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INTRODUCTION
VALCET TABLET contains Valaciclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used in the treatment of shingles. It is also used to treat infections of the skin and mucous membranes (including the genital area) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus infection and disease following organ transplantation.
Shingles are a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that is generally characterised by symptoms such as a red rash, pain, burning or tingling sensations, itching and/or fluid-filled blisters in affected individuals.
Herpes simplex is a viral infection generally characterised by symptoms such as cold sores (around the lips, mouth and tongue), tingling, itching or burning sensations and/or pain while urinating. Cytomegalovirus infection is a type of viral infection that causes sores and chicken pox similar to the herpes virus in infected individuals, affecting people of all ages.
VALCET TABLET is not recommended for use in patients who are allergic to valaciclovir and/or acyclovir. Before taking VALCET TABLET, inform your doctor if you have anaemia or other blood disorders, HIV infection, have undergone organ transplantation, have kidney disease or have liver disease.
VALCET TABLET should only be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women if necessary. VALCET TABLET is not recommended for use in infants (aged below 3 months). The most common side effects of taking VALCET TABLET are headache, nausea and/or gastrointestinal disturbances (such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and bloating). Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms worsen.
USES OF VALCET TABLET
- Treats shingles infection
- Treats herpes simplex viral infection
- Prevents cytomegalovirus infection and disease following organ transplantation in affected individuals
HOW VALCET TABLET WORKS
VALCET TABLET works by stopping the multiplication of the causative virus which also reduces the length and severity of the infection thus treating the disease and preventing the occurrence of symptoms associated with the disease in affected individuals.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take VALCET TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking VALCET TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.
SIDE EFFECTS OF VALCET TABLET
COMMON
- headache
- nausea
- gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and diarrhoea
UNCOMMON
- dizziness
RARE
Stop taking VALCET TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- unusual bleeding/bruising
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- fever
- severe chills
- dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness
- agitation, seizures, difficulty speaking, impaired consciousness, impaired mental condition
- tremor, movement disorders
- memory loss
- sore throat, mouth ulcers
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Headache:
Drink an ample amount of water. Get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Ask your doctor before taking any medicine for headaches.
Nausea:
Take VALCET TABLET with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods.
Dizziness:
Lie down until the dizziness is gone, then get up slowly. Move slowly and carefully, do not hurry. Get adequate rest. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Avoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
VALCET TABLET should be used with caution during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy only if it is necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
BREASTFEEDING
VALCET TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women only if it is necessary. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines which take VALCET TABLET since it may cause dizziness, headache, confusion, hallucinations and/or decreased consciousness.
KIDNEY
VALCET TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.
LIVER
VALCET TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.
ALLERGY
Do not take VALCET TABLET if you are allergic to Valaciclovir, acyclovir and/or any other ingredients of this medicine.
OTHERS
Before taking VALCET TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have anemia/other blood disorders
- have HIV infection
- have undergone organ transplantation
- are going to have any surgery
- are going to any blood tests
Use in Paediatrics:
VALCET TABLET is not recommended for use in infants (aged below 3 months). It should be used with caution in children and adolescents (aged 3 months to 18 years). Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Use in Geriatrics:
VALCET TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 65 years). Consult your doctor before taking it.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking VALCET TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, ciclosporin (immunosuppressant medicines used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients)
- aminoglycosides (a medicine used in the treatment of severe infections of the abdomen and urinary tract)
- organoplatinum compounds (medicines used in the therapy of cancers of the testes, ovaries, head & neck) Ex. quinolone, chloride
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of VALCET TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, reduced consciousness, nausea, vomiting and/or kidney failure.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Valacyclovir |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Nucleoside analogue |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Shingles, Herpes, Cytomegalovirus infection |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep VALCET TABLET out of reach from children
- Store below 25°C
FAQs ABOUT VALCET TABLET
What is the function of VALCET TABLET?
VALCET TABLET is used to treat shingles (a viral infection), which is also used to treat skin and mucous membrane infections (including genital infections) caused by the herpes simplex virus. The medicine is also indicated for use to prevent cytomegalovirus infection and disease in patients who have undergone organ transplantation procedures.
Can I stop taking VALCET TABLET?
Do not stop taking VALCET TABLET without consulting your doctor, as your condition may get worse or you may have unwanted side effects. Your doctor may reduce the dose before discontinuing the medicine. If you have any more doubts regarding the use of this medicine, ask your doctor.
How do I take VALCET TABLET?
Take VALCET TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
What happens if you take more VALCET TABLET than your required dose?
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much VALCET TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, reduced consciousness, nausea, vomiting and/or kidney failure.
What if I forget to take a dose of VALCET TABLET?
If you forget to take a dose of VALCET TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take the medicine twice to make up for a missed dose.
REFERENCES
1. KD Tripathi. Antiviral Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 800.
2. Sanjiv Choudhary, Shivani Dhande, Sachin Kharat and A. L. Singh. Safety and Efficacy of Different Systemic Treatment Modalities for Acute Pain of Herpes Zoster: A Pilot Study. NIH National Library of Medicine. National center for biotechnology information. PMC PubMed Central. April 2018. [Accessed on 9th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5885613/
3. Bethesda. Valacyclovir. NIH National Library of Medicine. National center for biotechnology information. October 2020. [Accessed on 9th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548655/
4. David W Kimberlin, Richard F Jacobs, Stephen Weller, Jan-Stefan van der Walt, Catherine K Heitman, Choy Y Man, John S Bradley. Pharmacokinetics and safety of extemporaneously compounded valacyclovir oral suspension in pediatric patients from 1 month through 11 years of age.NIH National Library of Medicine. National center for biotechnology information. PubMed.gov. January 2010. [Accessed on 9th June 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20014952/
5. Ngan N Lam, Jamie L Fleet, Eric McArthur, Peter G Blake and Amit X Garg. Higher dose versus a lower dose of antiviral therapy in the treatment of herpes zoster infection in the elderly: a matched retrospective population-based cohort study. NIH National Library of Medicine. National center for biotechnology information. PMC PubMed Central. September 2014. [Accessed on 9th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158397/
6. Viatris Ltd. New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (MEDSAFE). [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 9th June 2022] https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/v/vaclovir.pdf
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- PCR
AUTHOR DETAILS
Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R, BDS
Last updated on 28 Nov 2022 | 04:15 PM(IST)
PRODUCT DETAILS
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