Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 4
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: Topical cream Denavir
Date: 3/25/2005
I was recently prescribed valtrex for my cold sores. After I take the initial dosage of valtrex can I use the topical cream denavir? Will using both be dangerous? Thanks,
Em
AskDocWeb: The topical will not work as well as Valtrex but yes, Denavir is used for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in adults. Because it is a prescription drug, you should talk to your doctor about the proper usage for your situation. Many people find it easier to take a pill than applying a cream every 2 hours.
Subj: Long term effects of Valtrex
Date: 3/27/2005
Been on Valtrex for 7 months now (without outbreak) but wondering about long term side effects of the medication and if I should go off to let my body recover?
Lance
AskDocWeb: Since we haven’t found much about the long-term effects of Valtrex, we are asking for reader input here.
Subj: Long-term use of Valtrex
Date: 3/28/2005
I am in use of Valtrex 500 QD for just over 2 years, with impressive results and no side effects (the only change in my lab work is a rising hematocrit, from a baseline of 43 to 49%). I wonder for how long can I safely continue to take the drug, based on hard data. Tks.
Freddy
AskDocWeb: Unfortunetly there are more questions than answers but know that we are looking.
Subj: Hemorrhoid bleeding
Date: 3/28/2005
I just started taking valtrex for shingles on my back only two doses. I went to the bathroom and it seems like I have Hemorrhoidal bleeding. Could the valtrex do that? Please write back thanks
Mark
AskDocWeb: We have read nothing to suggest that Valtrex causes Hemorrhoids to bleed. Sounds like it’s time to see your doctor.
Subj: Correction
Date: 3/28/2005
Regarding your comment… “The herpes virus can pass between partners during foreplay or oral sex. Although the virus won’t grow on fingers or toys, it can be carried between partners by these (use your imagination).”
I have to tell you that I have herpes infections on both of my hands and my feet, yet none in my genital area. I do not know how I got this infection, but it definitely can go on your hands! I am on suppressive Valtrex therapy, and that is the only thing that allows my hands to remain usable, my infection is persistent for months at a time, and without the Valtrex, I have no idea what I would do.
Steve
AskDocWeb: Thanks Steve, we appreciate you pointing this out. What you quoted wasn’t said as well as we would have liked so we changed it to more accurately state what we intended.
Subj: Rebounds?
Date: 4/2/2005
I had a bad bout with a cold sore that wouldn’t go away after treatment with zovirax, and was then prescribed (over the phone) a daily dose of 500mg/day for 30 days (with 5 refills!). It has been 20+ days and has cleared it up, but now I am wondering if there will be a rebound effect if I go off the med. I don’t want to continue daily dosing because I had very infrequent breakouts (1/year) and just took this measure to clear up this particular nasty outbreak that wouldn’t go away. I am interested in the answers to many other questions on this site re: Valtrex, but I don’t see the answers to many of them.
Susan
AskDocWeb: According to Farri’s Clinical Advisor, the treatment should start within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms and continue for 5 to 7 days depending on your condition. Daily dosing is indicated when patients have more than 6 occurrences per year. Since you have only one per year, you should be able to save the meds for when you need them.
Subj: Can I take these too?
Date: 4/1/2005
Can I take ibuprofen while taking Valtrex. Also, can I take l-lysine while taking Valtrex?
Les
AskDocWeb: Yes, you can take Ibuprofen while on Valtrex, and the lysine should be okay but check these warnings.
Subj: Safest treatment for shingles
Date: 4/12/2005
I am 8 1/2 months pregnant and had a very bad viral flu which lasted two weeks and ended about 2 or 3 weeks ago. Just 4 days ago I had a shingle appear on my left side torso. Is it as a result of the lowered immune system from the flu? I had sinus trouble then too. What is the safest way to treat this bearing in mind I usually treat naturally and very rarely take medication and am concerned about unborn baby. Any advice greatly received… thanks!
Em
AskDocWeb The appearance of the new shingle is likely due to your lowered immune response after having the flu. The safest way to treat this is to visit your doctor and then follow your doctor’s advice. If you are planning on nursing, be sure to let your doctor know.
Subj: 81 years old
Date: 4/13/2005
HI, I have herpes. How I have to take Valtrex if I’m 81 years old? What side effects I can have? Thank you,
Leyba
AskDocWeb Nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain.
