Acyclovir (Valtrex) Episodic Treatment

This treatment plan reviews the risks and benefits of the treatment we are recommending. Please make sure to read it and the manufacturer's pamphlet that comes with the medicine. The manufacturer's pamphlet contains the full information on interactions, side effects, and other important information you should know about the medicine before you start.

Instructions

You have stated that you wish to take a medication for your herpes outbreaks only when you are feeling an outbreak coming on. This is known as “episodic treatment.” The medication you have been prescribed is Acyclovir 800mg, which you are to take 1 Tablet 2 times each day (morning and evening) for 5 days, immediately upon noticing the initial signs of an outbreak.* Signs include pain, burning and/or tingling in your genital and/or mouth area, or any sores, blisters and/or ulcers.

Please keep in mind that episodic treatment does not reduce your risk of having herpes outbreaks or passing on herpes to your sexual partner(s). Episodic treatment, if started immediately upon noticing the initial signs of an outbreak can reduce the duration and/or intensity of the outbreak. The initial signs of an outbreak are pain, burning, itching in the genital area, anus, buttocks, or thighs prior to the appearance of ulcers or blisters. Please read the information in the following links for further information:

*Initial outbreak: This initial outbreak is usually the most severe and can last up to 14 days. Treatment can help with symptomatic relief and to shorten the duration of the outbreak. If this is your first outbreak you are to take 1/2 Tablet 3 times each day (morning, afternoon & evening) for 10 days.

Refills

For subscription customers only, you will automatically be sent a refill every 90 days (subject to a refill visit to help screen for side effects). However, you may request a refill early by logging into your Account (Subscriptions > Next Refill). If you placed a one-time order, please order again as normal.

If your symptoms aren't getting better after you start taking the medicine or if you develop new or worsening symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain, you should see a medical provider in-person and call or message us immediately.

Active Ingredients

This medicine contains the following active ingredients. If you are allergic to any of these components, similar components, or any of the others components listed in the manufacturer's pamphlet do not take it and call or message us immediately.

• Acyclovir
  
  

Allergies

Do not take this medication if you have known allergies to:

• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Any inactive ingredients in this medication

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction—such as rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing—stop the medication and seek emergency care.

Conditions

We have evaluated your health history and the specific health information you provided us, however if anything changes and you develop one of these conditions, please stop taking this medicine and call or message us immediately. This list may not be all inclusive.

• Kidney disease or decreased kidney function
• Immune system disorders
• HIV/AIDS
• Organ transplant history
• Older age

If your health changes or you develop any new diagnoses, message or call us before taking the medication.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Wisp does not treat pregnant patients on our platform for your safety. If you are pregnant you should see an in person provider for additional monitoring and oversight.

Valacyclovir can be administered to nursing mothers with caution and when indicated (source).

Medicines, Supplements, and Foods

We have evaluated the specific health information you provided us, however if you are taking any of the medicines, foods, or supplements listed below call or message us before you take the medicine. Some of these can cause dangerous interactions with the medicine we are prescribing you and we will help you evaluate that risk and decide on an appropriate treatment plan. Please ensure your chart is up to date with your current medications, allergies, and medical conditions so your provider can safely treat you as this list may not be all inclusive.

• Other antivirals
• Medications that affect kidney function (e.g., NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or chemotherapy)
• Supplements or herbs that impact kidney function
  

Emergency Side Effects

This medicine can cause dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects. If any of the emergency side effects listed in the manufacturer’s pamphlet or those below happen to you please stop taking the medicine and call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person.

• Sudden chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Severe skin rash or itching
• Facial or throat swelling
• Blurred vision
• Agitation, confusion, hallucinations, or impaired consciousness
• Tremors or seizures
• Severe or bloody diarrhea

Other Side Effects This medicine can also cause other side effects including (this list is not all inclusive):

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Joint discomfort
• Tiredness

These are usually mild and go away on their own. If they worsen or concern you, please message us.

Risks

Accurate Information

We have evaluated your health history and your specific health information you provided and determined it is safe to proceed with this treatment at this time. If your health history changes including diagnoses or medications please message or call us before you take the medicine to ensure it's safe to proceed. Some medications and conditions can cause dangerous interactions with the medicine we are prescribing and we will help you evaluate that risk and decide on an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Failure

This treatment is not guaranteed to be effective. It may not work or may only partially resolve the condition for which you are seeking treatment. If the treatment is not working, or if you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, give us a call or message us anytime. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person. You may need to seek alternative treatment such as those listed below or in the follow up plan.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Through telehealth, there is also a risk that we misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment. This risk exists with a doctor in person as well but they may have additional resources to aid their evaluation. We use evidence-based practice and guidelines as well as clinical decision-making to minimize these risks.

Accepting or Declining Our Recommendation

We have based our recommendation on your specific case and medical guidelines, but there may be alternative treatments or strategies that may be helpful to you. Some may be more or less effective than what we provide. Some treatments may require an in-person exam or procedure which we can’t provide. Message us or talk to your doctor in person to discuss alternative treatments.

Share with Your In-Person Healthcare Team

You can access your records anytime. We strongly recommend that you update your in-person doctor, pharmacist, and the rest of your healthcare team to let them know about any new medicines you are taking or other changes in your health.

You can also ask us questions anytime and we are happy to help you share any information about your health with your in-person healthcare team.