Varil 500 Tablet is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of herpes labialis, genital herpes infection, and herpes zoster infections. It prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells and clears up the infection.
Varil 500 Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. You should drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine as it helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
It may lead to a few common side effects like headache, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, itching (pruritus), and abdominal pain. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Varil 500 Tablet can speed up the healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores.
In Genital herpes infection
Genital herpes infection is a common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores. It can affect both men and women. Symptoms include pain, itching, and irritation. Varil 500 Tablet helps in treating the symptoms effectively and also prevents the multiplication of the infection-causing virus.
In Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster infection is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Varil 500 Tablet can shorten the length and severity of the infection. It is most effective if you start taking it as soon as possible after the rash appears. Keeping the immune system healthy is the best way to prevent it. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing herpes zoster infection.
Side effects of Varil Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Varil
Headache
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Vomiting
Itching
Diarrhea
How to use Varil Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Varil 500 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Varil Tablet works
Varil 500 Tablet is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Varil 500 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Varil 500 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Varil 500 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Varil 500 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Varil 500 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Varil 500 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine to lower the side effects on the kidney.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Varil 500 Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Varil 500 Tablet is recommended.
What if you forget to take Varil Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Varil 500 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Q. For how long do I need to take Varil 500 Tablet?
The duration of Varil 500 Tablet treatment depends on the disease you are being treated for and whether your immune system is capable of fighting infections or not. For example, if you are taking it for shingles and your immune system works effectively, then you may need to take it for 7 days only. But, if your immunity is compromised, then you may need to take Varil 500 Tablet for 7 days and 2 days more after the lesions have dried and healed. Follow your doctor’s recommendations strictly.
Q. Does Varil 500 Tablet cure herpes infection?
Varil 500 Tablet reduces the pain and itching caused due to the herpes infection but does not cure it. It helps to heal the sores and prevents the formation of new ones.
Q. Is Varil 500 Tablet an antibiotic or a steroid? What is it used for?
Varil 500 Tablet is neither an antibiotic nor a corticosteroid. It is an antiviral medicine and acts against viruses. It is effective against herpes simplex virus (chickenpox, cold sores, and genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (shingles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Varil 500 Tablet prevents the occurrence of CMV infection and disease after organ transplant.
Q. If I have genital herpes, can Varil 500 Tablet prevent transmission of infection to others?
Varil 500 Tablet reduces the chances of passing the infection to your partner, but the possibility of transmission still exists. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. However, you should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Q. Can Varil 500 Tablet be given to children for chicken pox?
Yes, Varil 500 Tablet can be given for chickenpox to children aged between 2 years to 18 years. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash for best results. Varil 500 Tablet should be given for 5 days and as directed by the doctor.
Q. Can I take Varil 500 Tablet if I have HIV infection?
Taking Varil 500 Tablet if you have advanced HIV infection can increase the risk of developing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS). In TTP/HUS, small blood clots form suddenly throughout the body, which can lead to death. If you experience bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in urine, fits, and bleeding from the nose or mouth, you should stop Varil 500 Tablet and seek emergency medical support and advice.
Q. What if I accidentally take excess of Varil 500 Tablet?
You should immediately contact your doctor or go to a nearby hospital. The symptoms which can be seen if Varil 500 Tablet is taken in excess include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness, and coma.
Q. My age is 70 years and I have some kidney problem, can I take Varil 500 Tablet for shingles?
Since you are elderly and have a kidney problem, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of Varil 500 Tablet. You must drink plenty of water regularly during the day while taking Varil 500 Tablet. This will help to reduce the side effects that can affect the kidney or nervous system. Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of any side effects which may include feeling confused, agitated or unusually sleepy, or drowsy. If you develop any of these effects contact your doctor immediately.
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References
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