VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE

72/100 · Elevated

Manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride Adverse Events Show High Fatigue and Nausea Rates

115,711 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE

VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Based on analysis of 115,711 FDA adverse event reports, VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE has a safety score of 72 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE include FATIGUE, DRUG INEFFECTIVE, NAUSEA, OFF LABEL USE, DIARRHOEA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 72 out of 100, placing it in the elevated concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 115,711 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Fatigue, Drug Ineffective, Nausea. Of classified reports, 69.3% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Fatigue and nausea are the most common adverse reactions reported.

Serious adverse events, such as pneumonia and sepsis, are concerning. Drug interactions and product misuse are reported, warranting caution.

Patients taking Valacyclovir Hydrochloride should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Valacyclovir Hydrochloride can interact with other drugs, and misuse has been reported, so it is important to follow prescribed dosages and avoid concurrent use with other antivirals. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 72/100

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride received a safety concern score of 72/100 (elevated concern). This is based on a 69.3% serious event ratio across 67,035 classified reports. The score accounts for 115,711 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This elevated score indicates a notable proportion of serious adverse events and warrants careful monitoring.

Top Adverse Reactions

FATIGUE4,126 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE3,829 reports
NAUSEA3,813 reports
OFF LABEL USE3,624 reports
DIARRHOEA3,492 reports
HEADACHE2,812 reports
PYREXIA2,651 reports
PAIN2,607 reports
PNEUMONIA2,340 reports
RASH2,240 reports
DIZZINESS2,211 reports
FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA2,066 reports
DYSPNOEA2,027 reports
VOMITING2,017 reports
ASTHENIA1,876 reports
DEATH1,650 reports
ARTHRALGIA1,584 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY1,557 reports
MALAISE1,541 reports
NEUTROPENIA1,538 reports
ANXIETY1,453 reports
COUGH1,412 reports
HERPES ZOSTER1,398 reports
FALL1,363 reports
COVID 191,343 reports
PRURITUS1,339 reports
CONSTIPATION1,307 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,264 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED1,252 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED1,209 reports
THROMBOCYTOPENIA1,193 reports
ANAEMIA1,182 reports
BACK PAIN1,155 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE1,140 reports
INSOMNIA1,104 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY1,054 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN1,041 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION1,017 reports
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT DECREASED1,011 reports
PLATELET COUNT DECREASED1,003 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE973 reports
DEPRESSION951 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS945 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS943 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL934 reports
HYPOTENSION915 reports
NEUROPATHY PERIPHERAL909 reports
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME905 reports
RENAL FAILURE898 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE895 reports
INFECTION875 reports
SEPSIS835 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED827 reports
SOMNOLENCE821 reports
HYPERTENSION797 reports
SINUSITIS795 reports
EYE PAIN793 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER790 reports
DEHYDRATION782 reports
PLASMA CELL MYELOMA776 reports
DISEASE PROGRESSION753 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION717 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING715 reports
PANCYTOPENIA714 reports
CHEST PAIN712 reports
PARAESTHESIA698 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY687 reports
BLOOD CREATININE INCREASED686 reports
ERYTHEMA674 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA671 reports
VISION BLURRED668 reports
RENAL IMPAIRMENT659 reports
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION658 reports
ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS655 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT653 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED652 reports
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS652 reports
ALOPECIA651 reports
TREMOR647 reports
CHILLS630 reports
ORAL HERPES629 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL625 reports
MYALGIA612 reports
MUSCULAR WEAKNESS605 reports
URTICARIA602 reports
RENAL FAILURE ACUTE596 reports
INFLUENZA579 reports
PULMONARY EMBOLISM563 reports
HAEMOGLOBIN DECREASED553 reports
DYSARTHRIA549 reports
BRONCHITIS545 reports
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE519 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION514 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE506 reports
OROPHARYNGEAL PAIN502 reports
DRUG INTERACTION495 reports
CONTUSION494 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT492 reports
ILLNESS490 reports
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS489 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Frequent reports of fatigue and nausea indicate a common side effect profile.
  • Serious events like pneumonia and sepsis highlight potential severe risks.
  • Multiple reports of drug interactions and misuse suggest caution is needed.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 36,658, Male: 24,406, Unknown: 135. The most frequently reported age groups are age 68 (1,266 reports), age 67 (1,222 reports), age 71 (1,221 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 67,035 classified reports for VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE:

