Valacyclovir vs. Valganciclovir for Shingles and CMV: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Valacyclovir

(Valtrex)

Valganciclovir

(Valcyte)

Summary for Valacyclovir

Prescription only

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral medication used for treating infections caused by herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus, such as cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles, and chickenpox. It's available as a tablet. But it can be made by a compounding pharmacy into a suspension for people having trouble swallowing the tablets. Some more side effects of valacyclovir (Valtrex) include headache, nausea, and stomach pain.

Indications for Valacyclovir

Chickenpox (varicella) in children ages 2 to 17 years old
Cold sores in people age 12 years and older
Genital herpes in adults
Shingles (herpes zoster) in adults

Pros and Cons for Valacyclovir

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic
Can be used in adults and children for cold sores
Can be made into an oral liquid by the pharmacy for people having trouble swallowing the tablets
Not many interactions with other medications

Cons

Doesn't cure viral infections
Still have risk of future outbreaks
Only works well if taken at the first signs of infection
Older adults at higher risk for some side effects, such as agitation or confusion

Common Side Effects for Valacyclovir

Cold sores

Headaches (up to 17%)

Genital herpes

Headaches (up to 38%)
Nausea (up to 11%)
Stomach pain (up to 11%)

Shingles

Nausea (up to 15%)
Headaches (up to 14%)

Chickenpox

Diarrhea (5%)
Fever (4%)

Warnings for Valacyclovir

Rare blood clotting problems
Kidney problems
Agitation, confusion, and other nervous system-related side effects

Summary for Valganciclovir

Prescription only

Valganciclovir, also known by its brand name Valcyte, is an antiviral that's used for cytomegalovirus (CMV). It can prevent problems from CMV infection in some adults and children after an organ transplant. For prevention, it's taken by mouth once a day. The medication can also treat an eye infection called CMV retinitis in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). For treatment, it's taken twice a day at first, then once a day later on. Valganciclovir (Valcyte) comes as a tablet and an oral solution, and a generic version is available. Side effects can include diarrhea, nausea, and fever.

Indications for Valganciclovir

Prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after certain organ transplants in high-risk people ages 1 month and older
Treatment of CMV retinitis in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Pros and Cons for Valganciclovir

Pros

First-choice medication for CMV after organ transplant
Taken by mouth
Typically taken once a day for maintenance
Also comes as an oral solution for children

Cons

Must take with food
Can cause stomach upset
Has a risk of anemia and other low blood cell counts
Might cause fertility problems

Common Side Effects for Valganciclovir

Prevention of CMV:

Diarrhea (30%)
Shakiness or tremors (28%)
Nausea (23%)
Headache (22%)
Trouble sleeping (20%)
Vomiting (16%)

Treatment of CMV retinitis:

Diarrhea (41%)
Fever (31%)
Nausea (30%)
Headache (22%)
Low blood cell counts (up to 22%)
Vomiting (21%)
Trouble sleeping (16%)
Stomach pain (15%)
Retinal detachment (15%)

Warnings for Valganciclovir

Low blood cell count and bone marrow problems
Possible fertility problems
Harm to an unborn baby
Potential cancer risk
Kidney problems

Prices with our coupons for Valacyclovir vs. Valganciclovir

Valacyclovir30 tablets / 1g

$21.20$75.51

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Valganciclovir60 tablets / 450mg

$100.09$2,282.13

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Valacyclovir vs. Valganciclovir

Valacyclovir

Valganciclovir

Summary for Valacyclovir

Indications for Valacyclovir

Pros and Cons for Valacyclovir

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Valacyclovir

Warnings for Valacyclovir

Summary for Valganciclovir

Indications for Valganciclovir

Pros and Cons for Valganciclovir

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Valganciclovir

Warnings for Valganciclovir

Prices with our coupons for Valacyclovir vs. Valganciclovir

Compare other Shingles and CMV drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Valacyclovir

Valganciclovir

Summary for Valacyclovir

Indications for Valacyclovir

Pros and Cons for Valacyclovir

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Valacyclovir

Warnings for Valacyclovir

Summary for Valganciclovir

Indications for Valganciclovir

Pros and Cons for Valganciclovir

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Valganciclovir

Warnings for Valganciclovir