Valtrex is a brand name of the medication valacyclovir hydrochloride which is used to treat cold sores, shingles, chickenpox and herpes. Although there can be many benefits of taking Valtrex, there are also many potentially serious side effects as well. People interested in taking Valtrex should talk to a health care professional about these side effects before deciding if Valtrex is right for them.
Allergic Reaction
As with all medications, allergic reaction may occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, breathing problems and swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat, according to Drugs.com. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately if any of these occur while taking Valtrex.
Damage to Red Blood Cells
Valtrex may cause a serious side effect that can harm red blood cells, according to Drugs.com. Signs that this may be occurring are fever, red spots on the skin that are unrelated to herpes, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, yellow or pale skin, urinating less than usual, weakness and fainting. Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these side effects.
Other Serious Side Effects
Other serious side effects of Valtrex include drowsiness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, mood changes, vision problems, hallucinations, trouble concentrating, pain in lower back, swelling, weight gain, shortness of breath, confusion, aggression, vision changes, difficulty with speech, feeling shaky or unsteady or seizures, according to Drugs.com. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms while on Valtrex.
Serious Side Effects for Specific Populations
Certain populations may be at an increased risk of other serious side effects of Valtrex, according to the Valtrex product information sheet. People with HIV, allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients and renal transplant recipients should be aware that there is an increased risk of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS) occurring, which potentially could lead to death. If clinical signs and symptoms of TTP-HUS and laboratory abnormalities consistent with TTP/HUS are present, stop taking Valtrex and talk to your doctor. While the signs and symptoms of TTP/HUS can vary quite a bit, some common complaints are tiredness due to anemia, fever and a condition called purpura, a bleeding into the tissues, states Nephrologychannel.com. In addition, elderly patients, people with underlying renal disease, people taking nephrotoxic drugs and people who aren't well hydrated may be at an increased risk of acute renal failure occurring while taking Valtrex. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent this from occurring before taking Valtrex.
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