Can You Buy Herpes Medication Over The Counter

When Can I Have Sex Again

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Antiviral Tablets To Stop The Herpes Virus Multiplying

Antiviral medicines taken by mouth, such as valaciclovir or acyclovir, are the most effective in controlling symptoms, although they cant cure genital herpes. They stop the virus from multiplying in body cells where the virus is present. The medicine only works while you are taking it. The infection can come back when you stop taking it.

Antiviral tablets are used in the following two ways:

• To treat outbreaks as they happen : The aim is to shorten the time each outbreak lasts and to relieve symptoms. This works best when taken as soon as you get symptoms and before the blisters appear.
• To prevent or reduce recurrences : If you get frequent or severe recurrent outbreaks, your doctor may recommend you take antiviral tablets every day to help prevent recurrences. Suppressive therapy is taken continuously, every day, for months or years. Suppressive antiviral therapy may help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

Antiviral creams bought over the counter from the pharmacy are not recommended as a treatment for a first episode or recurrent genital herpes as they are of little benefit. Antiviral tablets are the preferred treatment.

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Is Acyclovir Or Valacyclovir More Effective

Acyclovir and valacyclovir were compared in the treatment of first episodes of genital herpes infections in an international double-blind, randomized trial. Acyclovir was dosed five times daily, and valacyclovir was dosed only twice daily. It found no clinically significant difference in the lesion healing time, duration of pain, or time to loss of all symptoms. Given that, valacyclovir offers the advantage of twice-daily dosing. This decreases pill burden and increases the likelihood that patients will take the regimen as prescribed until completion. Your doctor will determine what is best to treat a genital herpes infection, but twice-daily dosing may offer an advantage for valacyclovir.

In another randomized, double-blind clinical trial, acyclovir and valacyclovir oral tablet doses were compared for a herpes zoster infection, otherwise known as shingles. The results of this study showed valacyclovir significantly accelerated the resolution of pain associated with a shingles rash. While the rash itself resolved in similar times with either treatment regimen, there were fewer ocular complications in those treated with valacyclovir. Another significant advantage for valacyclovir in this study is that it only needed to be dosed three times per day as compared to five times per day for acyclovir. Ultimately, only your prescriber can determine which treatment option is best for you with an active herpes zoster infection.

Herbs Vitamins And Other Supplements

It isnt always possible to eat foods containing the high levels of nutrients your body needs to fight genital herpes, but herbs, vitamins, and supplements can help. The following choices are known to boost immune system function and help the body combat herpes outbreaks.

Zinc. Chickpeas, pork, lamb, and wheat germ all contain high levels of zinc. Research shows that zinc ions are active against the herpes simplex virus and may even extend the time between outbreaks.

Lysine. Research is still ongoing, but recent reports suggest that daily lysine supplementation may reduce the recurrences of herpes outbreaks. Though lower doses of lysine show little effect, high doses of up to 3,000 mg a day may be beneficial.

Probiotics. Probiotics are well known for their immune-boosting abilities. Now research also shows that certain probiotic strains can limit herpes infections as well.

Vitamin B Complex. The full range of B vitamins serves many critical roles in your body, including healthy cell growth, metabolism, and energy. You need all of these functions in full force to respond to an active outbreak of herpes.

Aloe vera. Aloe vera isnt just for sunburn! Pure aloe vera offers antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound healing properties that soothe herpes symptoms and encourage rapid healing.

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Cream For Genital Herpes

Wash your hands before and after using the cream.

Put a thin layer of cream on the affected area 5 times a day. Do this every 4 hours for example, at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.

Use the cream for at least 5 days. If the genital herpes sore has not healed by then, you can carry on using the cream for another 5 days.

If the affected area has still not healed after a total of 10 days, stop using the cream and tell your doctor.

Get Genital Herpes Treatment Online

Speak to a board-certified doctor, securely from your phone or computer, and get genital herpes treatment online in 15 minutes. There are many home remedies and prescription medications a doctor can recommend and prescribe to help you recover faster.

