valtrex
Pharmaranks rates Valtrex 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) is a herpes simplex virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor used to treat Chickenpox, Herpes Genitalis, Herpes Labialis, Herpes Zoster.
Valacyclovir Hydrochloride · by Glaxosmithkline
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Valacyclovir Hydrochloride
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Valacyclovir Hydrochloride EQ 1GM Base · Valacyclovir Hydrochloride EQ 500MG Base
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- chickenpox, herpes genitalis, herpes labialis
- Manufacturer
- Glaxosmithkline
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$7.02 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA020487
What is Valtrex?
From the FDA label:VALTREX (valacyclovir hydrochloride) is the hydrochloride salt of the L ‑valyl ester of the antiviral drug acyclovir. VALTREX tablets are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 556.2 mg or 1.112 grams of valacyclovir hydrochloride equivalent to 500 mg or 1 gram of valacyclovir, respectively, and the inactive ingredients carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, and titanium dioxide. The blue, film‑coated tablets are printed with edible white ink. The chemical name of valacyclovir hydrochloride is L -valine, 2-[(2-amino-1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-9 H -purin-9-yl)methoxy]ethyl ester, monohydrochloride. It has the following structural formula: Valacyclovir hydrochloride is a white to off-white powder with the molecular formula C 13 H 20 N 6 O 4 •HCl and a molecular weight of 360.80. The maximum solubility in water at 25°C is 174 mg/mL. The pk a s for valacyclovir hydrochloride are 1.90, 7.47, and 9.43. valacyclovir hydrochloride chemical structure
How to use
VALTREX may be given without regard to meals. Valacyclovir oral suspension (25 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL) may be prepared extemporaneously from 500-mg VALTREX tablets for use in pediatric patients for whom a solid dosage form is not appropriate [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Adult Dosage ( 2.1 ) Cold Sores 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Genital Herpes Initial episode 1 gram twice daily for 10 days Recurrent episodes 500 mg twice daily for 3 days Suppressive therapy Immunocompetent patients 1 gram once daily Alternate dose in patients with less than or equal to 9 recurrences/year 500 mg once daily HIV-1−infected patients 500 mg twice daily Reduction of transmission 500 mg once daily Herpes Zoster 1 gram 3 times daily for 7 days Pediatric Dosage ( 2.2 ) Cold Sores (aged greater than or equal to 12 years) 2 grams every 12 hours for 1 day Chickenpox (aged 2 to less than 18 years) 20 mg/kg 3 times daily for 5 days; not to exceed 1 gram 3 times daily Valacyclovir oral suspension (25 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL) can be prepared from the 500 mg VALTREX tablets. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Adult Dosing Recommendations Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis) The recommended dosage of VALTREX for treatment of cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for 1 day taken 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning). Genital Herpes Initial Episode: The…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Central Nervous System Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . The most common adverse reactions reported in at least 1 indication by greater than 10% of adult subjects treated with VALTREX and observed more frequently with VALTREX compared with placebo are headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. The only adverse reaction reported in greater than 10% of pediatric subjects aged less than 18 years was headache. The most common adverse reactions reported in at least one indication by greater than 10% of adult subjects treated with VALTREX and more commonly than in subjects treated with placebo are headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) The only adverse reaction occurring in greater than 10% of pediatric subjects aged less than 18 years was headache. ( 6.2 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GlaxoSmithKline at 1-888-825-5249 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience in Adult Subjects Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates…
Warnings
Important safety information
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS): Has occurred in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease and in allogenic bone marrow transplant and renal transplant patients receiving 8 grams per day of VALTREX in clinical trials. Discontinue treatment if clinical symptoms and laboratory findings consistent with TTP/HUS occur. ( 5.1 ) Acute renal failure: May occur in elderly patients (with or without reduced renal function), patients with underlying renal disease who receive higher-than-recommended doses of VALTREX for their level of renal function, patients who receive concomitant nephrotoxic drugs, or inadequately hydrated patients. Use with caution in elderly patients and reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment. ( 2.4 , 5.2 ) Central nervous system adverse reactions (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, confusion, and encephalopathy): May occur in both adult and pediatric patients (with or without reduced renal function) and in patients with underlying renal disease who receive higher-than-recommended doses of VALTREX for their level of renal function. Elderly patients are more likely to have central nervous system adverse reactions. Use with caution in elderly patients and reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment. ( 2.4 , 5.3 ) Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): Including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) have been reported during the postmarketing experience with valacyclovir. Discontinue VALTREX immediately if a painful rash with mucosal involvement or a progressive severe rash develops, and closely monitor clinical status. