, it will help reduce the symptoms of the infection.

        Some of the medical conditions caused by herpes virus include cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles. Centrex (Valtrex) is a medication that can be used to treat herpes for both adults and children. For children, Centrex (Valtrex) can be used to treat cold sores – only if they are above the age of twelve. Meanwhile, for children with chickenpox – Centrex (Valtrex) is recommended for those over the age of two years.

        Centrex (Valtrex) is known to start working within twenty-four hours of taking the first tablet. It has been proven to lessen the severity of an outbreak in this duration. When Centrex (Valtrex) is used, not only will the outbreak be controlled – but also the pain that comes with the herpes outbreak will be lessened.

        Though Centrex (Valtrex) is normally purchased for cold sores and shingles, it however also an effective form of treatment for genital herpes. By doing so, the risk of your partner catching genital herpes can also be reduced. Generally, the severity of an outbreak can be reduced within three days of taking Centrex (Valtrex).

        Centrex (Valacyclovir) is an antiviral drug and belongs to a class called synthetic nucleoside analogues. Once ingested, Centrex (Valacyclovir) is converted in the body to active form acyclovir. It works by blocking the viral DNA replication a process essential for the virus to grow and multiply. It thus stops the virus from spreading in the body.

        While there is no cure for genital herpes there are effective forms of treatment that can help prevent future outbreaks. Currently, all of the herpes treatment medications work as an antiviral and actually fight the virus itself, slowing it down and preventing it from spreading in the body.

Shingles is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The herpes virus that causes shingles and chickenpox is not the same type of herpes that causes genital herpes. Most commonly it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms without the flu

• Rash that can cover large areas of the body and looks like red shingles that can also have lesions or blisters; which can ooze blood and pus and crust over

• Headache

• Fever

• Achy muscles

        If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

-cimetidine -probenecid

        This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

        Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after 1 week. This medicine works best when taken early in the course of an infection, within the first 72 hours. Begin treatment as soon as possible after the first signs of infection like tingling, itching, or pain in the affected area. It is possible that genital herpes may still be spread even when you are not having symptoms. Always use safer sex practices like condoms made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact. You should stay well hydrated while taking this medicine. Drink plenty of fluids.

• Treating herpes in adults

• Preventing genital herpes and its spread from one person to another

• Preventing shingles in adults

• Treating cold sores in both adults and children

• Preventing recurrent outbreaks of herpes

        Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -aggressive behaviour -confusion -hallucinations -problems with balance, talking, walking -stomach pain -tremor -trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -dizziness -headache -nausea, vomiting

        Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.