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Can Valtrex For Herpes Be Toxic To Kidneys?
Question: i recently had an outbreak if cold sores in my nose and on my lips since i had shingles several yrs ago i panicked and have been taking valtrex 1000mg bid for about 10 days had labs done and my creat was up to 1.1 and my gfr dropped from the 70s to 50 bun was 15 i am stopping the valtrex the sxs were gone days ago i thought i was doing something good to really clear it up after research online i was not smart how long should i wait before going for a lab redraw trying not to panic
Brief Answer:
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
It is true that Valacyclovir ,used to treat Herpes ,can be toxic to kidneys in some cases.
Your kidney function is still within normal values.A reduced GFR can indicate a decrease in kidney function but it should be evaluated in association with other reliable test of kidney function.
In your case you may have a decrease in GFR from 70 to 50 but your creatinne level and BUN level are within normal range.
Normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6–1.2 mg/dL and for serum BUN is 7–18 mg/dL.
I would suggest to drink plenty of fluids and test again after 2 weeks.
You also should do a 24-hour urine collection that will determine your true creatinine clearance (a better measure of GFR) and other signs of kidney problems like protein or traces of blood.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
It is true that Valacyclovir ,used to treat Herpes ,can be toxic to kidneys in some cases.
Your kidney function is still within normal values.A reduced GFR can indicate a decrease in kidney function but it should be evaluated in association with other reliable test of kidney function.
In your case you may have a decrease in GFR from 70 to 50 but your creatinne level and BUN level are within normal range.
Normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6–1.2 mg/dL and for serum BUN is 7–18 mg/dL.
I would suggest to drink plenty of fluids and test again after 2 weeks.
You also should do a 24-hour urine collection that will determine your true creatinine clearance (a better measure of GFR) and other signs of kidney problems like protein or traces of blood.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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