Medications · FAQ
Can valacyclovir interact with other medicines or vaccines?
Short answer
Valacyclovir can interact with some medicines, especially those that affect kidney function. It may also interfere with certain live vaccines, including the chickenpox vaccine. Share all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements with your prescriber and pharmacist. Do not stop another medicine or delay a vaccine without medical advice.
Give your prescriber and pharmacist a complete list of what you take before starting valacyclovir. Include prescription medicines, pain relievers, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. Also list medicines you use only sometimes. A medicine review helps identify combinations that may require a dose change, monitoring, or a different treatment.
Medicines that affect the kidneys deserve special attention because the kidneys clear valacyclovir. Some transplant medicines and certain antibiotics can raise concern. Tell your clinician if you frequently use pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, especially if you have kidney disease or are dehydrated. Do not assume an over-the-counter product is risk-free.
Valacyclovir may reduce the activity of certain live vaccines, such as the chickenpox vaccine. The shingles vaccine used in the United States is not a live vaccine. Tell your vaccine provider that you take an antiviral so they can check the timing and product. Do not pause valacyclovir, stop another medicine, or reschedule a vaccine on your own.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.