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Cant take antivirals

Posted , 2 users are following.

ouch109
ouch109

Argh

Im so frustrated

I started taking a low suppression dose of valtrex. I was drinking water all day yet felt like i was drying up. Dry skin, incredible thirst, and i was sucking my teeth and tongue (i do this when dehydrated) to the point of causing deep teeth pain and blisters on my tounge and cheeks. I finally gave up.

Started acyclovir a couple of days ago, same thing.

The problem is i now have vulvudynia that only subsides when im taking the meds (i presume hsv is irritating or damaging nerves)

I imagine famvir will be the same

Does any one know how to manage this side effect

Has anyone tried fanvir

Has anyone ivercome this issue

Thanks all

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus ouch109

    Posted

    That's really unfortunate! Have you spoken to your doctor? I haven't heard of such side effects, especially while drinking plenty of water/fluids. Do you have any kidney issues that you're aware of? Famvir is not recommended for daily suppressive therapy, btw, only as episodic therapy (no longer-term studies conducted).
  • ouch109
    ouch109

    Posted

    I told my doc

    She said it happens. Its a rare side effect. Ive been combing the forums and found some others. No solutions though. She didnt really seem to take it very seriously. I dont have any kidney issues. Its really unbearable though.

    I am thinking about cutting way back

    Trying 250 mgs a day for 6 weeks or so and then building up. Im scared about developing resistance though. I have liked my doc up untill now, but she basically write me a bunch of scripts and said to find what works. Tramidol and gabooentin for vulvodynia (im not taking that stuff), valtrex and acyclovir

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus ouch109

      Posted

      You should not develop resistance, so don't worry about that, at least. Where that has happened, it involved immunocompromised individuals. I'd be more concerned about your kidneys. Might be an idea to do a kidney function "test" (blood work, I believe) while on no meds for baseline purposes (need a week to clear the meds from your system), then another test after a few months of daily usage to compare.
  • ouch109
    ouch109

    Posted

    Yea

    That seems like a good idea

    I am in search of a doc who will listen to me about such things.

    I had been going to a specialist half way accross the state when i thought my issue was bacterial. I am fairly convinced now most of my troubles are herpes related even though i dont get lesions.

    I was very dissapointed in her cavalier attitude about hsv

    I am going to try and find someone here in town

    I have appt on the 10th with a gyn with good reviews, but you never know.

  • ouch109
    ouch109

    Posted

    I see alot of women on here who thought they had bv because they dont get lesions. Its outrageous that when women show up with burning, and no discernable cause, its not one of the first tests run.
    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus ouch109

      Posted

      I suspect it's because many GPs are still under the impression that GH causes blister outbreaks, so they don't even consider GH as a possibility. Makes sense to rule out the most likely causes first, like BV, but GH should be considered when all else has been ruled out. Doctors need a better understanding that's unfortunately lacking. I have seen some bad doctor advice on here, as recounted by patients, and it's scary!
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