Can I Drink Alcohol When Taking Paxlovid?

How does Paxlovid work? Paxlovid is a combination of 2 medicines called nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir stops the coronavirus (COVID-19) from growing and spreading. It works by preventing the virus from multiplying and keeping virus levels low in your body.

This helps your body’s immune system control the infection and reduces the risk of severe symptoms. Ritonavir does not work on the virus itself. It helps keep nirmatrelvir from being broken down in your body long enough for it to do its job. How long does it take to work? Paxlovid starts to work soon after you take it.

It works best when taken as soon as possible after getting a positive COVID-19 test and within 5 days, or 7 days if you have been advised by a healthcare professional. Everyone has a different experience of COVID-19 infection, especially if you have risk factors for getting severely ill.

Most people who take Paxlovid will recover quickly after taking this medicine, with a reduced risk of severe illness. Are there any long-term side effects? It’s not known if there are any long-term side effects from taking Paxlovid. What will happen if I stop taking it? Do not stop taking Paxlovid before the end of your 5 day course without talking to your doctor first.

If you stop taking Paxlovid before the end of the course, it may no longer protect you from becoming severely ill from COVID-19. How does Paxlovid compare with other medicines to treat COVID-19? There are other antiviral medicines for COVID-19 called molnupiravir and remdesivir,

• These medicines are effective in preventing severe illness from COVID-19.
• COVID-19 treatments do not replace vaccinations.
• Vaccines are given to help your immune system fight a future COVID-19 infection.
• How effective is Paxlovid? If you have COVID-19, Paxlovid reduces your risk of severe symptoms and needing hospital treatment.

It’s important to take Paxlovid within 5 days (or 7 days, if advised by a healthcare professional) of your COVID-19 symptoms starting, to give it the best chance of working. Will it affect my contraception? If you have COVID-19, it’s important that you do not have contact with other people.

This is to avoid passing the infection on. Paxlovid can stop combined oral contraceptive pills (“the pill”) from working properly. If you are taking Paxlovid it’s important to use effective contraception (a condom, female condom, diaphragm or cap) for the full 5 days of treatment and until you’ve had one full menstrual cycle.

If you take contraception and Paxlovid makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do. Find out more about what to do if you’re on the pill and you’re being sick or have diarrhoea,

1. Can I drive or ride a bike? If you’re being treated for COVID-19, stay at home to avoid passing the infection on to other people.
2. If you feel dizzy, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery.
3. It’s an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected.
4. It’s your responsibility to decide if it’s safe to drive.

If you’re in any doubt, do not drive. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving Can I drink alcohol while taking Paxlovid? It’s not known if alcohol affects Paxlovid. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? You can eat and drink normally while you’re taking Paxlovid.

Can you drink alcohol while taking antivirals?

Although alcohol warnings aren’t specifically listed in the product labels for the antiviral drugs most often used to treat shingles, it’s usually best to avoid mixing alcohol and medication.

Can you drink alcohol with ritonavir?

What should I avoid while taking ritonavir? Ritonavir capsules and liquid contain alcohol. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while using this medicine, and do not take disulfiram (Antabuse) or you could have an alcohol reaction.

Does alcohol make viral infection worse?

Drinking alcohol does not prevent or treat coronavirus infection and may impair immune function Tuesday, May 12, 2020 While hand sanitizers containing 60-95% ethyl alcohol can help destroy the coronavirus on surfaces, drinking alcohol—including beverages with high percentages of alcohol—offers no protection from the virus.

1. The concentration of alcohol in the blood after is in the range of 0.01–0.03% (a blood alcohol level of 0.01–0.03 gm%), which is a tiny fraction of the concentration needed to produce an antiseptic action.
2. Indeed, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.40% can be fatal.
3. Far from offering protection, alcohol misuse makes the body more susceptible to viral infections and can worsen the prognosis.

Alcohol in the body at the time of exposure to a pathogen tends to impair the body’s immediate immune response to the pathogen, making it easier for an infection to develop. Longer term, excessive alcohol consumption impairs immune cell functions in the lungs, making the body’s immune response less effective.

1. Excessive alcohol use also damages the cells that line the lung surface and this damage can go undetected until an infection occurs in the lungs.
2. Alcohol misuse is also associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
3. In fact, individuals who misuse alcohol chronically are more likely to develop ARDS, more likely to need mechanical ventilation, have a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit, and have a higher risk of mortality from ARDS.

