Shingles Treatment and Valtrex

Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is treated, like other herpetic condittions, with a group of antivirals which includes valacyclovir, marketed under the brand name Valtrex. This treatment has certain advantages over treatment with acyclovir, another antiviral drug.

Identification

• Valtrex uses the antiviral drug acyclovir as its active ingredient. Acyclovir is a common and effective treatment for shingles and other herpetic conditions like genital herpes and cold sores.

Features

• One advantage of Valtrex (and of another antiviral, famciclovir) is that it delivers its active ingredient more efficiently than acyclovir, and so can be taken less often.

Effects

• Medline Plus reports that Valtrex can help reduce pain associated with shingles as well as helping heal sores and limit the development of new sores. Neither Valtrex nor any other medication can cure the VZV infection.

Time Frame

• According to GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Valtrex, one gram tablets of the medication are taken three times per day for a week in order to treat shingles.

Considerations

• The side effects of Valtrex, according to Medline Plus, include headache, stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation. Serious side effects requiring medical attention include rash and itching, confusion, yellow color in the skin or eyes, fever, and the presence of blood in urine.