Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Is Valacyclovir Harmful To The Liver?
I HAVE COME TO REALISE THAT EACH TIME I TAKE VALACYCLOVIR I GET SEVERE STOMACH PAIN, MY STOMACHE/BELLY AREA BECOMES VERY HARD ABOUT 5 HOURS AFTER TAKING THE PILL. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT I AM BOTHERED WITH VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DREAMS Not really nightmares, but bad enough that I hesitate taking a pill in the evening. I seem to have a Herpes occurrence about every 6 weeks. Is this drug harmful to my LIVER? I am 70 years old. Thank you.
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that is used to treat infections with herpes zoster (shingles).Less serious side effects of valacyclovir include: stomach pain.
Elderly patients are more likely to have central nervous system adverse reactions with Valacyclovir ,though no nightmare or bad dream experience is known to occur. However there is no complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Since you are not tolerating Valacyclovir well,you can switch over to Famciclovir.
Famciclovir, the prodrug of penciclovir, is at least as effective as acyclovir and perhaps more so; the dose is 500 mg by mouth three times daily for 7 days.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D.
Mumbai
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication that is used to treat infections with herpes zoster (shingles).Less serious side effects of valacyclovir include: stomach pain.
Elderly patients are more likely to have central nervous system adverse reactions with Valacyclovir ,though no nightmare or bad dream experience is known to occur. However there is no complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Since you are not tolerating Valacyclovir well,you can switch over to Famciclovir.
Famciclovir, the prodrug of penciclovir, is at least as effective as acyclovir and perhaps more so; the dose is 500 mg by mouth three times daily for 7 days.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D.
Mumbai
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Valaciclovir
Loading Online Doctors....