We accept these insurance plans and many more. Without insurance, appointments are $119.

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About Genital Herpes Treatment

• Taking genital herpes treatment

  Start taking Aciclovir as soon as you feel an outbreak starting.

  Take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 5 days. Complete the course of treatment.

  If you haven’t been diagnosed with herpes previously but think you may have herpes, use our .

• Side effects of Aciclovir tablets

  A small number of people will experience some side effects when taking Aciclovir, however these are generally mild and should pass quickly. These may include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea or tiredness.

  For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

• Effectiveness of Aciclovir tablets

  This treatment is for acute outbreaks of genital herpes only.

  If taken within 5 days of the start of an outbreak, Aciclovir should shorten your outbreak by 1-2 days and make the symptoms less severe. It might even prevent the outbreak if taken early enough.

  There is no cure for herpes, so it may return. This treatment does not affect how often you get future outbreaks, or how severe they will be. However, you can minimise the inconvenience and discomfort of the outbreaks by considering herpes suppression treatment.

• How genital warts treatment works

  Aciclovir is an antiviral that works to prevent the herpes virus from multiplying. This reduces the severity of the infection.

Aciclovir Tablets And Liquid

Doses will vary, depending on why you’re taking aciclovir. Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

A single dose is generally between 200mg and 800mg, and may be lower for children.

You’ll usually take aciclovir 2 to 5 times a day. Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day.

If you take aciclovir:

• 4 times a day you could take it first thing in the morning, at midday, in the late afternoon and at bedtime
• 5 times a day for example, you could take it at 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm

You can take aciclovir with or without food. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to help keep your kidneys working well.

Keep taking the medicine until it’s all finished or until your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop taking it.

For treating a viral infection, you’ll usually take aciclovir for 5 to 10 days. For prevention, you may need to take it for a long time.

Tablets: swallow the tablets whole with some water. If you find tablets difficult to swallow, you can dissolve them in water. Add a tablet to a small glass of water and stir. Drink all the liquid to make sure you get the full dose.

Liquid: use the measuring spoon or plastic syringe that came with your medicine. If you do not have a measuring spoon or syringe, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as you will not get the right amount of medicine.

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How Has My Partner Caught Genital Herpes

If your partner has only just been diagnosed with genital herpes, this does not necessarily mean that they have been unfaithful to you or sexually promiscuous in the past.

• Your partner may have caught genital herpes from you. You can carry the virus without knowing you have it as some people have no symptoms.
• It is also possible that your partner caught the virus from a cold sore on your mouth or face during oral sex. You can pass the virus on even if you don’t have a cold sore at the time of contact.
• Your partner may have contracted the virus from a previous sexual partner, even several years ago. The virus can remain inactive in your body for long periods.

Zovirax Topical Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

• dry, cracked, or peeling lips

• dryness or flaking of treated skin

• burning, stinging, or itching when the medicine is applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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When Should I See My Doctor

You may need to see a doctor if you have more severe symptoms or a weakened immune system if, for example, you have HIV or you are having cancer treatment.

Its also a good idea to see your doctor if:

• there are signs the cold sore is infected, such as redness around the sore, pus and a fever
• you arent sure you have a cold sore
• the cold sore isnt healing, it’s spreading or you have more than one cold sore
• your cold sore has spread to near your eyes
• you get cold sores often

Antibiotics may be needed if the cold sore gets infected.

Who Gets Genital Herpes

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Treating A First Outbreak Of Herpes

A first outbreak of genital herpes can cause a long illness with severe genital sores and can also affect the nervous system. Even if your first episode of herpes is mild, you may have severe or prolonged symptoms later. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone who has a first episode of genital herpes take antiviral drugs.

Almost everyone who has one episode of genital herpes caused by HSV-2 also has later breakouts of sores. Later episodes are less common if your case of genital herpes is due to an HSV-1 infection.

The frequency of genital herpes outbreaks slows down over time in many people.

