Herpes The Silent Virus

Nine out of ten people who have genital herpes are not even aware that they have the virus!

Up to 80% of people catch genital herpes from an infected partner who has NO signs and symptoms. Even more alarming is that, outbreaks are not always obvious. By using VATREX ® as a suppressive therapy medication you can help reduce the risk of spreading this virus to the people you care about.

What Is VATREX ® And How Does It Work?

VALTREX® (VALACYCLOVIR-ORAL) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and herpes simplex (cold sores). VALTREX® is the only once-a-day antiviral product which has proven effective in suppressing future genital herpes outbreaks in adults with normal immune systems. VALTREX® works by disrupting the process by which the herpes virus duplicates itself and spreads to other cells in the body.

Suppressive Therapy

In a large clinical study of suppressive therapy for genital herpes, VALTREX® has proven effective in suppressing genital herpes outbreaks. Studies showed patients who experienced a high frequency of outbreaks (6 or more per year) prior to entering this study, over half of the patients (55%) did not have a single outbreak for 6 months while taking one 1000 mg VALTREX® Caplet once-a-day. At the end of a year, one third of the patients taking VALTREX® still had not had a single outbreak. Patients with nine or fewer outbreaks showed comparable results with VALTREX® 500 mg once daily. There is no data on the safety or effectiveness of suppressive therapy longer than a 1 year's duration.

Always Wear A Condom

No effective treatment has been found to help prevent the spread of herpes infection to other people. Therefore it is highly recommended that persons who have genital herpes use condoms containing nonoxynol-9, and avoid sexual contact during an outbreak.

Side Effects

Patients using VALTREX® have experienced very few side effects if any.

The most commonly reported side effects are headaches, nausea, and abdominal pain.

dosage of VALTREX®

The recommended dosage for suppression is one 1000 mg (1g) VALTREX® Caplet to be taken once a day. If you average nine or fewer outbreaks per year, an alternative dose is one 500 mg VALTREX® Caplet to be taken once a day. Only your doctor or other healthcare provider will know which dosage is right for you, so be sure to openly discuss the frequency and severity of your outbreaks with him or her.

Can you substitute a generic for VALTREX® (valacyclovir HCl)?

There is no generic substitute for VALTREX®.

Is there anything else I should tell my doctor before using VALTREX® ?

If your immune system is not normal because of advanced HIV disease, bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant, make sure your doctor knows this to avoid a potentially serious complication.

Can I take VALTREX® (valacyclovir HCl) Caplets to treat outbreaks as they occur?

Yes. VALTREX® is a proven effective treatment for individual outbreaks. You should begin taking VALTREX® at the first sign or symptom of an outbreak. Simply take one 500 mg caplet twice a day for five days. There is no data to suggest the effectiveness of treatment started more than 24 hours after the onset of signs or symptoms.

Always Discuss Therapy Options Before You Begin Use.

Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider if suppressive therapy is right for you. Your doctor or other healthcare provider will need to know how upsetting, painful, or disruptive to your life your recurrent outbreaks are, and how severe or frequent they can be. Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider if VALTREX® once-a-day is right for you. VALTREX® is intended for adults with normal immune systems.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:

Take VALTREX® only as prescribed. It should only be taken orally as directed. It is not advised to skip doses or stop taking VALTREX® without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS:

It takes time for your body to adjust to the medication. During this time you may experience some of the following side effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, weakness, stomach pain or dizziness. If any of these symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. If your condition does not appear to improve or you experience a worsening of symptoms while taking this medication notify your Doctor immediately.

PRECAUTIONS:

Your Doctor should be made well aware of your medical problems. Tell your doctor if you have any history of kidney disease, blood disorders or if you have any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Your Doctor needs to be advised as to any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may be taking including cimetidine or probenecid.

EFFECTIVENESS:

This medication is most effective when it is taken as a suppressive measure or if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash first appears.

MISSED DOSE:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered, but do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose. If this is the case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:

Keep this and all medication out of the reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light.