Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 20
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: EBV or mono
Date: 8/22/2007
I was just diagnosed with EBV or mono. The physician has prescribed Valtrex. I do not have the signs of Herpes. I am wondering why Valtrex. I have not started it yet, as the diagnosis was yesterday and I have not been able to fill the prescription. I am a 50+ woman and am a bit confused. He said that it is used for this type of problem too. Do you feel this is correct?
J
AskDocWeb: Muscle painValtrex has been prescribed for EBV before. The prophylactic administration of Valtrex reduces EBV reactivation in some patients.
Subj:
Date: 9/3/2007
I have been taking Valtrex for a year. I am experiencing severe muscle pain in my legs, hips, shoulders and arms. Nights are almost unbearable for me. Could this be a side effect of the medication? I have Fibromyalgia so it is difficult to determine where the pain might be coming from. I even researched MS thinking that something serious is wrong for me to have so much continual pain.
Sue
AskDocWeb: Abdominal pain, headache, and joint pain have been reported with Valtrex. You might want to ask your doctor if having EMG test done would be helpful in determining the cause.
Subj: Help with rashes?
Date: 9/3/2007
I was given Valtrex for Shingles. It worked great, but I noticed that an on going Shawl rash that I had had for years, was beginning to go away. My doctor thinks I am crazy for wanting to take Valtrex to see if it will help this rash. It burns, is red, and itches, on my neck, back of neck and shoulders and on both arms. Have you had anyone that has noticed this product as helping with rashes?
Jan
AskDocWeb: The whole subject of rashes can be difficult to sort out when Valtrex is involved. One the one hand one of the side effects of taking Valtrex is a rash (about 8% of users). On the other hand, Valtrex is used to treat a painful rash known as shingles. Add to that the possibility of an allergic reaction causing a rash and you can understand how this might get complicated. Please see a specialist, a dermatologist about your rash. And let us know how you come out on this, it could help others with the same affliction.
Subj: Epstein Barr
Date: 9/5/2007
I have read that you can use Valtrex up to 4 gm day for Epstein Barr. But, the EBV is causing my NK cell and Glutithion levels to be low and my immune system is compromised. Can I take Valtrex up to 4 gram day to kill the EBV?
Andrea
AskDocWeb: This is something you need to consult with your physician about.
Subj: What side effects?
Date: 9/10/2007
I was just diagnosed with herpes that I contracted from my current boyfriend. He had no symptoms, and we have always used condoms, but we never used protection during oral sex. I’ve begun my Valtrex treatment and it seems to be clearing the one blister that I had. I just wanted to know some of the side effects of Valtrex…is there weight gain?
Stephanie
AskDocWeb: Weight gain is not a listed side effect. The most prevalent side effects are;
- Nausea: 15%
- Headache: 14%
- Vomiting: 8%
- Dizziness: 3%
- Abdominal pain: 3%
Subj: Outbreak free
Date: 9/12/2007
Valtrex was prescribed to me a year ago in a 1 gram daily dosage. Prior to that, I was having monthly outbreaks. It took doctors nearly a year to determine it was Herpes. I’ve not noticed any side effects of the drug and am proud to report that I’ve been outbreak free since I began the blue pills. My doctor is reducing me to 500 mg per day to reduce any potential damage to my liver. Also, my husband hasn’t had any outbreaks. I understand that Valtrex doesn’t prevent the virus from being spread but is there any chance that could be the case?
Denise
AskDocWeb: Only in a limited way, it can still spread but reducing outbreaks does help.
Subj: Rash on my ass
Date: 9/17/2007
Hi I have been taking valtrex for over a year now, for a rash on my ass. At first I didn’t know what it was and was quite annoyed that it kept coming back as often as every 2 weeks! Finally it was diagnosed as herpes. I was terribly upset and thought that it was the end of my sex life! I have been in a long term relationship for over 10 years now, but suffered from this long before that, I didn’t know what it was. My hair is thinning now and it is devastating! My rash is gone though!
