Can Acyclovir Be Taken In Place Of Valtrex After A Stem Cell Transplant?

Posted on Wed, 5 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 5 Aug 2015 Answered on

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I must take 800 mg twice a day of Acyclovir because I had a stem cell transplant 1 1/2 years ago because of double hit lymphama. I was taking 500 my of Valtrex but Humana will not pay for it. Have had hardly no side effects from Valtrex. Should I expect the same from this new drug?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
valtrex and acyvlovir are close cousins

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You recently have been switched from valtrex to acyclovir for your stem cell transplant. These medications are almost exactly the same and there should be no problems with switching to the acyclovir. Please start the acyclovir 800mg twice daily as this is the dose equivalence for your valltrex.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar