Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 44
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: Itching like crazy
Date: 8/3/2010
I was prescribed Valtrex 500 mg once daily as suppressive theraphy for HSV1. I’ve been taking it for nine days and had more outbreaks, which are almost as bad as my initial outbreak five years ago. My doctor told me to stop taking it yesterday and I have an appointment for tomorrow. Around 1130 last night, I awoke itching like crazy and ended up in the ER when it progressed to hives, swelling, red rash, and minor difficulty breathing. After getting back home from the ER, I wanted something to eat. I pulled out a block of colby-jack cheese–the same block I ate from earlier in the day–and noticed white mold on it. Could it actually be the mold that caused the reaction rather than the Valtrex I’d been taking for nine days with minimal side effects other than a headache? I am still prickly, itchy and slight swollen today. If it isn’t the Valtrex, how long does it take for it to kick in? Thanks!
Lisa
AskDocWeb: If your reaction isn’t from Valtrex then yes, it could be from the mold. Allergic reactions to mold can be immediate or delayed by up to six hours.
Subj: Little red bumps
Date: 8/9/2010
I went to the doctor and has a culture done for HSV. My doctor was so sure that the rash that I had was herpes that he immediately put me on valtrex. I began taking the medication before my test results came back. I’m still waiting for my results but since taking valtrex I have been developing little red bumps on my arms and back. I honestly do not think that I have herpes but I took the medication just as a preventive method. Is it possible that the tiny bumps are a possible side effect of valtrex?
Jane
AskDocWeb: Those little red bumps are not listed as a possible side effect of Valtrex. However, an allergic reaction may start with small red bumps so check with your doctor.
Subj: Warts and sore throat
Date: 8/10/2010
I was prescribed 500 mg of valtrex twice a day to supress an outbreak because I am in the last trimester of my pregnancy. I noticed that while taking the meds I started to get warts around my vagina and I also noticed that I had a sore throat from time to time. Does that indicate that I am either allergic to the medication or am I just having a reaction to meds?
Kat
AskDocWeb: There is no connection between the warts and Valtrex. A sore throat is a common illness and may be caused by viral infection (90% of cases) or by bacterium (10% of cases). It is not likely to indicate an allergic reaction unless it is accompanied by other symptoms such as rash, difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, or you break out in hives.
Subj: Food allergies?
Date: 8/15/2010
Can Valtrex affect a healthy immune system or kindeys after long term use? Over the past couple years I have developed food allergies I have never noticed having before.
Dew
AskDocWeb: According to Drugs.com using Valtrex is known to be taxing on the kidney and has been associated with kidney damage. The effects of Valtrex on the kidneys have a cumulative effect over time. Minimizing this long-term effect of Valtrex can be accomplished by reducing dosage amounts. Tests for kidney damage can also be ordered to monitor kidney function.
One of the rare complications associated with the use of Valtrex is neutropenia, which is a blood disorder characterized by a decreased number of white blood cells. This often results in a weakened immune system, making the patients more likely to acquire infection and creating a longer wound healing time.
Subj: Haven’t been tested
Date: 8/16/2010
I haven’t been tested with herpes but had a bad vaginal discharge that was itchy and there were bumps in my vagina. I started taking Valtrex and the infection is clearing up. Does this necessarily mean that it’s most likely herpes or could it still be something else?
Alison
AskDocWeb: It could still be something else because there is no way of knowing if the condition would have cleared up on its own even without taking the Valtrex. Conclusions that are based on the results of a one-time event are just as likely to be wrong as they are to be right. The only way to be sure is to get tested.
Subj: Valtrex for a boil
Date: 8/20/2010
I just had my second dose of Valtrex last night and I thought I would have to go to ER this AM around 4. Tremendous pain in the upper part of my stomach right below my rib cage all the way to my spine. Drank a glass of milk very slowly and it went away. Valtrex was taken for a boil that comes in my upper crack of my butttocks once in a while every 4-5 months. It is the only med that makes that “boil” go away.
Liz
Subj: Cold sores and dating
Date: 8/31/2010
I have had cold sores for my whole entire life (now 32 years old). I get them more than anyone else I know – probably 15 a year, maybe more, it’s hard to keep count when I get a new one, and the old one hasn’t even completely healed! I started on Zovirax way back then and then when Valtrex came out, I thought it was a God send! However I can’t seem to pin down a good dosage for myself anymore. I’m nervous to do the suppressive therapy (I tried it once and it didn’t seem to work that well) but maybe I just need an adjustment. I feel like I can’t go to my primary because I haven’t seen him in about 5 years anyway, though I do see a dermatologist and gynecologist at least once a year, that’s why I don’t see my primary. He didn’t ever like prescribing 90 Valtrex pills but he doesn’t get how many fkn cold sores I get, I don’t feel like fighting about it, they’re bad enough as I is! Anyway, I wonder if I go back on Zovirax if that might help. Or should I just adjust my Valtrex.
