What is the recommended treatment for herpes?
There are three major drugs commonly used to treat genital herpes symptoms: acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These are all taken in pill form. Severe cases may be treated with the intravenous (IV) drug acyclovir.
What does the CDC say about herpes?
CDC recommends herpes testing for people who have genital symptoms for herpes to confirm that they are infected. These events are called “having an outbreak,” and they appear as blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The blisters break and leave painful sores that may take weeks to heal.
How long can you take Valtrex for suppressive therapy?
The recommended dosage of VALTREX for treatment of initial genital herpes is 1 gram twice daily for 10 days. Therapy was most effective when administered within 48 hours of the onset of signs and symptoms. The recommended dosage of VALTREX for treatment of recurrent genital herpes is 500 mg twice daily for 3 days.
Can you transmit herpes on Valtrex?
It is important to keep in mind that Valtrex is not a cure for genital herpes, and there may still be contagious lesions or shedding that occur while taking the medication. While daily treatment can reduce the risk of transmission, it isn’t 100% guaranteed that you won’t become infected.
How long can you safely take valacyclovir?
To prevent recurrent genital herpes, you may need to take valacyclovir for up to 1 year. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Can I take herpes medication everyday?
One Option for Ongoing Therapy: Taking Drugs Regularly Some people with genital herpes choose to take antiviral medication daily to reduce the number of symptom outbreaks they have. In some cases, daily therapy prevents outbreaks completely.
Is it OK to take valacyclovir daily?
Treatment with suppressive therapy The PDR states that for suppressive therapy of recurrent herpes genitalis in all patients valacyclovir 1 gram (1000 mg) should be taken once daily.