INTRODUCTION ABOUT VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET

VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET contains Valaciclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used in the management of shingles. It is also used to manage infections of the skin and mucous membranes (including the genital area) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is also used to manage 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.

VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients who are allergic to valaciclovir and/or acyclovir. Before taking VALCIVIR 500MG 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.

VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET should only be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women if necessary. VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET is not recommended for use in infants (aged below 3 months). The most common side effects of taking VALCIVIR 500MG 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 VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET

• Manage shingles infection
• Manage herpes simplex viral infection
• Prevents cytomegalovirus infection and disease following organ transplantation in affected individuals

HOW VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET WORKS

VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET works by stopping the multiplication of the causative virus which also reduces the length and severity of the infection thus managing the disease and managing the occurrence of symptoms associated with the disease in affected individuals.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take VALCIVIR 500MG 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 VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET

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 VALCIVIR 500MG 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

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, ciclosporin (immunosuppressant medicines used to manage organ rejection in transplant patients)
• aminoglycosides (a medicine used in the management 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 VALCIVIR 500MG 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

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep VALCIVIR 500MG TABLET out of reach from children
• Store below 25°C