I have spent so much money on Abreva too b/c I feel like I need a supplementary medicine as well. Getting so many cold sores so annoying not just because they hurt, and they’re ugly but imagine getting them all the time and you’re single!! You can’t even make out with a guy in fear of giving it to him! Never mind oral sex for him!! I’m so sick and tired of these cold sores I’m going bananas! I need help, I need some kind of hope and treatment so I can make out with a guy again!! Really, is it that much to ask!?
Michelle
AskDocWeb: If you are looking for a cure in a simple pill form, there isn’t one yet, but there is hope. A team of scientists at UCLA have taken T-cells out of someone infected with HIV, and used them as a template for creating an army of HIV-fighting immune cells out of stem cells. The stem cells are trained to hunt down and kill specific viruses. This is essentially a genetically engineered vaccine. The same technique could be used to copy T-cells designed to fight any virus, opening up the possibility of universal vaccine.
Subj: Increased OB
Date: 9/1/2010
I also experienced an increased number of OB since starting Valtrex. Also developed continuous erythema multiforme.
Barbara
Subj: How soon is soon?
Date: 9/7/2010
I suffer from cold sores and finally went to my doctor. He prescribed me Valtrex. 2 now and 2 in 12 hours. The sore already developed but he told me I can take them anyways and it should clear up soon. How soon is soon?
Ashley
AskDocWeb: Valtrex works best when starting treatment as soon as possible after symptoms start. Cold sores take about a week to heal if you leave the scab alone. No picking!
Subj: Anyone else have a bad reaction to Valtrex?
Date: 9/8/2010
I had been talking valtrex as needed (1-2 pills a week) for about 3 years. Then I started having reactions such as reddening and swelling of hands and feet, feeling lightheaded. and with each occurence the reactions increased to the point I started taking benadryl with valtrex. Still the reactions increased to include a tightness in chest and almost losing consciousness. My doctor thought it the blue dye on the pill but even soaking off the blue dye the reactions were severe and increasing with the benadryl (now 2 pills) having little effect. I have no idea what caused the reactions–I have never had a reaction to any other medication–needless to say I cant take the pill any longer and dont know if other pills will work for me–any others have such a reactions?
Lisa
Subj: PenVK?
Date: 9/18/2010
Can i start on valtrex while on PenVK 500mg?
Bo
AskDocWeb: Those two medications work on different kinds of germs. Pen VK (penicillin) works on bacteria and Valtrex works on viruses. There are no drug interactions between the two.
Subj: Valtrex while nursing?
Date: 9/20/2010
My doctors told me that it is safe to take Valtrex, while nursing. I just saw warning on the insert that it could be found in breastmilk. So is it safe or time to find a new doctor?
Daria
AskDocWeb: Don’t go doctor shopping just yet. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas gave Valtrex (500mg twice a day for seven days) to five women who were breastfeeding. The amount of Valtrex and acyclovir (Valtrex is changed to acyclovir in the body) in breast milk was tested while on the drug. The infant’s urine was also tested for the presence of the drug. Acyclovir was found in the breast milk but the amount found was considerably less than that used to treat infants that have been infected with herpes. No Valtrex was found in the breast milk. Researchers conclude that Valtrex is safe during breastfeeding. Although the study suggests that Valtrex would be safe to use while breastfeeding, it is up to your doctor to decide about your particular situation.
Subj: Miscarriages?
Date: 9/26/2010
Have there been any reports of taking valtrex then having difficulty getting pregnant or having miscarriages? I had 3 normal births before treatment, then 4 miscarriages after taking Valtrex.
Angie
AskDocWeb: Unfortunately there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of valtrex in pregnant women. No miscarriages have been reported here. The animal testing performed at doses up to 10 times the equivalent human levels revealed no evidence of birth defects. The FDA puts Valtrex in Pregnancy category B. It is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.
Subj: Valtrex while pregnant?
Date: 10/1/2010
Should you take Valtrex while pregnant? Can’t seem to reach my doctor and my cold
T
AskDocWeb: The effects of Valtrex during pregnancy and breast feeding have not been adequately studied. The FDA has put Valtrex in pregnancy category B, which means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Read more feedback about Valtrex.
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