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS) TTP/HUS, in some cases resulting in death, has occurred in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease and also in allogeneic bone marrow transplant and renal transplant recipients participating in clinical trials of VALTREX at doses of 8 grams per day. Treatment with VALTREX should be stopped immediately if clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory abnormalities consistent with TTP/HUS occur. 5.2 Acute Renal Failure Cases of acute renal failure have been reported in: Elderly patients with or without reduced renal function. Caution should be exercised when administering VALTREX to geriatric patients, and dosage reduction is recommended for those with impaired renal function [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 )]. Patients with underlying renal disease who received higher-than-recommended doses of VALTREX for their level of renal function. Dosage reduction is recommended when administering VALTREX to patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]. Patients receiving other nephrotoxic drugs. Caution should be exercised when administering VALTREX to patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic drugs. Patients without adequate hydration. Precipitation of acyclovir in renal tubules may occur when the solubility (2.5 mg/mL) is exceeded in the intratubular fluid. Adequate hydration should be maintained for all patients. In the event of acute renal failure and anuria, the patient may benefit from hemodialysis until renal function is restored [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.3 )] . 5.3 Central Nervous System Effects Central nervous system adverse reactions, including agitation, hallucinations, confusion, delirium, seizures, and encephalopathy, have been reported in both adult and pediatric patients with or without reduced renal function and in patients with underlying renal disease who received higher-than-recommended doses of VALTREX for their level of renal function. Elderly patients are more likely to have central nervous system adverse reactions. VALTREX should be discontinued if central nervous system adverse reactions occur [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.3 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 , 8.6 )]. 5.4 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens‑Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported during postmarketing experience with valacyclovir [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.3 )] . Discontinue VALTREX immediately if a painful rash with mucosal involvement or a progressive severe rash develops. Closely monitor clinical status and initiate appropriate therapy. VALTREX is contraindicated in patients who have developed SCARs with the use of valacyclovir or acyclovir, or any component of the formulation [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.3 )] .
Who should not take Valtrex
VALTREX is contraindicated in patients who have had a demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction [e.g., anaphylaxis, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)] to valacyclovir, acyclovir, or any component of the formulation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.3 )] . Hypersensitivity to valacyclovir (e.g., anaphylaxis), acyclovir, or any component of the formulation. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Caution should be exercised to prevent inadvertent overdose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 , 8.6 )] . Precipitation of acyclovir in renal tubules may occur when the solubility (2.5 mg/mL) is exceeded in the intratubular fluid. In the event of acute renal failure and anuria, the patient may benefit from hemodialysis until renal function is restored [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] .
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
No clinically significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions with VALTREX are known [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Drug class
- Herpes Simplex Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
- Herpes Zoster Virus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
- Herpesvirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Valtrex ranks — best-rated herpes simplex virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Valtrex treat?
- Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride) may be used to treat chickenpox, herpes genitalis, herpes labialis, herpes zoster, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Valtrex rated?
- pharmaranks gives Valtrex a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Valtrex cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $7.02 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Acyclovir Sodium — about $4.83 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Valtrex?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Valtrex. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Valtrex?
- Valtrex is marketed by Glaxosmithkline. You can see Glaxosmithkline's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Valtrex a brand-name or generic drug?
- Valtrex is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Valacyclovir Hydrochloride.
- Is Valtrex available over the counter?
- No. Valtrex is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Valtrex come in?
- Valtrex is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Valtrex?
- Valtrex is classified as herpes simplex virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor, herpes zoster virus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor, herpesvirus nucleoside analog dna polymerase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Valtrex FDA-registered?
- Valtrex is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020487. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Valtrex been recalled by the FDA?
- Valtrex has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Valtrex safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Valtrex a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Valtrex?
- Valtrex's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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valtrex
70/100