Valacyclovir during pregnancy
Common Questions and Answers about Valacyclovir during pregnancy
valtrex
My story is I contracted HSV2 on the back of my left thigh in the late 1990's not sure where, but it breakout once a year during summer months one time a year. While it was annoying I didn't take anything during the late 2000's I somehow transferred it to my face (confirmed by swab). I didn't want it there so I started to take Valacyclovir it would keep breaking out every month or so I went on a daily maintenance of 500mg a day.
I talk valacyclovir for herpes out breaks I have a high dosage one for when I get them it doesn't harm the baby.
Though this is my first pregnancy and I'm 7 weeks.
They told me once I get closer to my due date to take them daily so there is no break out.
It seems that sine I'm getting mixed messages in eagards to Valtrex dosages during an outbreak. I currently take 500 mg of Valacyclovir daily as a suppressant. But I am still having outbreaks. When having one do I increase my dosage? I asked my doctor and she said no since it was already in my system just continue taking the 500mg daily.
Also it seems since I've gotten the diagnosis, that I'm having more outbreaks, could it be I need a stronger daily dosage for suppression?
I have been on valacyclovir on and off for about 5 years. I have had recurrent outbreaks during my pregnancy and was recently put on daily suppression of 500mg, with an increase to 1000mg during an outbreak. This occurred because I had three outbreaks pretty much back-to-back. Each only lasted 3-4 days but had a other one to take it place.
Seven days ago I started an episodic treatment of 1g valacyclovir for 10 days because I started to get my second cold sore only a week and a half after my primary outbreak had healed. However, this evening I noticed some warning signs, and sure enough I have two or more blisters forming around my mouth and one blister in my genitals. (I was diagnosed with HSV 1 of the mouth and genitals).
Why did I get an outbreak when I'm already on the outbreak medicine? How common is this occurence?
What are the contraindications of taking penicillin and valacyclovir during the same cycle ? Can they both be taken on the same day ?
I have been on an off valacyclovir for about 5 years or so. Due to my recurrent outbreaks during my pregnancy I have been put on Valcyclovir for daily suppression. 500mg daily and 1000mg during outbreaks. Outbreaks last about 3-4 days. A recent outbreak has just about healed and yesterday was the fourth day of 1000mg. However, yesterday afternoon I noticed what I thought were prodrome symptons although I thought I could be wrong due to the increased dose of medication.
I got infected with genital herpes about 5 months ago, from unprotected oral sex from a striper.... I took valacyclovir 1 g twice a day within 24 hours of the initial episode, and kept taking it until I got better, which took a while (a month almost)....
My symptoms (ulcers, itchiness and pain/discomfort) have been recurrent and very persistant since. I think I have had symptoms 3-4 out of every 5 days since day one.
I'm not sure that I understand your response.
1. I think that you meant to say that "experience tells us that when people ?quit? taking the valacyclovir, they sometimes do have an outbreak soon after that." This is my concern, that the valacyclovir takes over and that the body's immune response is less engaged in fighting the infection. Do you see what I mean?
2.
I believe I caught HSV-1 orally about six months ago... I also believe I caught HSV-1 genitally about four weeks ago or less... My symptoms were never more than a blister that appeared on my lips and also on my genitals, but they never burst or popped... Just the common symptoms - tingling, itching... However, on my genitals it seems to be a bit more painful... I have been using a transdermal oxygem cream which GREATLY reduces the discomfort and the rising of the white 'blisters.
Welcome to the forum. I'll try to help.
There are two reasons for anti-herpes therapy the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy in women with histories of genital herpes. First is to prevent a recurrent outbreak that would increase the chance of HSV transmission to the baby and would force an otherwise unnecessary cesarean section. The second is to lower the chance of transmission of HSV to the baby.
Before I get to your question, let me congratulate you on your approach to your relationship with your partner. You are working to escape the unwarranted anxiety and stigma-laden reaction which is such a great part of the burden this infection creates for many persons. Great work.
Now on to questions about getting pregnant. The "mad scientist" approach is probably not necessary.
As such I contacted my doctor and was prescribed valacyclovir hcl which I took (2 1 gram tablets twice daily). The cold sore remained small and eventually went away. After this I went 1-2 days without taking any Lysine or valacyclovir and on the second day I noticed the cold sore coming back again and now appears to have come back and crusted over. I did not think the new cold sore was actually one but then it crusted over.
s treat there patients with HSV-2 with acyclovir (usually not valacyclovir [Valtrex]) during the last month of pregnancy, which is effective in preventing outbreaks that can require CS, and also probably reduces the risk of transmission to the baby from asymptomatic viral shedding. In any case, your priorities are misplaced. The health risks, both to you and the baby, are at least 100 times higher from CS than for anti-herpetic therapy.
Speak with your doctor about increasing the dose or perhaps switching to valacyclovir, which gives higher blood levels and sometimes is more effective than acyclovir.
And although recurrent outbreaks can occur while taking valacyclovir, they are rare -- and monthly is unheard of. It is possible your HSV has become resistant to the drug, but that's quite rare as well.
As for valacyclovir side effects, you needn't worry.
does recurrent hsv 2 infections also trigger radiculitis or sacral neuropathy or menigitis? what is the likelihood of developing hsv encephalitis or meningitis during recurrent attacks? is the neurologic manifestations exclusive only during the primary infection? does taking anti-virals (acyclovir, valacyclovir) decrease the neuropathic complications or no effect at all?
1) Take suppressive therapy, preferably with valacyclovir (acyclovir would be OK, but is less convenient because of more frequent dosing); 2) Inform each and every parnter of your HSV2 infection; and 3) always use condoms, unless your partner is willing to take the chance of not doing so.
Although your apparently doesn't know herpes or its management very well, this doesn't necessarily mean she otherwise "sucks" as a caring and effective doctor.
Hi,
I usually get oral HSV1 outbreak quite often and they are noticeable and last 10 days. On Monday I thought I was getting one so I took Valacyclovir. The blister started under the skin on my lip and stayed very small and turned into a very small blister. Not normal for me but I guess the tablets suppressed it.
My concern is that on Wednesday evening I went to kiss my 5 year old daughter good night on the forehead so as to not risk transmission but she moved and I kissed her eye.
On the day of the test, I had just got done taking the Valacyclovir for 5 days(that I got online and took on my second, third and fourth outbreak symtoms in April May and July). I had not stopped taking the l-lysine for the whole period as a precaution and to reduce symptoms/outbreaks although its not proven.
I was diagnosed with Herpes 33 years ago and have been using 1000 mg Valacyclovir a day for the past 4 years and have been free of outbreaks until a few weeks ago when I lost my job and became quite stressed.
I was able to take one extra tablet of 500 mg which stopped the outbreak from turning into blisters, but I am concerned if this medication is not working for me anymore.
I also wonder if Valacyclovir is the same as Valtrex or if Valtrex is stronger?
I appreciate your help.
I'm on daily 1 gram valacyclovir for suppressive therapy. I can feel a new outbreak coming. Would it help if a take the valacyclovir twice daily for a couple of days to help with the OB?
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