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What Is Valtrex Prescribed For?

Valtrex is the brand name for the generic antiviral drug valacyclovir, used in the treatment of herpes. Valtrex has side effects and interacts with certain other drugs.

  1. Herpes

    • Valtrex is prescribed for the treatment of herpes zoster, which is also known as shingles. Valtrex is also prescribed for herpes labialis (cold sores), and recurrent genital herpes.

    How it Works

    • Valtrex rapidly converts to the antiviral, acyclovir, in the intestines and liver after being absorbed into the blood. Valtrex then fights the herpes virus by inhibiting an enzyme that is key to viral reproduction.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Valtrex include aching joints, leg pain, sore throat, sleeplessness, fever, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Rare side effects can affect the kidney, nervous system, the eyes, behavior, gastrointestinal tract and the skin.

    Interactions

    • Combining Valtrex with AZT may lead to severe lethargy or drowsiness. Cimetidine and probenecid may decrease elimination of Valtrex and increase the blood drug levels.

    Warning

    • Valtrex should not be taken by anyone with advanced HIV disease, a compromised immune system, or who has had an organ or bone marrow transplant. This may lead to a potentially fatal condition known as TTP, a blood-clotting disorder.

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