Feedback on Valtrex Side Effect and Usage, page 51

About Valtrex

If you use Valtrex, please help others by sharing your experience with side effects. 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.

Sexual side effect
Date: 12/4/2011
I am CONVINCED that taking Valtrex has an effect on the hardness of my penis during sex. When I stop taking Valtrex, there is no problem whatsoever. Is there an alternative drug that does not have this side effect?

Greg

AskDocWeb: The alternatives to Valtrex include Abreva, Acyclovir, Denavir, Famciclovir, Famvir, generic Valacyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Zovirax. L-lysine is a supplement used as a home remedy for cold sores however there is insufficient research to conclude how effective it might be. It is taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin for this use.

Weird things
Date: 12/14/2011
Last year I was diagnosed with Herpes and started Valtrex immediately. I have been taking it for about two years now and suddenly weird things have been happening. A couple weeks ago my boyfriend and I had sex and it started to suddenly hurt really bad. I asked him to check it and he said that it looked like someone took a razor blade and lightly cut the inside of my vagina and the skin of the perineum. We decided to take a week off and let it heal. After that time we decided to have sex again and it didn’t hurt at all. As the week progressed it started to hurt more and more. Now we had sex again and it turns out that it is all puffy and there is a cut once again in the same place and it is completely inflamed. If you know anything please help. This is something that is worrying me very much. Thank you for any help.

Alex

AskDocWeb: If you have already ruled out possible causes such as “rough sex” or dry condoms then you may want to discuss this with your doctor. It is not unusual for an OB to result in cracks in the skin. Vaginal thrush may also result in splits in the skin after intercourse as can candida. However it does no good to worry unless it motivates you to have a doctor check this out.

Herpes simplex kerititis virus
Date: 12/28/2011
I have been on Valtres for the past two years no spot. My highest dose has been 4 1,000mg pills a day, with my low maintainance dose of two 1,000 mg pills a day. I take this for the treatment of herpes simplex kerititis virus in one of my eyes should I be taking other protectiv measures for my liver?

Maria

AskDocWeb: In some cases treatment may include a protective eye patch. However, to aid in protecting your liver you may want to go easy on alcohol or avoid it entirely. Do’s and don’ts for protecting the liver include the following.

  • Avoid high doses of vitamin A or beta-carotene.
  • Avoid high levels of iron.
  • Avoid high-fat dairy products, processed vegetable oils (hydrogenated fats), deep-fried foods, and fatty meats.
  • Consider adding Milk thistle as a daily supplement. It has been widely used to prevent and treat liver damage.
  • Drink large amounts of fluids, especially water.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables and orange and red colored fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight with diet and exercise
  • Use a daily multivitamin with antioxidants.

Of course it is important to tell your health care provider if you are using any herb or supplement.

Thrush, yeast infection, and immune system
Date: 1/1/2012
I sometimes get a burning sensation in both of my eyes, and glands in my neck feel as though I have a severe sore throat. If I don’t take valtrex at the first sign of these symptoms I get a very painful cold sore in my nose. I was keeping my grandson who had thrush, and developed symptoms listed above, as well as a horrible yeast infection. Can all this be related to my immune system? I seldom get sick and have a low white cell count. I am 48 and exercise as well as playing tennis, I stay active, but also can conribute some of these symptoms to stress. Is all this more common than I think, really concerned. Please respond. Thank you.

Cheri

AskDocWeb: The same fungus that causes oral thrush also causes vaginal yeast infections (Candida albicans). This is very common. As many as three out of four women experience a yeast infection at some time in their lifetimes. Many women experience multiple yeast infections over time. Read more about yeast infections.

Your response to a thrush infection is determined by the strength of your immune system. If your immune system is weakened the symptoms of oral thrush may be more severe and difficult to control. Also an illness can make you more susceptible to yeast infections and oral thrush infections. This fungus is spread by direct contact so it is important to pay close attention to hygiene.

Hashimoto
Date: 1/7/2012
I was just prescribed valtrex for shingles but now I just read the “terrible ordeal” situation I too have Hashimoto, should I not take Valtrex??

Susan

AskDocWeb: Patients with a weak immune system may still take Valtrex but require a reduced dosage. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis weakens the immune system, and shingles is more likely to develop if the immune system is weak.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis usually results in hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland). Many people that struggle with Hashimoto’s find that there are triggers for their symptoms. Some have a gluten intolerance and going on a gluten-free diet helps to relieve many of the symptoms. See http://www.thedr.com/index.php

Having daily outbreaks
Date: 1/9/2012
It’s sad sometimes I feel like taking my life, this virus has taken over my body. Am having outbreaks daily for eight months every single day. I have tried just about every medication, creams, valtrexs, acyclovir, diet. Could it be stress related cause I am having stress from my boyfriend and everyday ups and downs about life! I wish it would all go away, just go and hide and stop crawling down my genital! Help me please, I don’t want to take my life cause I have two kids!

Liza

AskDocWeb: Like you said, you have two little ones to take care of that need your love and support. However, you also need support. It is important that you talk to someone immediately and tell them you are feeling this way – someone who can talk to you right now. This could be a psychiatrist, a counselor, your doctor or a clergy person. A family member or friend may also be a good choice.

If these options are not available to you, please call a suicide crisis hotline. In the USA you can call 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255. Here is a web site that lists other hotline numbers around the world: HopeLine.com

It is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men are living with herpes so you are not alone. Depression is not uncommon but it is important to know that things will get better over time. For most people the frequency and severity of future outbreaks taper off over time. And yes, stress is a known trigger for outbreaks. The thing that helps most people cope is meeting other people who are coping and learning to live normal lives with Herpes. Please find and join a support group.


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