Anyone experience worsening of symptoms after staring acyclovir?

[maggie3]

I just started taking acyclovir a few days ago, now been on it for 4 days. I have had a severe worsening of symptoms. Probably the worst I have felt since getting ill.

Does anyone else have experience with this? Could this be due to the acyclovir? Is it some sort of die off reaction?

 

[i-lava-u]

I had horrible worsened "flu like" feelings on Acyclovir and it gave me horrible digestive issues, same on Valacyclovir. I took Valacyclovir for 1 year and Acyclovir for 3-4 months. The digestive issues worse on Acyclovir and never eased up. I had no noticeable improvements on Valacyclovir so discontinued as insurance did not cover at the time.

I now take Famvir instead and did have the same "flu like" worsening at first but not as bad as others, but, no digestive issues.

I have been taking Famvir for a couple of years now?? I think (give or take a few months) and I have zero side effects now.

The extra "flu like" effect wore off after about 3-4 weeks with each of the 3 meds. but was the worst on Valacyclovir, for me.

I take it for CEBV

 

[maggie3]

I had horrible worsened "flu like" feelings on Acyclovir and it gave me horrible digestive issues, same on Valacyclovir.

I now take Famvir and did have the same "flu like" worsening at first but not as bad as others, but, no digestive issues.

I have been taking Famvir for a couple of years now?? I think (give or take a few months) and I have zero side effects now.

The extra "flu like" effect wore off after about 3-4 weeks

Ahh yes @i-lava-u , my digestion has been horrible since I started taking it and the past two days I have completely lost my appetite. I guess I will just have to see if this continues or not and maybe ill have to switch to a different type at some point.

 

[Hip]

Famvir has similar potency to acyclovir and Valtrex, and targets the same viruses, but is often better tolerated. It's more expensive though.

 

[i-lava-u]

My insurance now covers Famvir so affordable for me ($10 a month!). Actually, my insurance now finally also covers Valacyclovir too for same price, but I had to pay out of pocket at the time when I tried it.

@maggie3 I think it might be some additive in the medication or a dye, not the medication itself? At least, that's what I thought it felt like as I am sensitive to other foods/additives anyway. Felt similar. Is this a med. you could get/try from a compounding pharmacy? Maybe worth a try without extra additives if digestive symptoms don't ease up?

 

[maggie3]

@i-lava-u I think its definitely worth bringing up trying Famvir with my doctor if I do not get any relief from these worsening of symptoms or my appetite does no return. Could be a good alternative for me

 

[i-lava-u]

@maggie3 I hope you find the right medication that works for you soon. The added symptoms from taking a medication that is supposed to help ease up symptoms is no fun!