All of these effects of alcohol misuse could certainly complicate COVID-19 prevention, treatment, and recovery. References 1) Review that addresses all three statements: Boé, D.M.; Vandivier, R.W.; Burnham, E.L.; and Moss, M. Alcohol abuse and pulmonary disease.

J Leukoc Biol.86(5):1097-104, 2009.2) Higher ARDS incidence with chronic alcohol consumption: Simou, M.; Leonardi-Bee, J.; and Britton, J. The effect of alcohol consumption on the risk of ARDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. CHEST.154(1):58-68, 2018.3) Increased ventilation and prolonged stay in an intensive care unit : Moss, M.; Parsons, P.E.; Steinberg, K.P.; Hudson, L.D.; Guidot, D.M.; Burnham, E.L.; Eaton, S.; and Cotsonis, G.A.

Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with an increased incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and severity of multiple organ dysfunction in patients with septic shock. Crit. Care Med.31, 869–877, 2003.4) Higher ARDS mortality in individuals who misuse alcohol chronically: Moss, M.; Bucher, B.; Moore, F.A.; Moore, E.E.; and Parsons, P.E.

How does Paxlovid make you feel?

Changes in taste, diarrhea, high blood pressure, or muscle pain may occur.

Can I stop Paxlovid early?

Do not stop taking PAXLOVID without talking to your healthcare provider, even if you feel better. If you miss a dose of PAXLOVID within 8 hours of the time it is usually taken, take it as soon as you remember.

Can COVID get worse on Paxlovid?

But typically, your initial COVID-19 symptoms will get better (or even go away) while taking Paxlovid. Then between 2 and 8 days after finishing the medication, your symptoms will get worse again.

What are the warning signs of Paxlovid?

Paxlovid side effects – Possible side effects of Paxlovid are:

Liver Problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: loss of appetite, yellowing of your skin and the whites of eyes (jaundice), dark-colored urine, pale colored stools and itchy skin, stomach area (abdominal) pain. Resistance to HIV Medicines. If you have untreated HIV infection, Paxlovid may lead to some HIV medicines not working as well in the future.

Other possible side effects include:

altered sense of taste diarrhea high blood pressure muscle aches

These are not all the possible side effects of Paxlovid. Not many people have taken Paxlovid. Serious and unexpected side effects may happen. Paxlovid is still being studied, so it is possible that all of the risks are not known at this time.

Does Paxlovid make you tired?

Allergic reactions-skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Liver injury-right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue.

Should I take Paxlovid with food?

How to take it – It’s important that you start taking Paxlovid within 5 days (or 7 days, if advised by a healthcare professional) of getting coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew, break or crush the tablets.

What are the reviews on Paxlovid?

Paxlovid has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 367 reviews for the treatment of COVID-19.56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 27% reported a negative experience.

Is it OK to have one drink while on medication?

Timing is important – Alcohol and medicines can interact harmfully even if they are not taken at the same time. Mixing alcohol and medicines puts you at risk for dangerous reactions. Protect yourself by avoiding alcohol if you are taking a medication and don’t know its effect.

Commonly Used Medicines (Both Prescription and Over-the-Counter) That Interact With Alcohol

