Valtrex and Hair Loss?

[wildrose577]

Hi! I am a 29 year old female that has HSV-2. Have been diagnosised recently.  I am in a relationship with a man who does not have it. I have been on valtrex since May. In Septembere I noticed more hair than usual in the tub. I didnt think anything of it. Now more and more hair is coming out and my hair is thinning, noticeably in the front. I talked to my gyno, who said valtrex is not the problem, she has patients on valtrex that do not have that symptom. She advised to see a dermatologist. She told me its the stress I have from everyday life. I have also stopped working out since Septembere as well, not enough time to do. Please help because I have seen blogs where some people have also had the same complaint. I dont want to get off Valtrex because I do not want to pass it on to my boyfriend. Please help!!!!!!!

[Btrfly6]

I too have been in Valtrex for suppressive therapy.  My hair is falling out and thinning really bad.  It is a side effect of the medication.  Wishing there was something to take to make it stop.  But if I stop the anti viral I break out all the time.  It's frustrating!

[auntiejessi]

You may want to try acyclovir. You have to take it twice a day, but it may not have the same effects as Valtrex does. There is also Famvir that you could try. Talk to your doctor about it.

[Btrfly6]

Thank you very much for your comment.  I was on acyclovir but it didn't stop my breakouts.  So I'm on 1000 mg of valtrex twice a day now as once wasn't stopping the breakouts.  I will ask about the Famvir.  

[auntiejessi]

Good luck!

[gracefromHHP]

he's 98% likely each year NOT to contract hsv2 from you. really good odds don't you think?

grace

[wildrose577]

Hi Grace. I went to the doctor today and she said she is 100% sure its not the valtrex. she examined my hair, pulled on it and noticed it is falling out, from the root. She asked about changes in my stress, and ordered blood work to check for my iron and my thyroid. She also prescribed a topical solution to rub on my scalp every night for two weeks. Since then I have stopped taking the valtrex. My boyfriend tested negative for it. What is the likelyhood he will get it with me being off valtrex. I am on birth control, so we do not use any condoms.

[gracefromHHP]

You are in a relationship with a hsv2- partner ( I assume he's had proper testing done ).  really no reason to stop valtrex at this point.

grace

[Mango324]

You know I really don't think it's the Vatrex, I think it's the HVS virus.  I've been on an off Valtrex.  I did notice more hair lost in the being but eventually it stopped.  I think it takes your body some time to adjust to the virus. I have noticed more dandruff but it almost doesn't seem like the normal dandruff. Smaller and sticks near the root of the hair.

[wildrose577]

I certainly will, thank you! Do you then recommend I should continue with the Valtrex until I see the dermetologist?

[gracefromHHP]

all sorts of things can cause hair loss, not just stress ( though for some of us stress really will do it ). Vitamin deficiencies, anemia, changes in hormones and thyroid issues are all common causes too.    I'd google hair loss in  women more before your appointment and go in armed with a list of questions!

grace

[wildrose577]

I have not had any hormone testing nor thyroid testing. Will the dermetologist do all these tests? I go next Friday for my visit with her. I have never had a break out, and am only on valtrex to not pass it on to my boyfriend, who is negative. If I discontinue the use of valtrex, what is the likelihood of passing it on to him?  Even orally? I have heard that after 6 to 12 months of the initial exposure to HSV-2, its rare to pass it. Is this true?

[gracefromHHP]

at this point it's really a chicken and the egg type thing. the vast majority of folks who take valtrex don't experience hair loss. most folks who do, experience it initially when diagnosed and go on valtrex and are incredibly stressed.  for most , it does come back. I do know of less than a handful of folks who experienced hair loss while on valtrex, they could find no other cause for it and even after stopping the valtrex the hair loss did not stop.

at this point continue to follow up on this with the dermatologist. they are your best bet.  The hair loss starting several months into suppressive therapy though is a good indicator that it's not the culprit.  I assume they've done hormone testing and thyroid testing etc on you?

grace