Subj: My experience
Date: 4/14/2005
My partner and I both have Herpes 2. I found out not long after we were dating and we do not know who gave it to who. It is now 2 and half years later and we’re still together and getting married next year. Up until now I had been taking Valtrex as my first attack was quite severe…I got a little on my genitals, under my foot, on my thigh, and on my hand. And it was not from us being adventurous or not cleaning up afterwards if you catch my drift. I was just very unlucky. I was able to hide it but I was very sick with fever as well. I took Valtrex for a short time. Then I got another attack on my finger again. Until now I have been on it constantly and have only had one other attack on my finger. Funnily enough it has not reoccurred since we got engaged. I did notice I was progressively getting more and more emotional, agitated and thought I was depressed. I recently have stopped taking Valtrex to see what would happen. I am back to my old fun and happy self. However I am scared that I am leaving myself open to another attack. I just though I would share my experience with others as I have not had anyone to talk to about it that understands. I must also mention I think it has also increased my thrush, which I have managed to treat with a low sugar diet and herbstat (highly recommended if you suffer from that as well). I think that will do now 🙂
Tina
Subj: Valtrex and pregnancy
Date: 4/15/2005
Has anyone taken valtrex when they were pregnant? My doctor told me it is ok and that sometimes they have the woman take 1 dose a day for a week during the week of her due date. Have you ever heard this?
Jen
AskDocWeb Yes, taking Valtrex for suppression during the last weeks of pregnancy is often recommended to women with genital herpes. It is not expected harm your baby but it is not to be used during nursing.
Subj: Cistitis
Date: 4/16/2005
I am taking Valtrex 3 times a day for Shingles. Could it cause cistitis? Thanks,
Colette
AskDocWeb We haven’t read a single case of this happening to anyone.
Subj: Late periods?
Date: 4/26/2005
Does valtrex cause you to have late periods?
Kelly
AskDocWeb Although it is not listed as a side effect, several women have reported late periods when taking Valtrex.
Subj: Valtrex and ringing in ear
Date: 4/26/2005
I took Valtrex for 10 days for shingles. I now have a annoying ringing in my left ear. Is this a common side effect? Thank you,
Randye
AskDocWeb The manufacturer lists dizziness, which is often caused by changes in the inner ear, as a side effect but no mention of ringing. You had better have this checked by your physician.
Subj: First outbreak
Date: 5/1/2005
Hi, my question is I was told by the doctor that I have herpes about a year ago, but I never had a out break and now I have one. I started taking valtrex 2 times a day for 3 days and the pain is still there, how long does it take to stop the pain. And because I have an outbreak does that mean I will probably get more.
Jessica
AskDocWeb: Yes, you are likely have more outbreaks now. The pain typically lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days.
Subj: Weight gain with Valtrex
Date: 5/2/2005
I have noticed that since I have been taking Valtrex I have steadily gained weight. Is weight gain one of the side effects?
Kay
AskDocWeb: No, weight gain is not listed as one of the side effects.
Subj: Valtrex and pregnancy
Date: 5/6/2005
I am trying to get pregnant, and I am using Valtrex. Will Valtrex harm the fetus an any way while during the time of pregnancy?
Amanda
AskDocWeb: No, Valtrex will not cause problems with pregnancy but talk to your doctor before nursing.
Subj: Menstrual problems
Date: 5/9/2005
What are the menstrual problems that occur from taking valtrex 500mg 4 tablets at once and then 4 tablets 12hrs later? And that this was repeated 2 times in 7-10 days? Please send me a response. Thank you,
Lesley
AskDocWeb: Sorry, but we do not have time to make individual replies. Less than 1% of women using Valtrex had any menstrual problems. A small number of users report their period was delayed. If anyone has experienced this, please let us know.
Subj:
Date: 5/9/2005
Hi, is it true you will not be able to get pregnant if you take Valtrex for a long time?
michell
AskDocWeb: We haven’t heard of this happening to anyone.
Subj: Liver enzymes
Date: 5/10/2005
Is increased liver enzymes a possible side effect of taking Valtrex?
Missy
AskDocWeb: No, not that we have heard about.
Subj: Valtrex and pregnancy
Date: 5/12/2005
Is it ok to take Valtrex if I am trying to get pregnant, or may already be? Are there any risks for problems?
Katie
AskDocWeb: Using Valtrex while pregnant is okay but it is listed as Category B, which means not to nurse while on Valtrex. Read more feedback about Valtrex. Valtrex report – 2 – 3 – Page 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – Last Page 64
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