I recently contacted Dr Richard Gacek via email about my recent regression in my treatment progress (1g Val 3x daily and JOH for the last 6+ months). He recommended switching to FamVir 1gm3x daily for three weeks then down to 500mg 2x. To be honest I am totally afraid to make the switch. I am asking you, my MM Family, what you think and what your experiences have been if you too switched. thank you in advance.
Do it. I was on valtrex and moved to famvir. I noticed an improvement within 4 days. I was able to wean down to the smallest famvir dose and did very well. Recently my symptoms picked up so I am increasing again. I say don't hesitate to switch.
In fact, I had about a week's worth of valtrex left over and I decided to use it (this was months ago) before it got too old. I noticed that the valtrex seemed to make me more thirsty and my urine more concentrated than famvir. It was like it was harder on me than famvir. That may sound totally crazy but it's another reason I am happy with famvir.
Famvir is what dr derebery always prescribed for me. It was reputed to cross the blood brain barrier best of all the antivirals. To be honest. I made the most dramatic improvement with acyclovir. I was very conscientious about soreading the dosage throughout the day. Maybe it depends on the person or maybe there are several diff rent herpes viruses affecting us and one does better with one virus ... who knows,
As always, thanks for the support. I saw a GP today (my normal Dr is on maternity leave) to get the prescription for FAM. Since my husband insisted we do mail order, it wont get here until Tuesday or so. On a happy note, today (so far) I've felt pretty good still using the VAL. She also suggested Flonase nasal spray for some fluid she saw in my ear and the mild post nasal drip I've had since my symptoms flared. Keeping my fingers crossed....but as we all know, this beast is a sly one and likes to strike when least expected. Til then, I'll enjoy the break.
The fluid and post nasal drip make me wonder if you're not fighting another virus. That will set off symptoms as well. I remember when I got the flu, it was like full blown Menieres again. But it was only temporary.
Thanks for checking. The Rx is supposed to be delivered today. I have felt better the last couple of days, so I'm not sure I'll risk the switch yet. However, it's nice to have on hand if another episode hits.
On June 5 of this year I switched from Northstar valacyclovir to famcyclovir at the suggestion of Dr. Gacek (1 gram for three weeks, 500 mg thereafter). I had been having minor dizzy spells frequently for months. Ten days later, on June 15, my ear opened up and the minor dizzy spells stopped. I haven't had any side effects from the famcyclovir. And for some reason, the cost of the famcyclovir is significantly lower than for valacyclovir so I'm saving hundreds of dollars per year. Teva is the manufacturer of the famcyclovir that I'm using. It's worked so far.
thanks for your post. I just received the FAM and it is also TEVA and I too am now on Northstar VAL. It is reassuring to hear others have had improvement when they switched. I just need now to get over the reluctance to actually switch, given I've been doing fairly well the last few days....but then I ask myself, might I feel even better?? All the unknowns in this journey can boggle the mind (as if our minds arent already "boggled" enough). I do appreciate the support.
The dosage of famcyclovir that Dr. Gacek recommended to me was 1 gram per day (i.e., 500 mg twice per day) for three weeks, and then 500 mg once per day thereafter.
Bill, please keep us up on your usage of famcyclovir. I had little success with valacyclovir until I steadied up on the Northstar brand. I have been symptom free for two months since going on Northstar 10 weeks ago. It is nice to know that if the Northstar brand stops working there is a potential fall back.
I started with the JOH regimen in 2009, but that stopped working for me in 2011, so I added valacyclovir, which stopped working in 2016. So this June I switched from Northstar valacyclover to Teva famciclovir (but continued taking the JOH regimen). I asked Dr. Gacek if there are other antivirals I could switch to if the famciclovir peters out too, and he said that there are but didn't say what. I haven't experimented yet with dropping the JOH regimen, because I never wanted to tempt fate.
The dosage Dr G recommended for me was 1gm 3x daily for three weeks, then 500mg twice daily. I have yet to begin the FAM because we have been on extended travel and I didnt want to start something while away. I plan on starting the FAM next week along with a new Rx of Betahistine suggested by my Johns Hopkins Dr. I figured why not try...and I got some positive feedback from a few member here. I'll keep you posted.