Acyclovir gluten-free?

[teamworkjr]

Dr. suggested I take acyclovir to stave off cold sore. Has anyone checked on Acyclovir's gluten-free status lately? Or had any problems tolerating it? All in the name of vanity, you know! Thanks!

Jennifer

[MaryJones2]

This list is handy and will help you out: Open Original Shared Link

From the list: Acyclovir (Teva, Roxane,Schein, Novapharm)

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Many people here seem to have cold sores as a reaction to gluten. It is possible that gluten might have caused your cold sores, in which case, you might not need the acyclovir after all.

I would also worry that taking an antiviral drug might have the same unpleasant result as antibiotics; in other words, it might ultimately make the viruses STRONGER.

It's certainly a reasonable possibility for the short-term, but for the long-term, I think you're better off figuring out what caused your cold sores (or what prevented your body from dealing effectively with the virus that caused them) in the first place, rather than masking the symptoms with medication.

[DebW1017]

Dr. suggested I take acyclovir to stave off cold sore. Has anyone checked on Acyclovir's gluten-free status lately? Or had any problems tolerating it? All in the name of vanity, you know! Thanks!

Jennifer

I called the company (Raxbury, I think) and they said Acyclovir is gluten free. I wouldn't worry about long-term effects. I have taken this drug for at least 20 years with no side effects (that I know of!!).

[ciavyn]

I wasn't aware gluten could cause cold sores. I get vicious cold sores, and used to get them every few weeks. I was miserable. I haven't had one since going gluten free. Since they are typically caused by stress on the body, and gluten causes stress on the system, it makes sense. Gosh, I love this board!

[wartburg03]

I too have been cold sore free since I went off gluten 3 months ago (knock on wood!) I have been eating nuts and chocolate (used to bring on an almost immediate cold sore) like crazy too! I hope it lasts

[Gemini]

Dr. suggested I take acyclovir to stave off cold sore. Has anyone checked on Acyclovir's gluten-free status lately? Or had any problems tolerating it? All in the name of vanity, you know! Thanks!

Jennifer

I took Acyclovir (sp) for shingles and it worked very well and it is gluten free.  I had to take it 5 times per day and never had any GI issues taking all those pills for 2 weeks.  I was able to find out if this was gluten-free but not the other options for anti-virals (the newer and more expensive drugs).  Acyclovir has been around for awhile so I considered it safer than the newer ones.

 

Are you sure that your cold sores are viral in nature and not just from Celiac?  Cold sores and mouth sores are quite common for us, until you've healed well from the diet.