Is It Safe To Have Valcyclovir Prior To Breast Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 29 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having breast surgery tomorrow with anaesthetic. I have detected herpes today. Can I take 500mg. twice today before the operation?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Matt Wachsman (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes, but not sure why

Detailed Answer:
Ok, valcyclovir is a pretty safe drug. It, and the other anti-herpes drug work on a virus specific target that does not exist in people. The drug doesn't have toxicity except either by rare allergy or if a huge amount is taken--enough to literally clog the kidneys and much more than the amount prescribed. it does not interact with surgery either.
but.
oral herpes is not a serious condition and is generally not treated.
genital herpes is not serious, not life-threatening, will not increase surgical risk and the treatment only slightly speeds the already fast healing process.
Not sure why one would bother.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar