Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 16
About Valtrex
If you use Valtrex, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.
Subj: Doing great
Date: 3/10/2007
After two years suffering with shingles my doctor put me on valtrex and I’m doing great. Thanks for Valtrex.
Cathy
Subj: Valtrex and period?
Date: 3/12/2007
Are you sure it does not affect the pill?? It seems every time I begin taking valtrex for an outbreak I begin my period? Could it be a more serious side affect?
Brit
AskDocWeb: Valtrex does not affect the effectiveness of birth control pills but it can affect your period. You should probably discuss this with your doctor.
Subj: Developed sensitivity to Valtrex
Date: 3/17/2007
I’ve used Valtrex for years to suppress herpes on my left hand. Recently, I had an outbreak of occular Herpes. I wound up taking 3G a day for about two weeks. Gradually, over this period of time I developed sensitivity to the drug which seems permanent – specifically, joint pain, tachycardia, and dizziness. I am now experiencing another outbreak on my hand. Took half of one 400mg pill and the joint pain returned, so discontinued use. But – would be VERY curious to know if the side effects, which over time disappeared, are worth the risk. Or, will they only get worse with repeated use? Obviously, with the strong likelihood that occular herpes will recur, need some guidance on this. Thanks,
-Larry
AskDocWeb: They could get worse, and tachycardia isn’t something to mess around with.
Subj: Muscle aches
Date: 3/18/2007
I have been using valtrex 6 months to suppress the herpes and Epstien Barr virus…can it cause muscle aches and muscle contractions? Just feel aches all over my joints, knees, wrist, elbow. Take 500 mg twice a day. It does help my tongue clear up…thanks,
Bob
AskDocWeb: About 5% of users have joint pain (arthralgia).
Subj: Sun poisoning
Date: 3/18/2007
Effects of sun? I have taken Valtrex when I have outbreaks probably once a year, usually in the fall. However, I had an outbreak and laid out in the sun one day while taking valtrex. I had what looks almost like sun poisoning all over my chest and stomach…like little red dots…I have no signs of sunburn and felt fine after laying out. Has anyone had this same effect in the sun while taking valtrex?
Lauren
AskDocWeb: Yes, rashes including photosensitivity have been reported.
Subj: Late on my period
Date: 3/18/2007
I take Valtrex for herpies and breakouts but I haven’t taken them twice a day like I’m suppose to now for about a month and I’m late on my period for some reason…can that effect with my period?
Renee
AskDocWeb: Yes, we’ve heard of mensis changing for some women, but it isn’t due to you not taking the Valtrex as directed by your physician.
Subj: False positive
Date: 3/19/2007
Can valtrex cause a false positive for benzodiazepines?
Renee
AskDocWeb: Valtrex has not been reported to cause any false positives.
Subj: Allergic to Valtrex/Acyclovir
Date: 3/22/2007
Hello. I have recurrent herpes, and have developed a severe allergic reaction to valtrex / acyclovir. My dermatologist suggests that I will almost certainly be allergic to famivir. Is this so – and, are their other alternatives to acyclovir? Thanks.
-Larry
AskDocWeb: Wow, if you’re allergic to Valtrex you probably will be allergic to Famvir. That puts you in a difficult position because these are the main treatments for herpes.
Subj: Lower back pain
Date: 3/24/2007
I started taking valtrex (1 gm) 3 times a day for shingles, caught it early. Since have had lower back pain, getting worse but took last pill and hurt. Could valtrex cause this??
Steph
AskDocWeb: Back pain isn’t listed as a specific symptom but five to six percent of Valtrex users do report having pain in their joints.
Subj: Valtrex for suppression
Date: 3/27/2007
I have had shingles every month for 5 months. I was put on Valtrex for suppression. I take 500 mg once daily. I just began this suppression therapy 5 days ago. I will go back to the Dr in 6 weeks for blood work. I have begun to itch everywhere including the bottom of my feet. I have no rash just itching. Could the Valtrex cause this?
Linda
AskDocWeb: Yes, you could be having an allergic reaction. Please inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Subj: Valtrex rashes
Date: 3/29/2007
I was taking valtrex 1 gram 3 times a day for a week, two to three days latter I had rashes on my arm, and my lips would swell. Would that be one of the side effects even though I’m not on the meds when this happened??
Denney
AskDocWeb: Yes, you can still have a side affect from a med two weeks after you discontinue use of it. Be sure to tell your physician what has happened to you.
