Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 24
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: Neutrophil count
Date: 12/27/2007
I took valtrex for 6-7 months and at my doctors visit my neutrophil count was slightly lower than normal. Can valtrex cause something like this to happen?
Amy
AskDocWeb: It is very rare (estimated from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 1,000,000) but yes, Valtrex can cause abnormal decreases in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia/neutropenia). Neutrophil are grain like white blood cells that destroy bacteria, cell debris, and solid particles in the blood.
Subj: Severe hives
Date: 12/28/2007
I have been taking valtrex as prescribed and have broken out into severe hives. I am sensitive to many things and have severe allergies. I guess this is just one more. Is there anything else that can be taken in place of this?
Matty
AskDocWeb: The range is pretty limited. You will have to consult with your doctor.
Subj: Hair loss
Date: 12/30/2007
I was just prescribed Valtrex for cold sore outbreaks on my nose that just appeared for the first time last year after surgery for nasal allergies. I am concerned about the hair loss (I have very fine hair already) and also over the fact that this same medicine is prescribed for chickenpox. I’m nearly 40 and have never had chickenpox, or a vaccination. Could taking Valtrex for suppression lead to the possibility of a chickenpox that’s medication resistant (i.e., a much more severe case)?
Ann
AskDocWeb: Although the chance of that happening is incredibly small, it is still real. It is like bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. It does happen in very rare cases but it is typically not a concern for patients.
Subj: Long term effects of Valtrex
Date: 12/30/2007
What are the long term effects of Valtrex?
Scott
AskDocWeb: There doesn’t seem to be any long-term studies on Valtrex. Readers that have used Valtrex for more than a year are encouraged to share your experience with this drug.
Subj: Serious outbreak
Date: 1/2/2008
I was prescribed 1GM 2X per day for a serious outbreak of genital herpes. I was not told how long to take these and was wondering if I could stop. I have taken them for 9 days. I still have enough for 2.5 more days. I don’t like the way they make me feel.
Tracy
Subj: Build up a resistance
Date: 1/2/2008
I take four, 500 milligram Valtrex per year (on average) to kill outbreaks of herpes simplex. Can I build up resistance to the drug at the level I am taking it?
John
AskDocWeb: People who take any medication can build up a resistance after a period of time, but typically that is when they have been taking it on a daily basis, unlike what you do. You shouldn’t have any problem with that.
Subj: Propecia with Valtrex?
Date: 1/9/2008
Is Propecia safe to use with Valtrex for thinning hair?
Brian
AskDocWeb: There are no drug interactions between the two.
Subj: Spazmatic cough
Date: 1/10/2008
Hi, I was proscribed Valtrex 500 mg per day for cold sores and now I had a sore throat and I have sometimes what I call “spazmatic cough” – I can start coughing like something is in my throat for maybe 10 min and then it will go away and then in about 12-15 hours that will start again… Do I need to stop taking Valtrex? Cause it did start a couple of days after I started taking the medication? Thanks,
Elsa
AskDocWeb: Since there is a chance that there may be something else going on that you are not aware of, please consult with your physician.
Subj: Acne treatment
Date: 1/10/2008
I am 20 years old and I am using the retin a product for acne treatment. However, it is not eliminating the acne on my face. Does it take time to work or should I switch to a stronger medication?
Jordan
AskDocWeb: It does take time to work, several weeks so give it time.
Subj: Urinate constantly
Date: 1/15/2008
I have been taking valtrex for over 2 days.. and I urinate constantly… Is it one of the sideffects?
Shane
AskDocWeb: It is not listed as a side effect but should be reported to your doctor. He may want to do a kidney function test and a complete urine test.
Subj: Does valtrex affect baby?
Date: 1/16/2008
Hi, my wife is 7 1/2 months pregnant, she just found out the she has genital herpes and her doctor recommended valtrex, does de valtrex affect the baby? What are the risks for the baby. Thank you very much.
Carlos
AskDocWeb: Valtrex is in the FDA pregnancy category B which means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.
Subj: Valtrex causes hair loss
Date: 1/17/2008
Valtrex definitely causes hairloss and should be listed as a common side effect. I noticed a good amount of constant shedding after even with the seven day treatment. It is worse with the daily suppressive therapy. We need a cure for the terrible virus!
NH
Subj: Valtrex for suppression
Date: 1/19/2008
I’ve been taking Valtrex for suppression for one month. I am 64 years old and have had herpes since I was in my 20’s. My husband of 30 years never contracted the virus from me. I am now a widow and was told that a partner could contract the virus even if I didn’t have an outbreak. So I stated suppressive therapy to protect my current partner. I have cystitis and yeast infection symptoms–frequent urination, vulvar itching. I have a severe low back ache and feel tired and achy. I do not have a fever. I’m wondering if Valtrex is causing these symptoms. I would like to stop taking it but do not want to risk passing the virus onto my partner. I used to take it only when I had an outbreak, which was about 2 times per year. Any advice?
