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MotherToBaby

Medications and More during pregnancy and breastfeeding

866.626.6847

Acyclovir (Zovirax®) / Valacyclovir (Valtrex®

Selected References:

  • Ahrens KA, et al. 2013. Antiherpetic Medication Use and the Risk of Gastroschisis: Findings From the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2007. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 27(4):340-345.
  • Braig S, et al. 2001. Acyclovir prophylaxis in late pregnancy prevents recurrent genital herpes and viral shedding. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 96:55-58.
  • Centers for Disease Control. 1993. Pregnancy outcomes following systemic prenatal acyclovir exposure – June 1, 1984-June 30, 1993. MMWR. 42:806-809.
  • Drake AL, et al. 2012. Infant Safety During and After Maternal Valacyclovir Vherapy in Conjunction with Antiretroviral HIV-1 Prophylaxis in a Randomized Clinical Trial. PloS One. 7(4):e34635.
  • Drake AL, et al. 2012. Valacyclovir Suppressive Therapy Reduces Plasma and Breast Milk HIV-1 RNA Levels During Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Randomized Trial. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 205(3):366-375.
  • Kimberlin DF, et al. 1998. Pharmacokinetics of oral valacyclovir and acyclovir in late pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 179(4):846-51.
  • Pasternak B, Hviid A. 2010. Use of acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir in the first trimester of pregnancy and the risk of birth defects. JAMA 304(8):859-866.
  • Prober CG. 2001. Management of the neonate whose mother received suppressive acyclovir therapy during late pregnancy. Pediatr Infect Dis J 20:90-91.
  • Ratanajamit C, et al. 2003. Adverse pregnancy outcome in women exposed to acyclovir during pregnancy: a population-based observational study. Scand J Infect Dis 35:255-9.
  • Sheffield JS, et al. 2002. Acyclovir concentrations in human breast milk after valaciclovir administration. Am J Obstet Gynecol 186:100-102.
  • Stone KM, et al. 2004. Pregnancy outcomes following systemic prenatal acyclovir exposure: Conclusions from the international acyclovir pregnancy registry, 1984- 1999. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol 70(4):201- 207.
  • Tyring SK, et al. 2002. Valacyclovir for herpes simplex virus infection: long-term safety and sustained efficacy after 20 years’ experience with acyclovir. J Infect Dis 186 Suppl 1:S40-S46