[boonshan]

starting treatment plus Valaciclovir Actavis

by boonshan on Mon Aug 20, 2012 7:52 am

Dear multiple myeloma Experts and Experiencers,

The treatment for my multiple myeloma just began 2 weeks ago and I have been giving Val + DAX twice a week (Mon and Thu). So far my body appears to react correctly, no immediate side effects. By the way, my doctor just prescribed me ..VALACICLOVIR ACTAVIS 500 mg as a preventive drug for some types of virus infections, e.g., herpe, chicken pox, etc. I was advised to take it one tablet a day... do you experience this drug? any side effects? any other alternative suggestions? any other tips... while being treated... thanks boon

[Louise777]

Re: starting treatment plus Valaciclovir Actavis

by Louise777 on Tue Aug 21, 2012 12:37 pm

Am on Velcade (subQ), Revlimid, Dexamethazone and Acyclovir 800mg 1x daily for six months now with no side effects. I hope the same for you. I also drink 8oz of fresh beet juice daily (in 1/4 cup doses so as to improve absorption) to keep up the blood counts.

[m936]

Re: starting treatment plus Valaciclovir Actavis

by m936 on Tue Aug 21, 2012 1:05 pm

I was on Valacyclovir prior to my 2 stem-cell transplants with Revilmid and Dex. Was on it (Valcyc.) post transplant this last one for about a month and then was taken off it. I then developed a bad, severe case of Shingles about a month later. Now, I have t be on the Valacyclovir (500mg) for the rest of my life.

As for experiencing any side effects from it, I have not had any.

[lys2012]

Re: starting treatment plus Valaciclovir Actavis

by lys2012 on Tue Aug 21, 2012 11:03 pm

Hi I take FAMVIR, which is a similar med. I take it not really for shingles, but because I have a herpes 1 infection (coldsores) that has been a major pain. I don't just get a coldsore, but have had sinus infectiosn, mouth infection, and other not fun stuff. I take one pill a day also. I don't think I have any side effects. When I forget a few pills, or if it runs out I usually end up with some kind of outbreak so I am also going to take this indefinitely. The outbreaks usually come with all the viral infection symptoms like aches and pains, fatigue, low grade fever so I would rather take a pill each day then deal with an infection.

I already had a shingles outbreak before my diagnosis, so It seems my myeloma has affected my bodies ability to fight off these pesky herpes infections. Shingles was not fun, but lucky for me I started the meds withing two days and lessened the duration of the rash.

[smoller]

Re: starting treatment plus Valaciclovir Actavis

by smoller on Wed Aug 22, 2012 4:40 pm

I have been on Valacyclovir (500 mg) for almost a year now and I have not had any noticable side effects. I have had side effects (very extream) from Revlimid and Thalidomid. I had to stop each one of them and I am about to start treatment with carfilzomib (Kyprolis) in hopes that it will put me in remission.

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: starting treatment plus Valaciclovir Actavis

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Thu Aug 23, 2012 8:52 pm

There is a ~20% risk of shingles on velcade-based therapy. The valacyclovir should prevent that from occurring. Most patients do not have much in the way of side effects with that particular drug. I would advocate that you take it, provided it does not cause any untoward side effects.

Take care!

Pete V.