Do you take Valcyte and Famvir?

[minkeygirl]

I'm currently taking 450 mgs Valcyte (just started with no problems) and also 500 mgs Famvir.

I know others here take both and I'm wonder what dosage Famvir. My ID doc (who is very main stream and does not get what I'm doing) said stop the Famvir since it does the same as Valcyte.

I'm reluctant to do that. I know some here stay on a lower dose Famvir while others are taking much more?

What dosages do you guys take?

 

[maryb]

Doesn't Valcyte also target EBV HSV as well as CMV whereas Famvir is mainly for EBV HSV & VZV. Or maybe I have that totally wrong!!!

 

[minkeygirl]

Don't know for sure. I'm staying on both since NP rxs the Famvir. Just need dosage and justification.

 

[Ema]

Dr Lerner had me on 1800 Valcyte and 4g Famvir...so I'd say you have a wide range of doses to choose from and still be OK if you're doing labs regularly to monitor your liver function.

 

[minkeygirl]

The ID is going to do labs @ one month then every three

@Ema do they work on different viruses? I'd like some info for my NP so she will continue to rx the famvir.

 

[Ema]

@Ema do they work on different viruses? I'd like some info for my NP so she will continue to rx the famvir.

Yes, the Valcyte has more action against CMV and HHV6 than Famvir does (or so it is thought. I'm not sure anyone's done an actual study.)

 

[leokitten]

900 mg Valcyte currently (was 1350mg during first course for over one year)
3000 mg Famvir

 

[minkeygirl]

@Ema does a higher dose Valcyte 900-1800 require closer monitoring than just every 3 months? (After the one month check?)

 

[Ema]

@Ema does a higher dose Valcyte 900-1800 require closer monitoring than just every 3 months? (After the one month check?)

Dr Lerner did bloodwork monthly or every 6 weeks max.

 

[minkeygirl]

That could be a problem for me.

@leokitten how often did you get labs on 1350 mgs?

 

[leokitten]

That could be a problem for me.

@leokitten how often did you get labs on 1350 mgs?

After the first few labs (every 2 weeks) we saw my liver stabilized to the dosage and then we only did labs once every 2-3 months.

 

[minkeygirl]

I'd have to have someone come to my house to do that. No way I can go out every two weeks.

Working on that now if it's not cost prohibitive. Otherwise maybe stay on 900.