Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Valtrex (valcyclovir)

Valtrex is an antiviral drug approved to treat genital herpes infection, herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes labialis (cold sores) infections. Dr. Martin Lerner of Royal Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, is currently investigating its efficacy in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients with Epstein-Barr virus infections. Valtrex is converted in the body to acyclovir which inhibits viral DNA replication. It is produced by GlaxoSmithKline.

Valtrex May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because it may inhibit the replication of a virus (Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) shown to be activated in some chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies  – Dr. Lerner's 2002 Valtrex trial resulted in much decreased symptoms and increased energy and improved ventricular functioning for about 2/3rds of ME/ CFS patients at 18 months suggests an EBV associated cardiomyopathy may be important in some patients.

A blinded, placebo-controlled 2007 study of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients with documented Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation by Dr. Lerner found Valtrex resulted in increased physical functioning and improved heart functioning (reduced sinus tachycardias, decreased abnormal cardiac wall movements) and reduced EBV antibody levels. Many patients were able to resume normal activities by the end of the 36 month trial.

Patients with both EBV and cytomegalovirus infections did not improve. This suggested a different kind of drug treatment was needed for patients with multiple infections.

A recent study may explain why long time antiviral therapy may be necessary to successfully fight an EBV infectious (Hoshino 2009). It found that Valacyclovir reduces cell to cell reinfection but does not effect EBV infected cells. Since cell to cell reinfection is the chief means EBV has of maintaining itself in the body very long term antiviral therapy could reduce EBV infection rates simply by allowing infected B cells to die off over time without being replaced. This can account for the very longbe replaced over time.

Dig Deeper! EBV and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Dig Deeper! Dr. Lerner's Website

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patients Report – Patient testimonials are present on Dr. Lerner’s website; substantial improvement is generally reported with some returns to complete health. Patient reports can also be found at Revolution Health.com

Side Effects include nausea, headache, fatigue and others in some individuals.

The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.
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Hogg, Mathew. Antiviral Drug May Help Some With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. EI Resource

 
Hoshino Yo, Katano D, et. al. Long-term administration of valacyclovir reduces the number of EBV infected cells. Journal of Virology, published online September, 2009.

 

Dr. Lerner’s Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment Center Lerner AM, Beqaj SH, Deeter RG, Dworkin HJ, Zervos M, Chang CH, Fitzgerald JT, Goldstein J, O'Neill W. A six-month trial of valacyclovir in the Epstein-Barr virus subset of chronic fatigue syndrome: improvement in left ventricular function. Drugs Today (Barc). 2002 Aug;:549-61. Review.

Lerner AM, Beqaj SH, Deeter RG, Fitzgerald JT.Valacyclovir treatment in Epstein-Barr virus subset chronic fatigue syndrome: thirty-six months follow-up. In Vivo. 2007 Sep-Oct;21<5):707-13 RxList the Internet Drug Index: Valtrex