[Question #13483] intermittent use of Valtrex

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1 months ago
I have a question that arose while researching some information regarding my test results and Valtrex use.
In my case, I took four 500 mg tablets of Valtrex at 12-hour intervals starting two days after the initial suspected exposure. About two weeks later, I took three tablets at 12-hour intervals over a weekend. After that, I intermittently took 2–3 tablets every 1–2 weeks over the weekends, also at 12-hour intervals. In total, I took 14 tablets of Valtrex 500 mg over a 70-day period.
As for my test results:
At 8 weeks (55 days after exposure), I had an IgG test using the CLIA method and received a value of 0.1 (negative).
At 10 weeks (70 days after exposure), I had another IgG test using the ECLIA method, and the result was also 0.1 (negative).
The two tests were conducted at different laboratories, but both used the same reference ranges:                                                   ≥1.0 = positive                                                                                                                                     0.5–1.0 = borderline                                                                                                                               <0.5 = negative
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1 months ago
I believe the 8-week test used a DiaSorin analyzer, while the 10-week test used a Roche analyzer. I also confirmed that, at the 10-week testing laboratory, most people who test negative typically receive a result of 0.1 or 0.11
My question is: could my intermittent use of Valtrex have had any significant effect on these test results?Also, do you think further testing would be necessary in my case? thank you
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1 months ago
and my concern is about hsv-2!
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1 months ago

To provide a more precise explanation, for example, if the suspected exposure occurred on July 1, I took Valtrex from July 3 to July 4 (a total of 4 tablets at 12-hour intervals). Then, from July 16 to July 17, I took 3 tablets, July 23 to July 24  i took 2 tablets . About two weeks later, I took 3 tablets over another two-day period.

In other words, there was always at least a 7-day gap between each course, and although the doses were not continuous, the total number of days on which I took Valtrex was approximately 12. 

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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
1 months ago
No, taking that much Valtriex for that duration will not impact your test results.  we believe it takes about two weeks of suppressive medication to start making a difference when taking immediately after acquiring a new infection
Terri
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1 months ago
Thank you, Terry. I was actually quite worried that Valtrex might have affected my test results. However, I’m very relieved to know that the amount I took is unlikely to have had any significant impact. I understand that the 12-week test is the official standard, but I’ve also learned that the 10-week test offers a similar level of reliability. Most importantly, since my exposure was very low-risk, I feel reassured and ready to return to my normal daily life. Thank you 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
1 months ago
You're welcome!
Terri
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