ME/CFS Research Expert Suzanne Vernon, PhD on Valtrex and CFS

[Guest guest]

Q: Drugs like valacyclovir are too expensive to try. Are there options for

treatments for those without insurance? [Valacyclovir, brand name Valtrex, is an

antiviral drug that is active against the herpesvirus family including

Epstein-Barr]

Dr. Vernon: No.

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Q: Do you think valacyclovir would be worth trying in all patients with long

term CFS?

Dr. Vernon: No. Not all CFS is triggered by EBV or viruses that can be treated

with Valtrex. As with any antimicrobial drug, there is the possibility of the

agent developing resistance. It is possible for EBV to develop resistance to

antivirals such as Valtrex.