valtrex and hair loss or thinning

Since I've been taking antivirals I've noticed the sides of my hair line are getting very thin. I was wondering if anyone else had this as a side effect

I just started on Valtrex yesterday, I sure hope that is not the case. H and loosing my full hair would be a double whammy for sure. Please keep us updated if it continues.

I know it is a side effect. And one of my friends on here @seeker did experience that but everyone is different.

Well it's definitely happening to me. She and it sucks. I I'm wondering if I'm going to go bald. I have normally have thick hair so this is a bummer.

@shocked80 once ur body gets used to the meds it should subside.

When I was on valtrex I didn't notice anything but I was in panic mode so last thin I was worried about was my hair.

Wonder if acyclovir does the same?

@whitedaises I had a hard time with the meds at first. I took acyclovir for a little while but it made me feel sick. I didn'take it for a long period of time. I'm going to email my doctor and see what she says. It sucks because my daughter noticed it so that just let me know it must be extremely noticeable.

Found some info on the subject here:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Herpes/Valtrex-and-Hair-Loss/show/1111781

@ihaveittoo1975 that sounds just like what I'm experiencing. Mine seems to be coming out at the root and breaking off. Im supposed to get some extensions put in my hair today now I'm worried it will pull it out

Well if you normally get extentions they won't be helping your hair loss/breakage either... so it may not be all because of the Valtrex if you are already getting extensions

@wcsdancer2010 no ma'am. I don't normally get extensions. My hair is in a short style and I'm trying to let it grow out with the helping extensions. But that may not be a good idea at the moment

Hmm - yeah - I'd just try to let it grow out till you adjust to the meds... many people have weird symptoms with it to start (just like anti-depressants can have a rough transition time while getting on them)....

@shocked80...I'm SO glad you asked this! I've been wondering what the hell has been going on with my hair lately and it literally never occurred to me that it could be med-related. I just bought a hair care system (shampoo, conditioner, and a spray for your roots) that's supposed to help fine/thinning hair grow, so we'll see. Also, Biotin supplements can't hurt.

@lookingforalaska I just purchased some biotine yesterday. Fingers crossed it helps. Please keep me updated on the hair products and their outcome

@shocked80...it's called Monat. Just stared using it but it smells AMAZING so I guess that's something :D I'll let you know if it works.

@shocked80 I've been using those products for a couple weeks now. They have definitely been working for me. It's grown in length and is much thicker along my part. I'm super excited about the results I've had to far. I've also cut out my valtrex for a while. I had a blood test done and my HSV 1 numbers were 1.62, which apparently is pretty low. I want to see if I'll have an OB if I stop taking it. So that might be a factor, too. I'm not sure. Anyway, you might want to check it out:)

@lookingforalaska thank you. I need it I have a small spot that has no hair by my hairline. I'm freaking out. I'm so scared to go bald.. I where did you get the product from?

Something I've noticed is that my nails peel and break very easily now. This us definitely new for me.

@chikitta13 awww man. I'm sorry you're dealing with that.its crazy how everyone experiences side-effects differently if at all

@shocked80 it's called Monat. I have a friend who's a rep but you can go to Monatglobal.com She swears it makes your hair grow "like a Chia Pet," LOL. There are lots of before and after pics online and on Pinterest.

I got the Volume system. It's shampoo, conditioner and a root spray. And I totally get the freaking out, believe me. Mine was getting super thin, especially on top. I honestly thought I was going to have to look into extensions or something. I keep confirming my hair growth with my 13-yr-old daughter, so if SHE sees it it must be working

Funny you say that my 14yo daughter noticed my thinning edges. I always go to her when I need confirmation of something. Im going to order some today. Thank you @lookingforalaska

@chikitta13 I started having nail issues, too! Again, never anything I would have thought to attribute to meds. I just started using it as an excuse to get my nails done :D

@shocked80 Those teenage girls...omg:) glad I could help! Let me know how it works for you.

@lookingforalaska I definately will. I'm hoping it works for me.

Gah I thought my nails were peeling/breaking because of these nail stickers I used a few mths ago. But that's an awful long time to still have it happening. Does the monat help with nails too? Can't tell if I have hair loss yet or not.

As for the nails/stickers @sadpanda ... whatever damage you have done to the nails with them will remain until that part of the nail grows completely out ... the nail won't "heal" when you stop using something like that ;)

Thanks dancer. Wasn't sure. It makes me wonder what is it in valtrex that makes hair thin out? And nails brittle? I've finally reached a good place after having chronic symptoms since February. So I don't necessarily want to stop taking it unless there are harmful side effects from taking it long term.