Symptom/Disorders	Medication (Brand name)	Medication (Generic name)	Some possible reactions with alcohol
Allergies/Colds/Flu	Alavert®	Loratadine	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose
Atarax®	Hydroxyzine
Benadryl®	Diphenhydramine
Clarinex®	Desloratadine
Claritin®, Claritin-D®	Loratadine
Dimetapp® Cold &Allergy	Brompheniramine
Sudafed® Sinus & Allergy	Chlorpheniramine
Triaminic® Cold & Allergy	Chlorpheniramine
Tylenol® Allergy Sinus	Chlorpheniramine
Tylenol® Cold & Flu	Chlorpheniramine
Zyrtec®	Cetirizine
Angina (chest pain), coronary heart disease	Isordil®	Isosorbide Nitroglycerin	Rapid heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting
Anxiety and epilepsy	Ativan®	Lorazepam	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
BuSpar®	Buspirone
Klonopin®	Clonazepam
Librium®	Chlordiazepoxide
Paxil®	Paroxetine
Valium®	Diazepam
Xanax®	Alprazolam
Herbal preparations (Kava Kava)		Liver damage, drowsiness
Arthritis	Celebrex®	Celecoxib	Ulcers, stomach bleeding, liver damage
Naprosyn®	Naproxen
Voltaren®	Diclofenac
Attention and concentration (Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder)	Adderall®	Amphetamine/dextro-amphetamine	Dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration (methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate); possible increased risk for heart problems (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine); liver damage (atomoxetine)
Concerta®, Ritalin®	Methylphenidate
Dexedrine®	Dextroamphetamine
Focalin®	Dexmethylphenidate
Strattera®	Atomoxetine
Vyvanse®	Lisdexamfetamine
Blood clots	Coumadin®	Warfarin	Occasional drinking may lead to internal bleeding; heavier drinking also may cause bleeding or may have the opposite effect, resulting in possible blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks
Cough	Delsym®, Robitussin Cough®	Dextromethorpan	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose
Robitussin A–C®	Guaifenesin + codeine
Depression	Abilify®	Aripriprazone	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; increased feelings of depression or hopelessness (all medications); impaired motor control (quetiapine, mirtazapine); increased alcohol effect (bupropion); liver damage (duloxetine) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine, when combined with alcohol, may result in serious heart-related side effects. Risk for dangerously high blood pressure is increased when MAOIs are mixed with tyramine, a byproduct found in beer and red wine
Anafranil®	Clomipramine
Celexa®	Citalopram
Clozaril®	Clozapine
Cymbalta®	Duloxetine
Desyrel®	Trazodone
Effexor®	Venlafaxine
Elavil®	Amitriptyline
Geodon®	Ziprasidone
Invega®	Paliperidone
Lexapro®	Escitalopram
Luvox®	Fluvoxamine
Nardil®	Phenelzine
Norpramin®	Desipramine
Pamate®	Tranylcypromine
Paxil®	Paroxetine
Pristiq®	Desevenlafaxine
Prozac®	Fluoxetine
Remeron®	Mirtazapine
Risperdal®	Risperidone
Seroquel®	Quetiapine
Serzone®	Nefazodone
Symbyax®	Fluoxetine/Olanzapine
Wellbutrin®	Bupropion
Zoloft®	Sertraline
Zyprexa®	Olanzapine
Herbal preparations (St. John’s Wort)
Diabetes	Diabinese®	Chlorpropamide	Abnormally low blood sugar levels, flushing reaction (nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure); symptoms of nausea and weakness may occur (metformin)
Glucotrol®	Glipizide
Glucophage®	Metformin
Glynase®, DiaBeta®, Micronase®	Glyburide
Orinase®	Tolbutamide
Tolinase®	Tolazamide
Enlarged prostate	Cardura®	Doxazosin	Dizziness, light headedness, fainting
Flomax®	Tamsulosin
Hytrin®	Terazosin
Minipress®	Prazosin
Heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach	Axid®	Nizatidine	Rapid heartbeat; increased alcohol effect; sudden changes in blood pressure (metoclopramide)
Reglan®	Metoclopramide
Tagamet®	Cimetidine
Zantac®	Ranitidine
High blood pressure	Accupril®	Quinapril	Dizziness, fainting, drowsiness; heart problems such as changes in the heart’s regular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Calan®	Verapamil
Capozide®	Hydrochlorothiazide
Cardura®	Doxazosin
Catapres®	Clonidine
Cozaar®	Losartan
Hytrin®	Terazosin
Lopressor® HCT	Hydrochlorothiazide
Lotensin®	Benzapril
Minipress®	Prazosin
Norvasc®	Amlodipine mesylate
Prinivil®, Zestril®	Lisinopril
Vaseretic®	Enalapril
High cholesterol	Advicor®	Lovastatin + Niacin	Liver damage (all medications); increased flushing and itching (niacin), increased stomach bleeding (pravastatin + aspirin)
Altocor®	Lovastatin
Crestor®	Rosuvastatin
Lipitor®	Atorvastatin
Mevacor®	Lovastatin
Niaspan®	Niacin
Pravachol®	Pravastatin
Pravigard™	Pravastatin + Aspirin
Vytorin™	Ezetimibe + Simvastatin
Zocor®	Simvastatin
Infections	Acrodantin®	Nitrofurantoin	Fast heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure; stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, or flushing or redness of the face; liver damage (isoniazid, ketoconazole)
Flagyl®	Metronidazole
Grisactin®	Griseofulvin
Nizoral®	Ketoconazole
Nydrazid®	Isoniazid
Seromycin®	Cycloserine
Tindamax®	Tinidazole
Zithromax®	Azithromycin
Mood stabilizers	Depakene®, Depakote®	Valproic acid	Drowsiness, dizziness; tremors; increased risk for side effects, such as restlessness, impaired motor control; loss of appetite; stomach upset; irregular bowel movement; joint or muscle pain; depression; liver damage (valproic acid)
Eskalith®, Eskalith®CR, Lithobid	Lithium
Muscle pain	Flexeril®	Cyclobenzaprine	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of seizures; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Soma®	Carisoprodol
Nausea, motion sickness	Antivert®	Meclizine	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose
Dramamine®	Dimenhydrinate
Phenergan®	Promethazine
Pain (such as muscle ache, minor arthritis pain), fever, inflammation	Advil®	Ibuprofen	Stomach upset, bleeding and ulcers; liver damage (acetaminophen); rapid heartbeat
Aleve®	Naproxen
Excedrin®	Aspirin, Acetaminophen
Motrin®	Ibuprofen
Tylenol®	Acetaminophen
Seizures	Dilantin®	Phenytoin	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of seizures (levetiracetam, phenytoin); unusual behavior and changes in mental health (such as thoughts of suicide) (topiramate)
Horizant®, Neurontin®	Gabapentin
Keppra®	Levetiracetam
Klonopin®	Clonazepam
	Phenobarbital
Lamictal®	Lamotrigine
Lyrica®	Pregabalin
Tegretol®	Carbamazepine
Topamax®	Topiramate
Trileptal®	Oxcarbazepine
	Barbiturates
Severe pain from injury, postsurgical care, oral surgery, migraines	Darvocet–N®	Propoxyphene	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Demerol®	Merepidine
Fiorinal® with codeine	Butalbital + codeine
Percocet®	Oxycodone
Vicodin®	Hydrocodone
Sleep problems	Ambien®	Zolpidem	Drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Lunesta™	Eszopiclone
Prosom™	Estazolam
Restoril®	Temazepam
Sominex®	Diphenhydramine
Unisom®	Doxylamine
Herbal preparations (chamomile, valerian, lavender)		Increased drowsiness

