Effects of Valtrex

Genital herpes is a viral condition transmitted through the skin during intimacy. An estimated 50 million people have the condition, which is equivalent to one out of every five adults. Anyone who is sexually active can get the disease, and there is no known cure. In order to control outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe a medication called Valtrex, which reduces outbreaks, which in turn helps prevent spreading of the infection to other people.

Types

• Valtrex is used for treating both HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus) and HSV-2. HSV-1 manifests itself with the development of cold sores around the mouth, whereas HSV-2 causes outbreaks around the genital area. Chicken pox and shingles are other forms of the herpes virus.

Function

• Valtrex can control the number of outbreaks you experience. In fact, during a recent clinical trial, patients who took Valtrex at the recommended dosage of once daily were outbreak free for approximately one year. Some patients choose to use Valtrex only when they experience signs of an outbreak.

  Because the virus can be active on the skin without an actual outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends taking Valtrex on a daily basis to reduce spreading the herpes virus. Seventy percent of people infected with herpes report having contracted it from their partner when they were outbreak free. In addition to taking Valtrex every day, a condom should be used every time you have sex to avoid spreading the virus to your partner.

Benefits

• Herpes outbreaks can really upset your life. During an outbreak, sores or blisters in the genital area can occur. These blisters can be very painful and are often triggered by stress, the menstral cycle or a weakening of the immune system. Taking Valtrex can help relieve the pain and discomfort of outbreaks. However, everyone with genital herpes does not have outbreaks. Some other symptoms of genital herpes are itching, pain during urination or a vaginal discharge. It is important to be conscious of all of the symptoms of herpes to help prevent infecting others.

Warning

• People taking Valtrex to control cold sores should not take Valtrex for more than one day. To treat cold sores, Valtrex should be taken in two doses, at least 12 hours apart.

  Also, please notify your doctor if you have kidney disease, because you may have to take a different dose of Valtrex. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are HIV (human immuneodeficiency virus) positive or if you've undergone a kidney or bone marrow transplantation.

Side effects

• People who take Valtrex may experience common side effects such as headaches, nausea, dizziness or sore throat.