  • Serious: 46,455 reports (69.3%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 20,580 reports (30.7%)
Serious 69.3%Non-Serious 30.7%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female36,658 (59.9%)
Male24,406 (39.9%)
Unknown135 (0.2%)

Reports by Age

Age 681,266 reports
Age 671,222 reports
Age 711,221 reports
Age 721,147 reports
Age 621,139 reports
Age 641,123 reports
Age 701,122 reports
Age 691,108 reports
Age 661,090 reports
Age 601,058 reports
Age 731,055 reports
Age 651,042 reports
Age 631,036 reports
Age 611,018 reports
Age 751,003 reports
Age 59970 reports
Age 74958 reports
Age 56929 reports
Age 58928 reports
Age 76925 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride can interact with other drugs, and misuse has been reported, so it is important to follow prescribed dosages and avoid concurrent use with other antivirals.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Valacyclovir Hydrochloride, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include fatigue, drug ineffective, nausea, off label use, diarrhoea. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Follow prescribed dosages and avoid self-medicating or using the drug off-label. Report any adverse reactions to your healthcare provider and the FDA's MedWatch program. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA monitors adverse events to ensure public safety. Regular monitoring by healthcare providers and patients is crucial to identify and manage potential risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

The FDA has received approximately 115,711 adverse event reports associated with Valacyclovir Hydrochloride. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride include Fatigue, Drug Ineffective, Nausea, Off Label Use, Diarrhoea. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Fatigue (4,126 reports), Drug Ineffective (3,829 reports), Nausea (3,813 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Valacyclovir Hydrochloride.

What percentage of Valacyclovir Hydrochloride adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 67,035 classified reports, 46,455 (69.3%) were classified as serious and 20,580 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 36,658, Male: 24,406, Unknown: 135. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported age groups for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride adverse events are: age 68: 1,266 reports, age 67: 1,222 reports, age 71: 1,221 reports, age 72: 1,147 reports, age 62: 1,139 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

The primary manufacturer associated with Valacyclovir Hydrochloride adverse event reports is Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride include: Headache, Pyrexia, Pain, Pneumonia, Rash. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

You can report adverse events from Valacyclovir Hydrochloride to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Valacyclovir Hydrochloride's safety score and what does it mean?

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 72 out of 100 (elevated concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Fatigue and nausea are the most common adverse reactions reported.

What are the key safety signals for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

Key safety signals identified in Valacyclovir Hydrochloride's adverse event data include: Frequent reports of fatigue and nausea indicate a common side effect profile.. Serious events like pneumonia and sepsis highlight potential severe risks.. Multiple reports of drug interactions and misuse suggest caution is needed.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Valacyclovir Hydrochloride interact with other drugs?

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride can interact with other drugs, and misuse has been reported, so it is important to follow prescribed dosages and avoid concurrent use with other antivirals. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Valacyclovir Hydrochloride.

What should patients know before taking Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

Follow prescribed dosages and avoid self-medicating or using the drug off-label. Report any adverse reactions to your healthcare provider and the FDA's MedWatch program.

Are Valacyclovir Hydrochloride side effects well-documented?

Valacyclovir Hydrochloride has 115,711 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Serious adverse events, such as pneumonia and sepsis, are concerning. The volume of reports for Valacyclovir Hydrochloride reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Valacyclovir Hydrochloride?

The FDA monitors adverse events to ensure public safety. Regular monitoring by healthcare providers and patients is crucial to identify and manage potential risks. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to VALACYCLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

AcyclovirGanciclovirFoscarnet
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.