Valcoveer 500mg Tablet
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Knoll Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Valacyclovir (500mg) |
| Salt Synonyms | Valaciclovir |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Nucleoside analog |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Antiviral (Non-HIV) drugs |
| User Rating | 4.9 |
| User Reviews | 695 |
FAQ
Can Valcoveer 500mg be given to children for chicken pox?
Yes, Valcoveer 500mg can be given for chickenpox to children aged between 2 years to 18 years. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash for best results. Valcoveer 500mg should be given for 5 days and as directed by the doctor.
Can I take Valcoveer 500mg if I have HIV infection?
Taking Valcoveer 500mg if you have advanced HIV infection can increase the risk of developing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS). In TTP/HUS, small blood clots form suddenly throughout the body, which can lead to death. If you experience bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in urine, fits, and bleeding from the nose or mouth, you should stop Valcoveer 500mg and seek emergency medical support and advice.
Is Valcoveer 500mg an antibiotic or a steroid? What is it used for?
Valcoveer 500mg is neither an antibiotic nor a corticosteroid. It is an antiviral medicine and acts against viruses. It is effective against herpes simplex virus (chickenpox, cold sores, and genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (shingles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Valcoveer 500mg prevents the occurrence of CMV infection and disease after organ transplant.
If I have genital herpes, can Valcoveer 500mg prevent transmission of infection to others?
Valcoveer 500mg reduces the chances of passing the infection to your partner, but the possibility of transmission still exists. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. However, you should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
For how long do I need to take Valcoveer 500mg?
The duration of Valcoveer 500mg treatment depends on the disease you are being treated for and whether your immune system is capable of fighting infections or not. For example, if you are taking it for shingles and your immune system works effectively, then you may need to take it for 7 days only. But, if your immunity is compromised, then you may need to take Valcoveer 500mg for 7 days and 2 days more after the lesions have dried and healed. Follow your doctor’s recommendations strictly.
Does Valcoveer 500mg cure herpes infection?
Valcoveer 500mg reduces the pain and itching caused due to the herpes infection but does not cure it. It helps to heal the sores and prevents the formation of new ones.
My age is 70 years and I have some kidney problem, can I take Valcoveer 500mg for shingles?
Since you are elderly and have a kidney problem, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of Valcoveer 500mg. You must drink plenty of water regularly during the day while taking Valcoveer 500mg. This will help to reduce the side effects that can affect the kidney or nervous system. Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of any side effects which may include feeling confused, agitated or unusually sleepy, or drowsy. If you develop any of these effects contact your doctor immediately.
What if I accidentally take excess of Valcoveer 500mg?
You should immediately contact your doctor or go to a nearby hospital. The symptoms which can be seen if Valcoveer 500mg is taken in excess include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness, and coma.
What if you forget to take Valcoveer Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Valcoveer 500mg, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Valcoveer 500mg Tablet Reviews
Valcoveer 500mg is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of herpes labialis, genital herpes infection, and herpes zoster infections. It prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells and clears up the infection.
Valcoveer 500mg should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. You should drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine as it helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
It may lead to a few common side effects like headache, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, itching (pruritus), and abdominal pain. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
How Valcoveer 500mg Tablet Works
Valcoveer 500mg is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
How to Use Valcoveer 500mg Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Valcoveer 500mg may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Benefits of Valcoveer 500mg Tablet
- In Genital herpes infection: Genital herpes infection is a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores. It can affect both men and women. Symptoms include pain, itching, and irritation. Valcoveer 500mg helps in treating the symptoms effectively and also prevents the multiplication of the infection-causing virus.
- In Herpes zoster: Herpes zoster infection is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Valcoveer 500mg can shorten the length and severity of the infection. It is most effective if you start taking it as soon as possible after the rash appears. Keeping the immune system healthy is the best way to prevent it. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing herpes zoster infection.
- In Herpes labialis: Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Valcoveer 500mg can speed up the healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores.
Uses of Valcoveer 500mg Tablet
- Herpes zoster
- Genital herpes infection
- Herpes labialis
Valcoveer 500mg Tablet Side Effects
Safety Tips
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Valcoveer 500mg. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Valcoveer 500mg may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Valcoveer 500mg is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Valcoveer 500mg is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Valcoveer 500mg is recommended.
Driving
UNSAFE
Valcoveer 500mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Valcoveer 500mg should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Valcoveer 500mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine to lower the side effects on the kidney.
Quick Tips
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
- If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.
References
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- Mayo Clinic. Valacyclovir.
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- Safrin S. Antiviral Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 847.
- Acosta EP, Flexner C. Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral). In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1594-600.
- European Medicine Agency. Questions and answers on Valtrex and associated names (valaciclovir, 250, 500 and 1000 mg tablets); 2010.
- Valaciclovir hydrochloride. South Ruislip, Middlesex: Aurobindo Pharma - Milpharm Ltd.; 2011 [revised 18 Jul. 2016].
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1446-47.
- Valacyclovir hydrochloride. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina: GlaxoSmithKline; 1995 [revised Mar. 2010].
- CiplaMed. Valacyclovir Hydrochloride [Prescribing Information]. 2022.