Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 23
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: Valtrex while Pregnant?
Date: 11/28/2007
I am 7 weeks pregnant and I have had an outbreak. I usually use Valtrex and my Dr. said it was ok to use it while pregnant. But if I don’t use the Valtrex and just let the lesion go away on it’s own is that safe for the fetus or should I just take the Valtrex?
Jamie
AskDocWeb: The use of Valtrex during pregnancy needs to be evaluated by your doctor to find out if the benefits justify any potential risks.
Subj: Reducing dosage
Date: 11/29/2007
I take valtrex once a day and have been for over three years now. I have not had any breakouts since being on this medication. My question is can I stop taking them every day and go to every other day? The info would help me without making a Dr appt. Thanks.
Jake
AskDocWeb: Sorry, only your doctor can make that kind of decision.
Subj: Is it herpes?
Date: 12/4/2007
Hello, I have diabetes Type I. I am taking a currently medications are Humalog insulin, Lantus insulin. Unfortunately, I’ve been recently diagnosed with genital herpes since Jan 2007, I think. So I went to my doctor and tested for STDs and the result was that I got genital herpes on May 2007. I have been taking Valtrex since Aug 2007. I only got two outbreaks on May 2007 to Aug 2007 after all I didn’t get any outbreaks ever since Aug 2007. Is that possible something else not a herpes virus?
Angel
AskDocWeb: No, if the STD test said it was herpes then it is herpes.
Subj: Any problem?
Date: 12/4/2007
I am taking valtrex for herpes outbreak and my menstrual period is delayed for 15 days. I could be the result of using Valtrex? I am also taking coumedin and prednisone for takayasus arteritis, is there any problem in using valtrex and these medicines?
Laura
AskDocWeb: We found no interactions for using Valtrex with those medications.
Subj: I don’t have to hide
Date: 12/8/2007
Hello there, I use Valtrex when I get cold sores/fever blisters, I take two pills a day for 5 days starting when I first notice the tingle…Thank God for this stuff, if I take it soon enough the cold sore doesn’t even pop up ..the tingle just goes away…My childhood was miserable due to cold sores, the kids laugh and make nasty jokes all the while, it was no choice of my own and merely passed on from my mom to me and from her mom to her. Luckily I am 23yr old now and have managed to not spread the virus to “other” parts of my body…Thank goodness I’m cautious. But anyway, I don’t have to hide for three weeks anymore waiting for a cold sore to go away…I just call the pharmacy and fill my script when I feel that tingle and if I get it in me quick enough the thing never shows up… Thanks Valtrex.
Michelle
Subj: FYI
Date: 12/9/2007
I too have noticed an increased sensitivity to alcohol when taking Valtrex. Before I started Valtrex suppression, I took another medication for suppression, and it did not affect my ability to consume alcohol. However, IF I drink at all (which is rarely worth it) I have to limit myself to one drink.
Annette
Subj: Trying to conceive
Date: 12/11/2007
I have a question about valtrex. My husband are trying to conceive a baby, can valtrex damage or alter the chromosomes in sperm?
Bettyann
AskDocWeb: No.
Subj: Liver damage?
Date: 12/11/2007
I started using Valtrex today. Is this going to damage my liver? If it is what kind of food should I be eating to strengthen/help my liver?
G
AskDocWeb: This is probably not a problem for most people. There is a possibility of developing liver enzyme abnormalities but not actual damage unless you take high doses over time. We found antidotal reports that over time, taking 2 grams or more per day might cause liver damage. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or visit your local emergency room or clinic.
Subj: Alternative to Acyclovir?
Date: 12/11/2007
I have been taking Acyclovir for two weeks now for shingles. 800 mg 5 times a day. It seems to make me feel sick at the end of the day. Tired, No energy, and nausea. When I take a nap I feel worse. Some days are better than others. What are some alternative to Acyclovir?
Matt
AskDocWeb: The alternatives to acyclovir include valacyclovir and famciclovir.
Subj: Burning feeling in eye
Date: 12/13/2007
I have just started taking Valtrex for Shingles and I notice that when I wake up at 6 in the morning, I get this burning feeling in my eye. It’s like when you’re cutting an onion kind of feeling. Is this normal? Thanks,
Paulie
AskDocWeb: No, it is not normal. Better have it checked out by your physician.
