Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV. The disease comes in two forms. Oral herpes causes cold sores around the mouth or face, while genital herpes affects the genitals, anus and buttocks. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease or STD that can infect patients during intercourse and oral sex. There is no absolute cure for herpes, but there are drugs that can relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency and duration of herpes attacks. Herpes medication can cause side effects.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Herpes medication can cause gastrointestinal distress, according to Drugs.com. Symptoms of effects in the gastrointestinal symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting. Nausea occurs in 13 percent of cases, diarrhea manifests in nine percent of patients taking the drug and abdominal pain is experienced in eight percent of patients. Drugs such as valacyclovir and famciclovir can cause these effects. The gastrointestinal side effects probably result because of the medicine irritating the lining of the organs themselves. Once irritated, the stomach or intestines begin to secrete excess fluid and become inflamed.
Headache and Fatigue
Medication used for herpes treatment, such as valacyclovir, can cause headache and fatigue, states RxList.com Headaches occur in 13 to 34 percent of patients taking medications for herpes and fatigue happens in five percent of cases. The headache can range from a mild headache to a severe migraine. Mild headaches prove more common, but migraines have developed in three percent of patients. The fatigue manifests as a general feeling of tiredness and an increased difficulty in performing daily activities.
Effects on the Skin
Drugs used to treat herpes can cause adverse side effects on the skin, reports MedlinePlus. Patients can develop a rash that is red and itchy. The rash can also develop into hives or blisters and can cover much of the body. It may present as a mild side effect or can indicate a more serious side effect. If the rash is accompanied by a difficulty breathing and swelling, then the patient may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction to the drug. Immediate emergency care is needed for patients who experience a drug allergy.
Dysmenorrhea
Famciclovir, a medication used to treat herpes, may cause dysmennorhea, according to Drugs.com. Dysmenorrhea is a condition characterized by pain during a menstrual period. The pain is often located in the lower abdomen and may involve stomach cramps. Eight percent of women taken the drug may develop this side effect.
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