Pat
Subj: I’m pissed
Date: 9/17/2007
I used valtrex and it made it worse. I’m breaking out in places I never did before, and now it’s continuous, even while taking Valtrex. I see that other people here indicated the same result. How come this isn’t listed as a side effect. But, I guess they couldn’t sell the drug if this was listed as a side effect. As I recall, I had the similar results with acyclovir years ago. I had much better results with 3 or 4 grams/day of Vitamin C. Even the Chinese Med doctors herbs had a better result. I’m pissed.
Joe
Subj: Valtrex side affect?
Date: 9/18/2007
I have had ulcers on the end tip of my tongue from taking valtrex. They are not to bad just slight pain when eating critic’s fruit. (Not as painful as a usual ulcer). It is defiantly valtrex as when I stop it they go away but as soon as I start they return. Could valtrex be affecting the fast growing tissue in my body like inner mouth and hair loss? The same a cancer medication does affect these tissue. Thanks,
Anna
AskDocWeb: We doubt that valtrex has anything to do with the ulcers on your tongue. We suggest you visit your doctor when the next outbreak occurs and find the real cause.
Subj: Gain some weight
Date: 9/20/2007
I have been taking Valtrex now for about 8 months I am 35 years old with two kids. I have gain some weight and can’t seem to lose it, but my breasts keep growing. I am now two cup sizes bigger they seem to just keep growing, could this have something to with taking Valtrex?
Tania
AskDocWeb: It’s never been reported. Maybe it’s time for a physical.
Subj: No side effects
Date: 9/22/2007
I have been taking Valtrex 500mg daily for over 2 years with almost no outbreaks (prior to that I had them about 4-5 times a year). My partner who is herpes naive also has not been infected during this time. I do not seem to have any side effects. Are there studies looking at the safety of long-term therapy? Thanks,
Eliza
AskDocWeb: To our knowledge there are no long-term studies about the use of Valtrex. Sometimes adverse reactions or other problems can only be discovered after a product is used by a large number of people. The FDA has a reporting process that is supposed to address those situations. When problems occur, the FDA wants to know about them and has several ways for the public to make reports. Timely reporting by consumers, health professionals, and FDA-regulated companies allows the agency to take prompt action. Click here for more.
Subj: Exposure to the virus
Date: 9/23/2007
Hello, My GYN doctor has recently informed me that I may have had some exposure to the Herpes virus although certain cells may be fighting them off and this may be why I have never been diagnosed/detected w/ the virus before. I am an individual that is still in denial as I have always been so careful of all things in my past. As an adult I am well aware; we may not be fully aware of our partners sexual past history. My doctor states that I may never ever experience an outbreak however suggested that I take Valtrex anyway.
My question; is there a such thing as having exposure to the virus and not the actual virus or is my doctor trying to be compassionate? I’ve never had any sensations and/ or SYMPTOMS of what is described on any websites I have researched; is it wise to take this pill? My doctor suggested that I can either wait for an outbreak or start usage of the meds now. What is this “21-DAY” rule/showings that all people talk about re Herpes? Are there any counseling sites and/ or systems that are out there to help me deal w/ such issues? Will this exposure/ diagnosis harm my unborn child? How long can someone live w/the virus/exposure and not know they have it/ or it undetected although one has had routine doctor visit and outside testing?
PAM
AskDocWeb: Just because a person has been exposed to the virus does not mean that they contracted it. Your doctor can test to tell if you have it or not although you may have to ask: “Do I have herpes, yes or no?” It is also possible to have the virus for years and have no symptoms. There is a good support forum at http://www.herpesnetwork.com.
Subj: Valtrex caused severe hair loss
Date: 9/24/2007
I had been on it for three cycles due to oral herpes. It helped decrease the number and severity of lesions, but it also caused dizziness. One episode resulted in fainting. I had noticed being able to see my scalp for the first time and checked Valtrex sites and noticed that many people had observed the same side effect. After the third cycle, the Valtrex stopped working so I discontinued it. Shortly thereafter I noticed new hair and I began looking at my scalp and found three different lengths of new growth concurrent with stopping the medication. One great thing–the new hair is much thicker and darker than the old hair.
Margaret
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