Subj: Dry throat
Date: 12/13/2007
I started taking this medication and started feeling a dry throat. Is this one of the side effects? Also if I stop taking this medicine will my outbreaks occur more frequently? I’ve been reading a couple of other comments from people on the pill that said they actually break out more after the pill. Is this a way to make people dependent on the medicine so that the company can make money?
G
AskDocWeb: A dry throat is not a common side effect but it does happen. And yes it is possible that you could have more outbreaks if you discontinued. As for the honesty of the drug company, what do you think?
Subj: Valtrex dose
Date: 12/14/2007
Have been taking Vlatrex for HSV 1 in various places for 9 months. At first no problems and it ‘contained’ the virus well. Over last two months have been aware of spinal soreness and stiffness, base of spine, mid spine and top of neck. Acute pins and needles over body, areas feel numb/cold, and episodes of what feels likes chills. Having a brain scan and MRI but suspect these could be side effects now from Valtrex. I take 500mg twice a day due to HSV1 viral meningitis that seems to recur. As Ayclovir/Valtrex is all that is available yet may be causing these side effects, feel caught between rock and hard place! If Valtrex dose is reduced can that reduce the side effects?
Angela
AskDocWeb: Reducing the dosage may reduce the side effects but not always. That’s something you will need to discuss with your doctor.
Subj: Side effects
Date: 12/14/2007
I just stared taking Valtrex for suppression purposes about 2 weeks ago. I am healthy otherwise. I started waking up in the middle of the night with a bad stomach ache. Feels like gas, some nausea. It goes away after a few hours lasting until the late morning sometimes, but is very distressing. Could this be a side effect of the Valtrex. I take 500 mg with a glass of water before bedtime. Do the side effects go away after a while? Thank you.
Mary
AskDocWeb: The side effects may or may not go away over time. You may want to ask your doctor about medicine for the nausea.
Subj: Valtrex dosage
Date: 12/15/2007
I have a prescription for Valtrex. It says take two pills twice a day for two days. Is that correct? Thanks,
Lorreen
AskDocWeb: Typically the length of treatment depends on what you are treating. It could be 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 10 days or for suppression therapy, every day. The dosage for Valtrex varies from one person to the next depending on the condition of the patient.
Subj: Suppressive valtrex
Date: 12/15/2007
Can you still have a genital herpes outbreak while on suppressive valtrex?
Anna
AskDocWeb: Yes you can but suppressive therapy should result in fewer, less severe outbreaks.
Subj: Valtrex and alcohol
Date: 12/20/2007
If I drink alcohol directly after taking Valtrex will they react, chemically, making the Valtrex less effective?
Steve
AskDocWeb: We have seen nothing that would indicate such a problem.
Subj: I don’t believe him
Date: 12/23/2007
Okay well, my doctor says I have type A herpes and I don’t believe him, so AskDocWeb, I am going to ask your opinion. I have been getting this rash on my face since 1995, I don’t remember much of the past rash just that it stayed for one whole year. It finally did go away with a white cream medication, the rash has now came back right beside the last one (I know it was right beside because the last one scarred. From what this sounds like, is it herpes type A?
Mira
AskDocWeb: Type A and type B viruses typically refer to influenza or flu viruses. All the herpes strains are classified numerically such as HSV 1 and HSV 2. Typically it takes about 10 days from start to finish for an outbreak to clear up. Since you have had this rash for so long we suggest you consult with a dermatologist.
Subj: Sex drive?
Date: 12/24/2007
I have a question? Can valtrex decrease your sex drive? I use to want sex twice a day maybe three times (all with my husband) and then I got diagnosed with herpes… *that brings another question*… but then I started taking valtrex, and now I hardly ever want sex… second question… I was a virgin when I met my husband, I never cheated on him, and he doesn’t have herpes… HOW DID I GET IT?!?!?! Is there any other way than sex to get it???
Heather
AskDocWeb: Valtrex has no affect on your sex drive. Typically herpes is contracted by sexual activity, but it is a virus. Any transfer of body fluids that occurs when the virus is present could lead to infection. Someone you came into contact with had the disease. Read more feedback about Valtrex. Valtrex report – 20 – 21 – 22 – Page 23 – 24 – 25 – 26 – Last Page 58
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