How To Get Rid Of Genital Herpes Fast: Is It Possible

The herpes simplex virus type 2, better known as genital herpes, is a sexually transmitted infection without a known cure. Although its not yet possible to permanently get rid of genital herpes, a number of techniques are proven to speed up the recovery of an outbreak and reduce unwanted symptoms.

You may recognize a genital herpes outbreak by the appearance of blisters and lesions. Most people experience their first outbreak two to 12 days after initial exposure to the virus. After the blisters break, it may take up to four weeks for herpes ulcers to heal.

After the first outbreak, recurring outbreaks are common but dont last nearly as long. Sores tend to heal within three to seven days in recurring outbreaks, and the number of outbreak periods may even decrease over time.

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Drug Treatment For Genital Herpes

If you are infected with genital herpes, your doctor may prescribe oral antiviral drugs to help ease your symptoms during both a first episode and recurrent episodes. Your doctor may also suggest taking antiviral drugs daily as a suppressive therapy to reduce symptoms and protect partners.

Remember, though, that antiviral drugs do not wipe out the virus completely. It continues to live in your body, so if you stop taking the drugs that suppress it, you may have more frequent or more intense symptom outbreaks, and the risk of your transmitting the virus to others rises.

Three antiviral drugs, all taken by mouth, are used to treat genital herpes:

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When To Contact A Doctor

A person should consider contacting a doctor if their cold sores are large, feel painful, and keep coming back.

The AAD recommends that people seek medical help if they have other health conditions, such as cancer or HIV, or take medications that suppress the immune system. This is because cold sores may not clear without treatment, and they may spread to other parts of the body.

A doctor can advise on treating cold sores and whether or not prescription medications are most suitable for the persons needs.

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Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Acyclovir is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in people who have varicella , herpes zoster , and first-time or repeat outbreaks of genital herpes . Acyclovir is also sometimes used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes in people who are infected with the virus. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure genital herpes and may not stop the spread of genital herpes to other people.

What Are The Top Treatments For Genital Herpes

The most common prescriptions for herpes are: Acyclovir , Famciclovir , Valacyclovir . In addition to prescription medication, at-home treatments and over-the-counter medications can be used to help with genital herpes symptoms. These include: Painkillers , icing the area that are affected , getting sufficient rest, air circulation , rinsing with warm saltwater.

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Medicare Coverage Of Std Treatments And Screenings

If youre seeking Medicare coverage for STD treatments, scroll down to the section on prescription drug coverage. According to the National institutes of Health, STD treatments generally include prescription drugs, such as antibiotics.

Prevention and screening may help you avoid having to get STD treatments. Medicare may cover screening for sexually transmitted diseases , also known as sexually transmitted infections , under Medicare Part B as a preventive service benefit.

While it may not cover STD treatment, Medicare Part B may cover screening lab tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and/or hepatitis B. These screening lab tests may be covered if you are pregnant and/or who have an increased risk for an STD. Medicare will also cover short counseling sessions on STD prevention to those at risk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting screened for an STD if you:

• Are aged 13-64
• Have had multiple sex partners
• Have a new sex partner
• Have a sex partner whos infected with an STD
• Are a man who has had sex with men
• Are pregnant
• Use street drugs and share your equipment with anyone

STD screenings and behavioral counseling may be provided at no cost if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment and determines you are at an increased risk for contracting an STD. If you receive behavioral counseling, you must receive the counseling from a primary care practitioner in a primary care setting, such as a doctors office, or it might not be covered.

What Are The Treatments For Cold Sores

You can’t cure HSV or a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and menthol to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over-the-counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore. It must be used many times a day to speed the healing.

If your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral medicines available for treatment include acyclovir , famciclovir , and valacyclovir . These oral medications are more effective when started within the first 48 hours of the outbreak. Valacyclovir is more expensive, but is better absorbed in the digestive tract and therefore more reliable. Acyclovir and another antiviral medication called penciclovir also come in a topical form.

Cold sores can become complicated by a bacterial infection, so it is also important to keep them clean by washing gently with soap and water as needed.

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