urticaria
Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Adverse Reactions
The adverse effect profile of valacyclovir is similar to that of acyclovir. The most commonly reported adverse events are headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Other less common adverse events include dysmenorrhea, arthralgia, and depression.
In clinical trials with valacyclovir (8 g/day for 8 - 84 weeks), cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) have occurred in patients with advanced HIV disease, and in bone marrow and renal transplant patients. Some of these cases were associated with patient death. In other studies of otherwise healthy patients or in HIV-infected patients for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes using lower doses of valacyclovir (<= 3 g/day) and shorter duration of treatment, there have been no reports of TTP or HUS.
During clinical use of valacyclovir, the following severe adverse reactions have been reported to the manufacturer: anaphylactoid reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, dyspnea, pruritus, rash (unspecified), and urticaria; confusion; agitation; hallucinations; aggressive behavior; delirium; tremor; encephalopathy; coma; mania; psychosis; diarrhea; liver enzyme abnormalities; hepatitis; elevated creatinine; renal failure (unspecified); thrombocytopenia; aplastic anemia; erythema multiforme; photosensitivity; facial edema; hypertension; and tachycardia. With respect to CNS adverse events observed during clinical practice, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, delirium, and encephalopathy were reported more frequently in elderly patients.
[ Last revised: 11/10/2003 3:15:00 PM ]
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