Is valacyclovir ok to take while pregnant?

Valacyclovir and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
The use of valacyclovir, an antiviral medication commonly prescribed for herpes infections, during pregnancy is a topic of considerable interest and concern among expectant mothers and healthcare providers. As the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections remains significant, understanding the safety profile of valacyclovir in pregnant women is crucial.
Safety Profile
Valacyclovir is classified as a Category B drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This classification indicates that there is no proven risk to humans based on available studies. While animal studies have not demonstrated any adverse effects, the data on human exposure, particularly during the first trimester, is limited. However, the existing evidence does not suggest a significant risk of birth defects associated with the use of valacyclovir during pregnancy.
Clinical Use
Valacyclovir is often prescribed for pregnant women who experience a primary genital herpes infection. Such infections can pose serious risks, including complications that may affect both the mother and the fetus. In cases of primary infection, the benefits of treating with valacyclovir typically outweigh the potential risks, especially considering that untreated infections can lead to severe outcomes.
Moreover, valacyclovir offers advantages over its predecessor, acyclovir, such as decreased dosing frequency, which can enhance compliance among patients. This is particularly beneficial for pregnant women who may have concerns about medication regimens.
Considerations and Recommendations
While valacyclovir is generally considered safe, healthcare providers often recommend a careful assessment of the risks and benefits before prescribing it during pregnancy. The lack of extensive data on early pregnancy exposure means that doctors may opt for more traditional treatments, like acyclovir, especially in the absence of severe symptoms.
In summary, valacyclovir can be a safe option for treating herpes infections during pregnancy, particularly when the risks of untreated infections are high. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare providers to discuss their specific circumstances and make informed decisions regarding the use of this medication.

What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?

Drink plenty of water while taking valacyclovir to stay hydrated and support kidney function. Avoid alcohol while using valacyclovir, as it may increase the risk of side effects or interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.

What is category B pregnancy?

Category A: No risk in human studies (studies in pregnant women have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus during the first trimester). Category B: No risk in animal studies (there are no adequate studies in humans, but animal studies did not demonstrate a risk to the fetus). Category C: Risk cannot be ruled out.

What happens if you take valacyclovir while pregnant?

Use of acyclovir/valacyclovir is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects above the background risk. The manufacturer and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at the effects of acyclovir on the developing fetus. No increase in birth defects was seen in over 500 births.

How do you treat a viral infection while pregnant?

Generally, treatment con- sists of an antiviral medication such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, and symptomatic therapy, which includes acetaminophen, topical anesthetics, sitz baths, and hygienic measures.

Is there any harm in taking valacyclovir?

Kidney damage can happen when taking valacyclovir. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage. Severe Allergic Reactions. Valacyclovir may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious.

Does valacyclovir pass through the placenta?

Nevertheless, because valacyclovir is quickly converted to acyclovir in liver with t1/2 of less than 30 min, the placenta is mostly exposed to acyclovir even after oral valacyclovir administration.

Who can’t take valacyclovir?

Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or. Bone marrow transplantation or. Kidney transplantation—Patients with these medical problems may have an increased risk of severe side effects.

Can you kiss your baby if you get cold sores?

You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Cold sores and other blisters caused by the herpes virus are at their most contagious when they burst. They remain contagious until completely healed.

Why is my boyfriend taking valacyclovir?

Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults.

Does valacyclovir make it hard to get pregnant?

There’s no evidence that aciclovir reduces fertility in either men or women.