Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Valcyte (Valganciclovir)
Valcyte Is an antiviral drug designed to
inhibit viral DNA synthesis. It is federally approved to treat the symptoms
of the cytomegalovirus infection in AIDS patients. Cytomegalovirus is a
herpes virus.
Valcyte May Work in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Because it treats a type of infection (herpesvirus) known to occur in
some patients. Possible herpesvirus infections include HHV-6/7, Epstein-Barr
Virus and Cytomegalovirus.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Physicians Report:
Dr. Guyer believes Valcyte is a ‘significant step forward’ in
the treatment of patients with a documented viral infection. He reports
mostly ‘encouraging results’ from a small set of patients he has treated.
Dr. Holtof reports Valcyte is effective in patients with infectious onset,
evidence of viral reactivation (elevated IgG/Ea for EBV, HHV-6, CMV), high
RNase L activity, low NK cell activity, and other immune findings. Dr.
Enlander reports its effects range from highly dramatic to minimal.
Dr. Podell suggests, however, that patients with a ‘decent quality of life’
refrain from taking Valcyte given it’s potentially serious side effects.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies – In a
preliminary study Dr. Montoya reported that 21/25 ME/CFS patients with
documented EBV/HHV-6 infection, several of which were severely disabled,
improved dramatically with many returning to work or full time activities
after 6 months treatment with Valcyte. `Side effects were low and there were
no relapses after the treatment was ended.
Dr. Anthony Komaroff, MD, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School
reported “This study is small and preliminary, but potentially very
important. If a randomized trial confirmed the value of this therapy for
patients like the ones studied here, it would be an important landmark in
the treatment of this illness.”
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded treatment trial sponsored
by Roche Pharmaceuticals began in spring, 2007. The study has been concluded
and the Montoya is analyzing the results.
Side Effects: the list of potential side effects
is long and includes anemia, reduced white blood cell counts (granulocytopenia),
reduced blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), reduced bone marrow levels and
reduced fertility. Valcyte may also be carcinogenic. These can increase the
risk of infection, anemia and bleeding. It can cause life-threatening side
effects. This drug is counter-indicated in patients with low white blood
cells, platelets or hemoglobin counts. Patients are usually tightly
monitored (up to twice weekly in the early stages) and the dosage is lowered
or stopped if side effects occur. Side effects have not been a problem in
either Montoya study.
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. __________________________
Dr
Holtorf on Valcyte in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Kogelnik AM, Loomis K, Hoegh-Petersen M, Rosso F, Hischier C, Montoya JG.
Use of valganciclovir in patients with elevated antibody titers against
Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) who were
experiencing central nervous system dysfunction including long-standing
fatigue. J Clin Virol. 2006 Dec;37 Suppl 1:S33-8.
Dr.
Podell On Valcyte: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome HHV-6-Possible Cure?
RxList: the Internet Drug Index: Valcyte
Virus
Induced Central Nervous System Dysfunction Association