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Valacyclovir vs. Valganciclovir

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.

• 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

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%)

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

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.

• 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)

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%)

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