Subj: Trying to get pregnant
Date: 3/29/2007
I was prescribed (4 grams/day for 5 days) of Valtrex during my recovery from a laser treatment of my skin. The doc said it was to avoid the possibility of cold sores. I was trying to get pregnant and am now wondering how long I should wait for the Valtrex to leave my system.
Sandy
AskDocWeb: Most of it should be out of your system within 24 hours.
Subj: Having more out breaks than before
Date: 4/3/2007
I have noticed that I get herpes when I am stressed and or have eaten too much candy or over do it working out or am physically exhausted. I have had bouts of herpes back to back in the past couple of months. I realized that I was stressed, anxious and eating candy mindlessly. I have used Valtex as soon as I felt the tingling.. it went away only to return in the next couple of weeks.. I am going to not use Valtrex the next time and will let it run its course naturally. I am beginning to think the Valtrex may help in the short term. It may create the opening for the herpes to more quickly return. I also noticed after taking the first dose of Valtrex that I got a shooting pain in the area of the sore. Something feels off about this to me. I am very body aware. I will be changing my diet to eat foods high in Lysine and do take Lysine and will do more things to alleviate my stress when I am able. I don’t like to take prescriptions or any drugs unless absolutely necessary as I think that they can your body chemistry. Drug companies want us all to be dependent on them. And I don’t like what I am sensing about this Valtrex and why is it so expensive. Herpes is becoming more in the public, so the drug company is making a killing. I am getting off of it and using my intuition, food, and natural remedies. Also, since taking Valtrex for a cold sore bout, I have had more out breaks than ever before. ???
A D
AskDocWeb: We are beginning to wonder about this as several people have noted having more out breaks than before taking Valtrex but there is no word from the manufacturer about it.
Please note that there are some health concerns with using lysine.
Subj: Valtrex and kidneys
Date: 4/4/2007
I started daily Valtrex (1g) for prevention about 6 months ago. When I started my kidneys were fine, now I have been diagnosed with CKD. What are your thoughts on Valtrex destroying perfectly good kidneys?
Mike
AskDocWeb: We have not heard of that happening. It is possible that the CKD would have developed even without the Valtrex.
Subj: Herpes rash
Date: 4/7/2007
Can taking Armour Thyroid for hypothyroid disease bring dormant herpes simplex 2 to life. It’s been dormant for 35 years. If you have a rash (possibly from gluten sensitivity) on tops of hands or inside elbows, back of neck etc…could it spread to the vagina and be mistaken for herpes.
Vicki
AskDocWeb: This type of rash needs to looked at to determine that. I do not think the rash could spread to your vaginal area but the herpes could.
Subj: Late period because of Valtrex
Date: 4/9/2007
I took Valtrex last month for the shingles and my period is almost a week late. I know it had to be from the medication…I am never late, usually early.
Donna
Subj: Very effective!
Date: 4/9/2007
I started on Valtrex for genital herpes in 2003, to be used at the onset of an attack. I’ve had herpes for 20 years and normally suffer an attack every 8 weeks. I found that when I hit it early with the recommended 2000 mg. dose, and then another 2000 mg. dose 12 hours later, it pretty much zapped the herpes. Very effective! Still, my insurance company would only pay for 4 pills at a time, with a big co-pay, and often I was caught without any when I felt an attack coming on. So, two months ago I went on a suppressive regimen of 1000 mg. per day. All went fine for the first two weeks, then I got two itchy red patches (quarter sized) on my back. These were followed by dozens of itchy little red dots on my back, which I initially attributed to fleas, since I recently got a cat and got probable flea bites on my upper arms around the same time. I had the red patches looked at and the doctor suspected a possible fungal infection and gave me a prescription for oxistat. I put it on and soon there were lots more itchy red dots all over my back. I was miserable. Could this be a reaction to the Valtrex? The oxistat? More insect bites? I went to the night clinic and the doc there said “Pitiosis”, a viral infection, not serious, and gave me a prescription for Hydroxizine, an antihistamine, and took me off the oxistat. It helps, but the itchy little red dots are scabbing over, itchier than ever, and seem to be spreading. After reading other reader comments, I think it may be the Valtrex. What do you think?
Danno
AskDocWeb: A rash like that which scabbed over probably was not caused by the Valtrex. An allergic reaction rash doesn’t do that, it becomes red and raised then goes away. Read more feedback about Valtrex. Valtrex report – 13 – 14 – 15 – Page 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – Last Page 64
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