HI all..... I was diagnosed a couple of months ago with this awful thing..... I have had two outbreaks, the one that made me go to my OB about it, and one about eight years ago. Both cleared up on their own, no treatments, no idea I had it. In shock still, I guess. My OB is putting me on Valtrex to prevent an outbreak at delivery time. I'm just over 32 weeks now, and staring at this bottle that I'm afraid to open. I've been reading about the side effects. It sounds like a horrible drug. I have to take one each day, and am guessing that it is best to take with food....
Can someone give me some reassurance that this is okay to do and I'm not going to experience some horrible side effect??

Thank you!

because I've never had an outbreak and didn't know I had hsv until my boys were born, I've never taken valtrex. i can't tell you anything about the side effects. I CAN tell you that even if you experience every side effect ever documented, it would be worth it to prevent transmission to your baby. You won't need to take it long, and if you are REALLY worried about it, you can talk to your doc about starting it a bit later. Most obs don't prescribe it until 36wks anyway.

I'm sure someone will have more info about the valtrex side effects.

HI all..... I was diagnosed a couple of months ago with this awful thing..... I have had two outbreaks, the one that made me go to my OB about it, and one about eight years ago. Both cleared up on their own, no treatments, no idea I had it. In shock still, I guess. My OB is putting me on Valtrex to prevent an outbreak at delivery time. I'm just over 32 weeks now, and staring at this bottle that I'm afraid to open. I've been reading about the side effects. It sounds like a horrible drug. I have to take one each day, and am guessing that it is best to take with food....
Can someone give me some reassurance that this is okay to do and I'm not going to experience some horrible side effect??

Thank you!

I have taken Valtrex for years. I specifically asked, and according to my doctor at the time, who I trusted implicitly, she said that Valtrex is very "non-invasive" to the body. First I took it during outbreaks, but because those came along too often, I GLADLY took it for suppression (which is what your doctor wants you to do). I NEVER experienced ONE noticeable side effect from Valtrex -- only much relief from unwanted, painful and annoying outbreaks. :)

I hope that helps. Let us know if you have any other questions about it.

There are threads here about side effects of Valtrex, but having never been on it, I didn't pay much attention. You can go to the top of the page and search for Valtrex on this board, if you want to do a little research.

I have never had any side effects from taking Valtrex.

I have been on Valtrex for 2 years off and on depening on money, I have had no bad experiences at all. I love the stuff. Im sure your OB woudl not give it to you if it were bad for the baby. Personally I would want it to avoid transmission to my baby. On Valtrex you are 75% less likey to shed the virus when you dont have symptoms (says their website) so I think its a good idea, take one with food and see. I take mine on a empty stomach right before bed. No problems here.