Genital herpes is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), possible symptoms of genital herpes include sores around the genitalia or anal area that appear within two weeks after infection with the virus. Valtrex (valacyclovir HCL) is a medication made by GlaxoSmithKline and is taken daily to treat herpes outbreaks. This medication has several possibly severe potential side effects.
Acute Kidney Failure
To gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), each drug must undergo testing during clinical trials to make sure it is safe. During the clinical trails for Valtrex, severe side effects were discovered, one of which was acute kidney failure. Acute kidney failure was seen in patients who already had underlying kidney problems. Acute kidney failure also affected some elderly patients whether or not they had previously diagnosed underlying kidney problems. Acute kidney failure also affected some patients who received other nephrotoxic drugs, meaning drugs that have an adverse effect on the kidney. Additionally, acute kidney failure was seen in some patients who were not adequately hydrated.
TTP-HUS
According to the Oklahoma Blood Institute and the University of Oklahoma, TTP-HUS stands for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome. TTP-HUS is characterized by abnormal cells in the blood vessel lining that lead to low platelet counts and the tearing of red blood cells into pieces. Also during TTP-HUS, blood clots form in the small blood vessels, which can lead to organ failure.
Central Nervous System Effects
Damage to the central nervous system is another possible severe side effect of Valtrex taken daily. GlaxoSmithKline says signs of central nervous system effects include agitation, confusion, delirium, hallucinations and seizures. Furthermore, the brain may swell, resulting in a disorder or disease of the brain known as encephalopathy. These effects on the central nervous system, however, occurred only in the elderly and in patients who already had reduced kidney function.
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