Can I drink alcohol after treatment?

The American Cancer Society recently updated its guidelines for preventing cancer. Among the recommendations: Don’t drink alcohol. While no alcohol is best for cancer prevention, women who choose to drink anyway should have no more than one drink a day, and men no more than two drinks a day.

We spoke with Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center, about the new alcohol guidelines and what they mean. What is your reaction to these updated alcohol guidelines? These updated guidelines bring the American Cancer Society’s recommendations more in line with what we know about alcohol and cancer risk.

They are also consistent with what’s recommended by other organizations, including MD Anderson and the American Institute for Cancer Research, We know that alcohol increases the risk for several cancers, including oral cancer, pharynx and larynx cancers, colorectal and esophageal cancers, as well as liver and breast cancers,

The ethanol in alcoholic drinks breaks down to acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. This compound damages DNA and stops our cells from repairing the damage. This can allow cancerous cells to grow. Alcohol can affect levels of hormones like estrogen. These hormones act as messengers that tell our cells to grow and divide. The more cells divide, the more chances there are for something to go wrong and for cancer to develop. Alcohol makes the body less able to break down and absorb several important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, and folate. These nutrients help protect the body against cancer. Alcohol provides empty calories. Consuming extra calories can lead to weight gain, which can increase a person’s cancer risk.

If alcohol is a carcinogen, why do you give serving recommendations? We recognize that most Americans are not going to abstain from drinking alcohol completely. So, if they are going to drink, at least we can offer some guidance on what moderate drinking looks like.

The important thing to remember is that every time you drink, you increase your cancer risk. As with cigarettes and processed meat, there is no safe amount of alcohol. What should patients in active cancer treatment know about alcohol and cancer? Alcohol can worsen the side effects of chemotherapy and drugs used during cancer treatment.

These side effects include nausea, dehydration and mouth sores, And, drinking alcohol increases the risk of additional cancer diagnoses. Cancer patients should talk to their doctor about the use of alcohol. How does drinking alcohol affect a person’s chances of cancer recurrence? Studies show that alcohol is a risk factor for certain cancers.

1. However, the link between alcohol and cancer recurrence is not known, especially for those who have completed cancer treatment.
2. However, it’s best to avoid drinking after a cancer diagnosis, since it increases cancer risk.
3. If someone quits drinking, how does past consumption of alcohol impact their cancer risk? Research has shown that when you stop drinking, the risk for alcohol-related cancers declines over time.

It may take many years to fully eliminate that risk; however, quitting is a very important step to improving your health and decreasing your cancer risk. What is the best thing to drink if I’m going to have alcohol? When it comes to managing your cancer risk, there is no alcoholic drink that is better than the other.