V.M.
AskDocWeb: It sounds like there may be something else going on. We suggest you see your gyn for some answers.
Subj: Stomach pains and diarrhea
Date: 1/21/2008
I have been on the 500mg suppressive therapy for three years. I have suddenly started having mild stomach pains after taking the pill for several hours and foul smelling mild diarrhea. The pain comes and goes days at a time as does the diarrhea. This has been going on for several months. I am an otherwise healthy male got any ideas?
Mike
AskDocWeb: About 9% of people on the 500mg suppression therapy experience abdominal pain and although the exact percentage is unknown, some people do experience diarrhea. Please consult with your physician because there may be something going on that needs attention.
Subj: Effectiveness over time?
Date: 1/22/2008
I take 1000mg daily for suppression of Herpes Simplex 1, which tends to lead to erythema multiforme. At first I was amazed with the results-no outbreaks for 2 months. After that I have continued with monthly or more outbreaks. Does Valtrex have decreased effectiveness over duration of time?
Anne
AskDocWeb: There is no indication that Valtrex loses any effectiveness over time. It may be that your dosage might need to be adjusted for your condition. Please consult with your doctor.
Subj: Yeast Imbalance
Date: 1/23/2008
I would like to comment that I also have found I am much more susceptible to yeast infections when I take Valtrex. I was taking Valtrex daily but was getting yeast infections very often and I had never had any in my life (40+ years) prior to taking it. I stopped taking Valtrex daily and the yeast infections stopped. I now only take I when I have a major outbreak. About 50% of the time when taking it for a major outbreak I end up with a yeast infection. So I think there is some correlation.
Janet
Subj: Questions about Valtrex
Date: 1/25/2008
I have been taking valtrex for a week (I have to take 10- one a day) my doctor prescribed to me. If I end up not having herpes, can I now be immune to them since I took this drug? Also, if I do have herpes and I have had unprotected sex with the same person for a year what is the percentage they may have it? And can herpes commonly be mistaken for a different STD?
Nervous
AskDocWeb: Sorry Nervous, Valtrex is a treatment for herpes but it does not make you immune. If you do have herpes you will need to learn how to take care of yourself and protect those around you. It would be irresponsible and in some cases it may be criminal to have unprotected sex if you have herpes. Sexually transmitted diseases can now be easily identified by the use of a simple lab test.
Subj: Inner ear dizzy
Date: 1/27/2008
I have had a extreme dizziness for 10 years. I have been treated with ativan. They call it microaescular comprission. My sister got real dizzy for 2 weeks she could not stand, went back to Dr. He said was virus and gave her valtrex and after 5 days the dizzy was gone. Had you heard anyone using valtrex for the inner ear?
Kim
AskDocWeb: Yes, if the dizziness were caused by a viral inner ear infection then Valtrex may help.
Subj: Valtrex and Famvir
Date: 1/29/2008
Hi, How can Valtrex have a side effect of hair loss and Famvir have no side effect of hair loss, when they are nearly the same class of drug and are very similar? Thanks,
D
AskDocWeb: Any two drugs that are similar are going to have some different side effects and hair loss is one of the differences of these two drugs. Just because they are similar does not mean that they are exactly the same.
Subj: Severe blisters
Date: 2/6/2008
Hi, I recently broke out with severe blisters, and several symptoms associated with Genital Herpes. I went to see my doctor immediately, and he conducted a culture as well as a blood work up. Everything came back negative, however, I know in my heart its herpes. Is there a chance that the culture and blood test, although conducted after a breakout, could come out negative and then positive later? Very concerned and confused,
Sara
AskDocWeb: The chance of that happening is very remote, especially after blisters have formed. Did you ask your doctor to find out what caused the blisters?
Subj: Additional pills?
Date: 2/9/2008
I was diagnosed with genital herpes 2 months ago. My first outbreak lasted a full month and since then I seem to start to get an itch & tingle (the warning signs that an outbreak is coming on) the week before my period. I’ve been using episodic therapy (500 mg Valtrex twice daily) that has worked well and seems to stave off an outbreak if I catch it early enough. My doctor prescribed me suppressive therapy (1 gram daily) but I haven’t wanted to take it. I’m now feeling like another outbreak may be coming on but I don’t have any of the 500 mg tablets. Can I take the 1 gram tablets once a day for episodic therapy? Will it be effective? Also, if I do keep taking the suppressive therapy and still have an outbreak, should I take additional pills during an outbreak?
Sarah
AskDocWeb: Only your doctor can advise you on how much is appropriate for your situation. This website is for sharing information about side effects. Read more feedback about Valtrex. Valtrex report – 21 – 22 – 23 – Page 24 – 25 – 26 – 27 – Last Page 58
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