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Genital herpes medication6/19/2023 ![]() It’s also effective at controlling HSV-1 and HSV-2 symptoms in patients with compromised immune systems and is occasionally used as an alternative to valacyclovir and acyclovir for this purpose. Since 2007, it’s been available as a generic medication at a relatively affordable cost. Unlike valacyclovir and acyclovir, which are usually prescribed for HSV-1 and HSV-2, famciclovir is typically used to treat shingles, or herpes zoster.įamciclovir was introduced in the 1990s by Novartis and is sold under as Famvir in the United States. Famciclovirįamciclovir is another antiviral drug that’s used for certain herpes infections. One study showed that a small 500 mg dose of valacyclovir is as effective as a larger 800 mg dose of acyclovir in preventing recurrence of HSV eye disease. acyclovir for cold sores is because of its improved bioavailability, which allows a lower dose of the drug to be used in treatment. One of the main reasons people may choose valacyclovir vs. ![]() As such, the effects of acyclovir are the same as valacyclovir - faster recovery during an oral or genital herpes outbreak and a reduced risk of transmitting the virus to other people. When taken orally, valacyclovir converts into acyclovir after it passes through the liver. Although it’s still widely available and remains in use today, alternative antiviral drugs like valacyclovir tend to be prescribed more often for long-term herpes management. It’s effective against HSV-1, HSV-2 and shingles.Īcyclovir was discovered in the 1970s and was widely used as a treatment for herpes for decades. AcyclovirĪcyclovir, or ACV, is an older antiviral medication that’s still commonly used to treat herpes. Our Valacyclovir 101 guide includes more information on this drug, including common dosages, potential side effects, interactions and brand names. This means that more of the drug makes it into your body, helping to control a herpes outbreak and reduce your risk of transmitting the virus.Ĭheap, effective and readily available, valacyclovir is likely the first medication your doctor will recommend for a herpes outbreak. Acyclovir is almost completely broken down by the liver when taken orally, whereas valacyclovir has an oral bioavailability level of approximately 50 percent compared to approximately 12 percent for oral acyclovir. acyclovir for cold sores is because of its higher level of oral bioavailability. One of the top reasons to use valacyclovir vs. It’s effective against all forms of the herpes virus, but valacyclovir dosage differs depending on whether it's being used to treat outbreaks of oral herpes, genital herpes or shingles. Valacyclovir starts working almost as soon as you start taking it. Studies show that it reduces the amount of time required for healing during a herpes outbreak, as well as reducing your risk of transmitting the herpes virus to other people. Like other herpes medications, valacyclovir is highly effective. Acyclovir then blocks the herpes virus from reproducing, helping to control the symptoms of a herpes outbreak. After you take a tablet of valacyclovir, it’s converted into the active substance acyclovir. Valacyclovir is a prodrug, meaning it converts into another drug inside the body. Most people know of this drug as Valtrex, a brand name used to market the medication by GlaxoSmithKline. It’s been approved for use as a herpes treatment since 1995 and has a consistent safety record. Valacyclovir is one of the most widely used drugs for treating herpes. Connect with a healthcare provider and discover your treatment options. Some keep their breakouts at bay with a once daily pill. Antiviral drugs are also used as part of suppressive therapy for herpes to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.Įven people with asymptomatic herpes can benefit from using antiviral drugs to lower their risk of spreading the virus to other people through sexual or oral contact. People with active HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections can take them during outbreaks to control and treat their symptoms. Herpes drugs are taken for several reasons. However, consistent use of an antiviral drug can make living with herpes much easier by speeding up healing after an outbreak and reducing your risk of transmitting the virus to other people. None of the antiviral drugs on the market today can cure herpes. ![]() Unlike antibiotics, which eliminate the bacteria that cause infections, antiviral drugs simply control viral proliferation, rather than completely eliminating the target virus from the body. Herpes medications like valacyclovir, acyclovir and famciclovir belong to a class of medications called antiviral drugs.Īntiviral drugs are designed to inhibit the multiplication of viruses in the body.
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