acyclovir and valacyclovir for prophylaxis

Posted by mws @mws, Jul 10 5:22pm

Being treated for MM since December 2024 with quad therapy. Hemotalogist has me also taking acyclovir 400mg twice daily as preventative for shingles. I have had both of the shingles vaccines in past. He recently offered to change from acyclovir 400 mg twice daily to valacyclovir 500mg once daily for convenience. I am having no problems with the acyclovir but seems the valacyclovir would be more convenient AND the daily dosage would then be reduced from 800mg to 500mg although I would be getting the 500 mg all at one dose. I have read about both and side effects, etc. seem about the same -. Has anyone switched from the acyclovir 400 mg twice daily to the valacyclovir 50 mg once daily? Any effects ? And how long do you continue with this? During remission? Thanks.

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jul 11 1:24pm

@mws Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am also on acyclovir twice a day, and have been for almost 4 years. My hematologist oncologist has not offered to switch out like yours has. While it may be convenient, I personally would question about keeping a consistent blood level of protection in my system. Perhaps you could ask about that prior to making a switch?
Ginger

mws | @mws | Jul 11 4:34pm

are you on acyclovir for prevention or treatment? If prevention is it because you are being treated for MM?

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