Acyclovir causing swelling of legs and feet?

Question

Acyclovir 800 mg 1 x day my legs and feet are swollen.
I have myelodysplastic syndrome. I have cancer and can hardly walk my feet and legs hurt.

Answer 1

Swelling of legs and feet may have many causes (e.g. kidney failure or heart failure). You would want to make sure that your doctor rules out other possible causes besides acyclovir. If acyclovir is indeed the cause (it appears that acyclovir might, albeit very rarely, cause swelling of extremities or even kidney failure), then your doctors may decide to change your treatment, e.g. by switching to another antiviral, such as famcyclovir. In any case, you need to discuss this with your doctor promptly because swelling of legs and feet may be a sign of serious issues.