Side effects from taking Valacyclovir
As with any type of pharmaceutical either prescription or over the counter, there are certain side effects from taking valacyclovir. There are also certain risks factors involved with taking the medication as well. It is very important that before you take valacyclovir, you speak with your health care provider and discuss your medical history and also any medications you may be currently taking.
Valacyclovir Effects
Valacyclovir is a drug used to treat different kinds of the herpes virus. Valacyclovir treats genital herpes, oral herpes, neonatal herpes, ocular herpes, herpes whitlow, herpes gladiatorum, herpes simplex encephalitis, and also helps with transference and recurrences of breakouts. Valacyclovir works by helping the body fight the virus and attacks the virus so the infection will not multiply and spread to others during sexual contact or skin to skin contact. Valacyclovir is not a cure for herpes and should not be used as protection against spreading to a partner. Using a condom will help protect your partner from getting the disease but it is not guaranteed.
Most common Valacyclovir side effects
- Headache occurs in about 38 percent of people on valacyclovir
- Nausea and upset stomach and stomach pain
- Painful menstrual periods
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Joint pain
- Increased liver enzymes
- Dizziness
These side effects are usually mild; report them to your health care provider if they become persistent or bothersome. People with HIV and take valacyclovir may experience additional side effects or side effects that occur more frequently. Other common side effects include rash, fatigue, and decreased blood counts.
Potential Serious Valaciclovir side effects
If you experience any of the serious side effects you should report them immediately to your health care provider. These side effects include but are not limited to:
- Decreased urination
- Vision changes including blurred or double vision
- Unexplained skin rash
- Unexplained blisters or peeling of the skin
- Itching
- Hives
- Unexplained swelling
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unexplained fever
- Hallucinations
- Aggressive behavior
- Unsteady or shaky movements
- Confusion
- Speech problems
- Seizures
- Tremors
These side effects are potentially dangerous and should always be reported to your doctor immediately.
Rare Valacyclovir side effects
Very few people experience the rare side effects of valacyclovir, since they are so rare, it is often difficult to know if they are caused by valacyclovir or something else.
These side effects include but are not limited to:
- Low blood counts, including low white blood cells, low platelets, or low red blood cells.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Behavioral or mental changes
- Diarrhea
- Vision changes
- Hair loss
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Kidney failure
You may experience some or none of these side effects and it is impossible for your healthcare provider to know if you will experience them beforehand. It is very important to discuss the side effects with your doctor and even if they are not caused by valacyclovir, your doctor can diagnose and treat them.