What does Valtrex do to your body?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral medicine. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus to help the body fight the infection. Valtrex is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including private parts herpes, cold sores, and shingles (herpes zoster) in adults.

What happens if you take Valtrex everyday?

Yes, while daily Valtrex has been shown to reduce private parts herpes outbreaks by 70% to 80%, it is still possible to have an outbreak while taking the medication. However, the frequency of outbreaks tends to go down over time for a lot of people.

What are the long term side effects of Valtrex?

Another potential long-term side effect of valacyclovir usage is HUS/TTP, or hemolytic-uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. These similar disorders can lead to the destruction of red blood cells and a low platelet count, preventing your blood’s ability to clot.

What are the common side effects of Valtrex?

The more common side effects of valacyclovir can include:
  • headache.
  • nausea.
  • vomiting.
  • dizziness.
  • pain in your stomach area.

Do antivirals make you gain weight?

Valtrex (valacyclovir) and other antiviral medications can only treat the symptoms associated with herpes infections and shorten outbreaks. Does Valtrex (valacyclovir) make you gain weight? Weight changes are not commonly reported with the use of Valtrex (valacyclovir).

What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir)? Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to help keep you from spreading the herpes virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes.

How long can you stay on valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is usually prescribed for seven days for shingles, with a typical dosage of 1,000 mg three times per day. Just like with HSV-1 and HSV-2, it’s important to start treatment as soon as you notice shingles symptoms.

Can Valtrex make you depressed?

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), trouble speaking, shaky/unsteady movements, change in the amount of urine.

Can you drink alcohol with valacyclovir?

Although no medicine interactions exist between alcohol and Valtrex, it is still best to avoid alcohol while taking the medication. Alcohol can impair your immune system, making your infection harder to treat. Further, both drinking and Valtrex can cause nausea, potentially worsening that side effect.

Do I have to take Valtrex for the rest of my life?

To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Can you take Valtrex long term?

Valacyclovir enhances acyclovir bioavailability compared with orally administered acyclovir. Long-term use of acyclovir for up to 10 years for HSV suppression is effective and well tolerated.

Is valacyclovir hard on the kidneys?

Valacyclovir hydrochloride is a prodrug and can be rapidly converted into acyclovir in vivo (1–3). In addition to neurotoxicity, acute kidney injury is a well-described side effect of acyclovir administration, since crystal deposition may lead to the development of renal failure.

Do antivirals weaken immune system?

The inhibitory effects of antivirals on immune cells may contribute to the immune deterioration observed in patients following prolonged use of the drugs.

Is it OK to take valacyclovir daily?

To help clear up your infection, keep taking valacyclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Does valacyclovir make you pee a lot?

It won’t necessarily make you pee more, but you should drink plenty of water while taking Valtrex to help the kidneys process it as best they can. Therefore, this extra hydration can result in frequent urination.

Does acyclovir cause hair loss?

The medicine acts as a nucleotide analog and inhibits viral replication. According to our study on the effects of topical acyclovir on the skin of mice, we accidentally found that this drug potentially reduced hair growth. Previous studies have reported that hair loss is one of the uncommon side effects of oral acyclovir.

Does acyclovir affect gut bacteria?

Herpes simplex virus infection, Acyclovir and IVIG treatment all independently cause gut dysbiosis.

Can I take vitamins with valacyclovir?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between valacyclovir and Vitamin B12. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

How long does it take Valtrex to clear up an outbreak?

For most initial herpes outbreaks and cases of recurring herpes, valacyclovir takes effect very quickly and provides some level of relief in as little as two to three days. Generally, the sooner you take valacyclovir after noticing symptoms, the faster it will be to provide relief.

Can I take a probiotic with Valtrex?

No interactions were found between Probiotic Formula and valacyclovir.

Does Valtrex cause C diff?

Conclusions: Valaciclovir-associated C. difficile colitis, although rare, can have severe consequences for the patient’s health. It should be included as a possible adverse effect of valaciclovir treatment by health professionals.