Famvir vs valtrex for shingles

Common Questions and Answers about Famvir vs valtrex for shingles

famvir

Avatar n tn i know that valtrex and famvir are different family of anti-viral's. has anyone had poor results with valtrex and had to change to famvir? i don't seem to be responding to valtrex or acyclovir so i might change.
Avatar m tn This is the right forum for shingles questions too actually. closest forum we have for it I think! Shingles is incredibly painful for about 50% of those who have a recurrence like you have. Vinegar won't do a think to help with the post herpetic neuralgia you are currently experiencing. I encourage you to call your doctor and be seen today or tomorrow to get medications to help with the pain.
Avatar m tn Well valtrex is generic now everywhere so it shouldn't be a money issue for most folks if they have decent prescription coverage with their insurance. Acyclovir is still way cheaper but if you have insurance coverage that makes generics low cost, valtrex is, as of this month, going to be WAY cheaper for you now :) the technicality to the answer to your question is this - only valtrex has been studied for reduction in transmission to a partner.
Avatar f tn Yes, taking it twice a day for suppressive therapy vs once daily with valtrex is harder to remember but they certainly aren't taking it easier on you in general by prescribing the wrong doses of antivirals for you!! They also all work about the same at reducing recurrences when taken suppressively and healing recurrences when taken with each other.
Avatar n tn I started taking Valtrex for Herpes2, and I feel anxious,depressed, and I have been waking up with bad headaches in the middle of the night. I don't know if it is all in my head, because I just tested postive for this, and I have been dealing with this for about 15 yrs. I am still shocked. I have been to several doctors who blew it off as a yeast infection. Does anyone know of any alternatives that work?
Avatar n tn I am also on Valtrex and I continue to get outbreaks but they last for a few days and then go away for weeks, sometimes months before I get another. My spouse who also has herpes does not take an antiviral so that is why I believe I still get my outbreaks. Are you still engaging in intercourse while having outbreaks, maybe that is whey they aren't getting better. Also, I'm not sure what famvir is, but maybe it is stronger than Valtrex and will help you.
Avatar f tn I'm not sure why you are either, and you're on the highest dose possible of Valtrex. It an be rough at first, but if you've already tested positive on a blood test, that means your body has made antibodies already, and that should help calm things down (obviously, that isn't happening). There is another antiviral, Famvir. It's more expensive, and it's usually used more for shingles than hsv, but it's worth a try. Maybe you'll respond better to that.
Avatar f tn I hope someone can help. I've had horrible recurring pain in my right eye for over a year. Went to Optho. multiple times and was told it was an infected oil gland. I was put on low dose antibiotics for over 6 months and told to apply warm compresses and scrub eye with a baby shampoo/water solution. I developed a rash on my buttocks months into this that my GP diagnosed as shingles and prescribed Famvir.
Avatar n tn I have had what have diagnosed as reccurant outbreaks of shingles for a couple of years. the initial outbreak was painful and tookseveral weeks to clear up even after taking a course of Famvir. Even though I had a lingering discomfort in the affected area I was otherwise symptom free for about 8 months. After that I got outbreaks about 5-6 times a year that were treated with Famvir. I then received the Shingles vaccine which was followed within a month by an outbreak that was light.
Avatar f tn But in more severe cases of shingles–– particularly in outbreaks that occur on the face––the prescription antiviral medications Zovirax, Famvir, and Valtrex can shorten the disease course and reduce symptoms. Valtrex can take effect within two or three days. Believe it or not, the over-the-counter heartburn medicine cimetidine (which you probably know as Tagamet) can also help lessen the pain and intensity of the rash. Take 200 mg three times a day with meals, plus 400 mg at bedtime.
Avatar n tn I was diagnosed of Shingles. The virus was around my right eye, on my eyelids, forehead and scalps. 2/17/10: Knowing the seriousness of this virus and being concerned about my vision, I immediately went to see an Ophthamologist. According to him fortunately, there was no infection in my eye yet. My vision was 20/20, eye pressure was normal and the cornea looked good as well. 2/24/10: I visited the doctor again, and everything was fine too.
Avatar f tn Acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) are approved for shingles. Acyclovir is the oldest, most studied of these drugs, but either famciclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex), which are both metabolized into acyclovir, are now preferred to treat herpes zoster in most patients because they require fewer daily doses than the five doses needed with acyclovir.
Avatar f tn Since being diagnosed two years ago, I still get an outbreak every two months. I only use valtrex when i have an outbreak (twice a day for 5 days), but my doctor says that even so my outbreaks should get less frequent over time. Anyone else have this problem?
Avatar n tn Antiviral prescription medications such as FAMVIR® (famciclovir) can help reduce your symptoms and help shingles blisters heal faster. However, the medication should be started within 72 hours (3 days) after the rash of shingles appears, so it is important to see your doctor right away. Without treatment, the symptoms of shingles (eg, rash, blisters, and pain) usually go away in about 3 to 5 weeks.
Avatar f tn I was on valtrex for awhile and my hair was thinning so now I am on Famvir I was wondering if anyone has noticed hair loss with this drug? And is hair loss common with antivirals?
Avatar n tn I had shingles, and it is extremely painful. I do not think burning at the penis is typical for shingles. I had shingles across my torso, and it was the most painful feeling I have ever endured. (I had the pain in my side several days before the lesions appeared) I went to the doctor immediately after seeing lesions (only 2 or three popped up) He gave me famvir which haulted them in their tracks, and they went away a week or so later never to return Thank GOD!
Avatar n tn Some folks do not tolerate valtrex for whatever reason. If you think you are having more ob's while on valtrex or "worse" ob's - the first thing I recommend is going to be seen when you have symptoms to make sure that it's only herpes going on. If you picked the right gender when you registered here then you are female and for us gals - many, many things can go on down yonder to further complicate our herpes/mimick herpes ob's.
Avatar n tn I immediately went on suppresive treatment (valtrex) for the first 3 months I was outbreak free. Now over the last few months I have been getting more and more outbreaks until this last one which has lasted a month. I was switched to Famvir and that has still not cleared it. I am wondering if I am maybe not respondinig to anti-virals and if my outbreak may improve if I go off of them.
Avatar n tn I have the same problem. Now I take Cymbalta to ease the tingling, it works like the commercial says! And Valtrex didn't work for me so I take Famvir. Get some Zovirex ointment to apply to that area too. Good Luck, I feel for you!