All of them — including beer, wine and liquor — have ethanol, which is linked to increased cancer risk. To limit alcohol’s impact on your waistline, choose something that is lower in calories. For example, stay away from cocktails that have sugary mixers. If you drink red wine in the hopes that you are protecting your heart health, I would look for other ways to do that.

Some studies suggest that there are compounds in red wine that offer cardiovascular benefits. But there are many ways to keep your heart healthy. The potential benefits of drinking wine do not outweigh the cancer risk. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.

Does alcohol increase viral load?

Impaired Decision Making – Drinking alcohol can make it hard to think clearly and affect someone’s ability to make smart and responsible decisions. For example, an HIV+ individual that has been drinking might not use a condom or tell their partner that they are infected with the virus.

1. In the United States, HIV is most commonly spread by having anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom.
2. Unprotected sex can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases, which can divert the immune system’s resources away from fighting HIV and increase the chances of getting sick.

Infections like herpes and gonorrhea tend to be more severe in people with HIV. In addition to engaging in unprotected sex, drinking too much can make it hard for individuals to take their medications correctly. Research has shown that people with HIV who drink alcohol are more likely to miss doses of their treatment than those who don’t.

In one study of alcohol use and HIV medication adherence, it was found that on days in which participants drank, they were 9 times more likely to miss a dose, and that each drink they had increased the odds of their missing a dose by 20%. If heavy alcohol use prevents people from taking their antiretroviral regimens effectively, there can be potential consequences for both their own health and that of their sex partners.

Current research indicates that HIV treatment doubles as HIV prevention by reducing viral load – less virus in the body means lower likelihood of passing it onto others through unprotected sex.

Does alcohol really weaken immune system?

Innate vs. adaptive immunity Alcohol and the microbiome How alcohol affects the innate immune system Effects of alcohol on adaptive immunity Alcohol consumption and infection References Further reading Although alcohol consumption is typically associated with liver damage, both moderate and chronic alcohol use can significantly impact the immune system, thereby limiting the ability of the body to protect itself from infection and disease adequately. Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Who should not take Paxlovid?

Who can take Paxlovid – Most adults aged 18 years and older can take Paxlovid. You may be eligible for Paxlovid if all these apply:

you’re aged 18 or overyou’re in the highest risk groupyou’ve had a positive lateral flow test (reported via GOV.UK or 119)you’ve had coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms within the last 5 days, or 7 days if advised by a healthcare professional

The highest risk group includes some people who have:

Down’s syndrome, or another chromosomal disorder that affects your immune systemcertain types of cancer or have received treatment for certain types of cancer sickle cell disease certain conditions affecting their blood chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4 or 5severe liver diseasehad an organ transplantcertain autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease ) HIV or AIDS and have a weakened immune systema condition affecting their immune systema rare condition affecting the brain or nerves ( multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease or myasthenia gravis )

A doctor or specialist will confirm if you are eligible for treatment.

How long do I quarantine after Paxlovid?

Patients should re-isolate for at least 5 days. Per CDC guidance, they can end their re-isolation period after 5 full days if fever has resolved for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. The patient should wear a mask for a total of 10 days after rebound symptoms started.

What happens if you drink alcohol with acyclovir?

Official answer – by Drugs.com Alcohol will not interfere with the way the antiviral drugs works. Acyclovir will still be effective. However, the general advice is if you are suffering from any type of infection is that you are best to avoid alcohol so that you can give your body the best chance to fight off the infection and to reduce the risk of side effects, such as dizziness, especially in older adults.

Do you become immune to antivirals?

Who is at risk for developing antiviral resistance? – People who take antivirals for long periods to treat chronic viral infections like HIV, genital herpes and hepatitis B or hepatitis C are more at risk for antiviral resistance. People who have compromised immune systems due to autoimmune disease, organ transplants or cancer treatments like chemotherapy are also at greater risk for antiviral resistance.

What should I avoid while taking acyclovir?

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Acyclovir (Zovirax)? Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture while you have a buccal tablet in your mouth.

Why do you have to drink water with antivirals?

Proper Use – Valacyclovir works best if it is used within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or genital herpes (e.g., pain, burning, or blisters) begin to appear. For recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes, valacyclovir works best if it is used within 24 hours after the symptoms begin to appear.

1. If you are taking valacyclovir for the treatment of chickenpox, it is best to start taking valacyclovir as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash appears, usually within one day.
2. Valacyclovir may be taken with meals or on an empty stomach.
3. If you are using the oral suspension, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately.

The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems. To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.