acyclovir

[mazzywoo]

Hi. Has anyone else ever taken Acyclovir tablets as a preventitive medication for herpes simplex? I have a recurring ocular herpes problem and was on eye drops and ointment for it. The hospital doctor suggested that I take Acyclovir tabs for a long time to try and prevent another outbreak.
I find that I am unable to tolerate them-they make me feel generally tired and a bit 'under the weather' as well as queasy.
If anyone else has had these meds, I would be interested to hear if they have suffered similar side effects. I have now asked my GP if I can stop them and just get my eye treated as and when the herpes returns. Foolish maybe but I don't want to feel 'poorly' all the time.
best wishes, Maz

[Naomicorlett]

I had a course of these some years ago after an horrific coldsore that went right up my nose. Yes they did wipe me out but it was worth sticking it out for me and my cold sores ( when I get them very rarely ) are quite mild. How long do they expect you to take them? Poor you - I understand eye sores are extremely painful.

[mazzywoo]

Thanks for your reply Naomi. Ooh-a cold sore up the nose sounds awful-poor you!
The doc said I would have to take the acyclovir indefinitely, which is why I was worried about taking them and feeling grim all the time. I actually saw my GP yesterday and she said that if I stop them,(which I have decided to do) I must get straight to the eye clinic for topical treatment at the first sign of an eruption.
Yes, it is very painful to get ocular herpes-the pressure in my eye shoots up, light is unbearable and usually I am prescribed 4 different types of eyedrops-lovely!!! However, it usually clears within days and the way I look at it is that lots of people suffer worse illnesses!
Thanks again for your reply-it's comforting to know that I am not alone in having the side-effects!
Best wishes, Maz x