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Valtrex is an antiviral medication used to treat of genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and herpes simplex (cold sores). It also suppresses future genital herpes outbreaks in adults with normal immune systems. Valtrex works by preventing the herpes virus from multiplying and spreading to more cells in the body.

Take by mouth exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses, do not change dosage by yourself, and do not stop taking Valtrex without your physicain's approval. Stopping therapy too early may prevent you from experiencing any of the medicine's effect.

Store at room temp., away from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; but if it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the one you missed, and take only the regularly scheduled dose. Avoid taking two doses at once or closely following one another.

If you have a condition affecting your immune system, such as advanced HIV/AIDS or bone marrow or kidney transplant, Valtrex may cause a serious complication. Consult a physicain about your option. Common side effects of using Valtrex are nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, weakness, stomach pain or dizziness. These may occur during the first several days you take Valtrex, as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or are bothersome, consult a physicain. Notify your physicain if your condition worsens or does not improve while taking Valtrex.

Tell your physicain of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you are using, especially cimetidine or probenecid.

Tell your physicain if you have a kidney disease, blood disorders, or any allergies. In pregnant women Valtrex should be used only if clearly needed; consult a physicain about possible risks. It is not known if Valtrex passes into breast milk. Consult a physicain before breast-feeding.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a research-based pharmaceutical company with headquarters in the UK and the US and around 100,000 employees worldwide. GlaxoSmithKline was formed in 2000 through the merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, pharmaceuticals companies with histories of over 150 years.