my outbreaks had been very much controlled, but i have experienced two this month alone while taking the generic from Sandoz. very unusaul and i am wondering if anyone else has thoughts on this?
Valacyclovir - has anyone experienced any reduced efficacy with any of the generics?
- Posted:
- 8 Aug 2010 by hellothere34
- Topics:
- herpes simplex -- suppression, valacyclovir, generic
Details:
Responses (6)
suzanne668 Aug 2010
Valacyclovir hydrochloride is a prescription medication that is used to treat chickenpox, shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes. It can also be used on a daily basis to prevent recurring outbreaks of genital herpes and to decrease the chance of spreading genital herpes to sexual partners.
Brand-name Valtrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. However, generic versions are now available as well.
Generic valacyclovir manufactured by Sandoz ( and other generic companies) comes in tablet form in the following strengths:
Valacyclovir 500 mg
Valacyclovir 1000 mg (1 gram).
maso41699 Aug 2010
You are a pharmacist/chemist, you should have mentioned this in your question... you know plenty about meds , e.g. is it the same to take Prozac(FANTASY NAME, BRAND NAME, COMMERCIAL NAME) by lilly ( French pharamceutical company) or fluoxetine, I know the difference and I am sure you do too, it is the same thing with all brand names and generics as you musrt be aware.
Prozac(As they called it the miracle drug when it first was introduced into the marketplace) has been clinically tested and approved while plain old fluoxetine have the same action,it takes longer to work and it is not as effective, plus the chemical compounds- excipients that make up generics are not as "clean", as the brand names (commercial or fantasy names).
Same with klonopin, xanax,(benzos) and as you know because the chemical compounds-excipients of the brand names-fantasy names have been tested and are "cleaner" their COST is a lot higher due to effectivity, testing... etc.
hellothere34
9 Aug 2010
Just trying to get some "unofficial" data to see if this was a widespread problem - would help me both personally and in my ability to counsel patients - my only question was has anyone else noticed reduced efficacy of generic valacyclovir... trying to get numbers not answers. Some generics hold up better in comparison than others - trying to find how the generics for Valtrex are performing. The only thing I feel superior about is my ability to write non-accusatory posts. Please read what I have asked instead of assuming I am asking something which I did not.
maso4169
9 Aug 2010
Do not waste my time.
9 Aug 2010
I'm a little confused by the question since you (mentioned as an after thought) you are a pharmacist. You are asking a specific question yet are looking for opinions. Suzanne gave a very detailed explanation and you (in my opinion) disregarded her answer because you were already aware of the differences (brand vs. generic) Maso is also correct in stating this is a close community where the members support each other and try to help as much as possible. You asked, "anyone else has thoughts on this?" Yes, I do. I would suggest you contact Sandoz and request data regarding any complaints they may have received about the generic form of Valtrex. I would also recommend you go back on the Valtrex since it seemed to work much better for you. I'm just a consumer. I do not know if Valtrex is even available anymore. So if there is a medication that worked better for you, pay the extra money and put your mind at ease about the outbreaks. And as Maso suggested, please contribute to this forum in a positive way as we can always use the advice of a pharmacist.
maso4169
9 Aug 2010
You are very right Chris we are a very close community... See If I were a Doctor which I am not, I would ask this way Hi I am a Doctor/Speciality (identify myself) and I am doing some ... research... etc
This is the proper way a "professional" would do it, and not fall into a trick question.-
7 Nov 2010
I have taken the brand name 1G for years w/ success. Recently (due to loss of insurance) I opted to try the generic-apparently mine is from Mylan has M123 on caps. I have only been using the generic a short time and have already been experiencing issues with it.
I read the other posts & although I understand their irritation on one hand. I for one am thankful to hear the information from one who is well educated in generics. There are small differences in the binding material etc. And I have found difficulties in using generics for some other prescription treatments as well. But my husband (who by the way has NO prescription meds) insists the generics are
16 Mar 2012
I am also having a bad experience with Mylan Valacyclovir Hydrochloride with the M123 on the pill. Prior to switching to generic I was using Valtrex with only one tiny outbreak in almost a year regardless of diet and stress levels. After switching to generic I feel like I'm about to break out all the time and have broken out a few times in just a one month period.
My insurance won't cover herpes meds so I'm going to have to eat the 300 extra dollars a month for actual Valtrex. If anyone knows where to get it cheaper please let me know, right now the best price I've found is at one of the wholesale clubs.
28 Apr 2012
I think that Hellothere34 wanted to know if other people were experiencing the same problem which is the effectiveness of the valacyclovir. I'm sure we all know what generics are and most of us have probably taken them for years. However, when a generic medication worked in the past and then you see a major change, such as increased outbreaks, then it makes you wonder what's going on with the manufacturers of this medicine. I used the name brand Valtrex for a few years and my outbreaks were under control. I noticed in the past few months an increase in my number of outbreaks. My doctor increased my generic valacyclovir to 1,000 mg 2x day and it made zero difference. My doctor has now prescribed "medically necessary" Valtrex and hopefully that will help. I think the second part of Hellothere's questions was for alternatives... which there doesn't seem to be much.
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar questions
Herpes Zoster - If you have oral sex with someone who has a cold sore, is it the same virus that is?
... genital herpes?
1 answer • 18 Dec 2009 • 
Is there a cure for genital herpes?
2 answers • 20 Jan 2010 •
Can you use z-pak to treat genital herpes?
1 answer • 22 Sep 2010 •
Herplex - where can I purchase this or a generic equivalent?
I purchased a product called Herplex a couple of years ago at Walmart. Web searches have yielded nothing. Can anyone suggest a generic equivalent? ...
1 answer • 12 Dec 2010 •
Hi, I have been with my boyfriend for almost 2 years. I am a little upset. I found some pills in?
... an old coat tucked in our closet. The pills turned out to be Acyclovir. I found on here it is used to treat Herpes virus. Does that mean he may ...
2 answers • 28 Apr 2011 •
Im a pharmacist and understand the generic protocols but was wondering if this was worth looking into or just an isolated case... I am frankly quite shocked at the apparent ineffectiveness of the drug this past month... Never had an issue like this before - Ive been taking it for almost 2 years
I had the same experience, the generic didn't seem to work as well. Im trying to find out if there is a better manufacturer I can try. Im shocked that the generic doesn't seem to work.