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However, another option to further reduce the risk of spread is daily antiviral medication. More on this next. Zovirax is only approved to treat initial and recurrent outbreaks. Compared to Famvir, Valtrex appears to be more effective at suppressing viral shedding when taken daily.
Of the three medications, Valtrex is the only one approved for reducing the transmission of genital herpes. Oral herpes is usually considered a mild infection, but complications may appear in people with weakened immune systems. The risk of complications with genital herpes is also low, though these include inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Passing HSV-2 to a newborn can be dangerous, however. Doctors may recommend a cesarean delivery to mothers with genital herpes, according to the. Common side effects of these antiviral drugs include headaches and nausea. Famciclovir can cause dizziness, confusion, or sleepiness. Acyclovir and valacyclovir, which are very similar to each other, can cause your kidneys to stop working. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
These medications may interact with other drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which may weaken kidney function. In the same New England Journal of Medicine study , of the 1, couples were instructed to have the infected partner take mg of Valtrex daily.
Are Valtrex And Zovirax Safe To Use While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Valtrex
Valtrex showed no effects on the fetus in animal studies however, there has been no adequate evaluation of valacyclovir or in pregnant women. The incidence of birth defects in women taking acyclovir is about the same as in the general population. Valtrex should only be used during pregnancy when the benefits to the mother outweigh risks to the fetus.
It is not known whether Valtrex is excreted into breast milk. It is known, however, that among women taking acyclovir, concentrations of acyclovir in breast milk are about four times higher than in the mothers blood. The safety of valacyclovir in breastfeeding infants has not been established. Methods other than breastfeeding should be considered if valacyclovir must be taken while nursing.
Zovirax
There are no adequate studies of acyclovir in pregnant women. In a patient registry of women who used acyclovir during the first trimester, the rate of birth defects was similar to the rate of birth defects in the general population.
Acyclovir is excreted in breast milk, and a significant amount may be transferred to the infant.
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How Effective Is Zovirax For Herpes
Zovirax Reviews Extremely Effective Treatment for Herpes Outbreaks and Cold Sores. It works by interfering with the manufacture of new viral DNA. Aside from treating outbreaks caused by the herpes simplex viruses, Zovirax can be used against the related varicella zoster virus, which causes herpes zoster and chickenpox.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Valtrex
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- confusion, agitation, or you feel shaky or unsteady
- hallucinations
- problems with speech
- kidney problems–little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.
Serious side effects may be more likely in adults who are 65 or older.
Stop taking valacyclovir and call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs of a serious side effect that can harm red blood cells:
- fever, pale skin
- unusual bleeding
- red or pink urine, little or no urination
- purple or red spots on the skin
- feeling weak or tired
- stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting or
- swelling in your face, hands, or feet.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, stomach pain or
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.
Fda Approves Valtrex Caplets For Reducing Risk Of Spreading Genital Herpes
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. GlaxoSmithKline announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a supplemental new drug application for Valtrex caplets for suppressive therapy in otherwise healthy adults with genital herpes in order to reduce the risk of heterosexual transmission of genital herpes .
The study of 1,484 couples conducted in support of the application showed that once-daily suppressive therapy with Valtrex, in addition to counseling on safer sex practices, reduced the risk of transmission of symptomatic genital herpes by 75 percent and reduced the risk of overall acquisition of the virus by 48 percent. Safer sex practices should always be used with suppressive therapy.
As a physician whos been treating patients suffering with herpes for years, I have consistently heard from my patients that fear of giving this disease to their partner is a major concern. This approval gives patients another tool, in addition to safer sex practices, to help them protect their partners, said Larry Corey, MD, lead study investigator and professor, Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, University of Washington and head of the Program in Infectious Diseases, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Now, in addition to safer sex practices, patients with herpes can take once-daily Valtrex to reduce their own outbreaks and, at the same time, protect their partner.
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Valtrex Lowers Herpes Transmission
Sept. 27, 2002 — The drug Valtrex — prescribed to prevent recurrences of genital herpes — may actually help prevent the spread of the virus from one sexual partner to another.
The lifelong infection affects 1 in 5 adults, and many infected people don’t have symptoms and don’t know they are infected.
In the study heterosexual, monogamous couples were instructed to use condoms during sex. Previous research has shown that even when told to use condoms, many monogamous couples don’t follow these instructions.
Once-daily Valtrex cut the chance of the partner getting herpes with no symptoms by 50%. The risk of developing genital herpes with symptoms in the partner dropped by 77%.
“This is the first time that a drug has been shown effective against the transmission of virally transmitted infections,” lead researcher Larry Corey, MD, tells WebMD.
Corey is professor of laboratory medicine and medicine at the University of Washington and head of infectious diseases at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. He presented his findings today at a meeting of infection disease specialists in San Diego.
“This is a breakthrough concept,” he says. “It could offer a means of managing other sexually transmitted diseases.
Because the couples were asked to use condoms every time the had sex, some of the reduction in transmission may be due to condom use, not Valtrex alone.
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Can Valacyclovir Help Prevent Herpes Transmission
Valacyclovir , is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes. It is a prodrug, which means it is activated inside the body. Once activated, it inhibits viral DNA replication by the herpes simplex virus. It has been clinically proven to reduce the number of days and outbreaks of herpes.
However it can only help to prevent transmission if used daily. It is important to note that this drug does not cure herpes. It helps prevent outbreaks , and it helps to prevent transmission of the virus to others. It is also important to note that as with any medication, side effects have been associated with valtrex.
So can Valtrex protect you or your partner from transmitting genital herpes? As we know, the virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, and that even if you have no symptoms, you can still spread the disease to your partner if you are infected. Read on to find out more.
What is Valtrex?
Valtrex is a treatment for herpes, a highly contagious infection. Herpes is an infection by the herpes simplex virus, HSV. There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most infections are caused by HSV-2, which most often causes genital herpes. HSV-1 typically causes infections above the waist .
Valtrex works by inhibiting the DNA replication of HSV. It also helps reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks. Valtrex can also be used to treat chickenpox.
What’s the Likelihood of Spreading Herpes While Taking Valtrex?
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What Are The Side Effects Of Valtrex And Valcyte
Valtrex
The side effect profile of Valtrex is similar to that of acyclovir .
Common side effects are:
Valcyte
Valcyte can cause serious side effects, including:
- Blood and bone marrow problems. Valcyte can affect the bone marrow, lowering the amount of your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, and may cause serious and life-threatening problems.
- Kidney failure. Kidney failure may occur in people who are elderly, people who take Valcyte with certain other medicines, or people who are not adequately hydrated.
- Fertility problems. Valcyte may lower sperm count in males and cause fertility problems. Valcyte may also cause fertility problems in women. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern for you.
- Birth defects. Valcyte causes birth defects in animals. It is not known if Valcyte causes birth defects in people. If you are a female who can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Valcyte and for at least 30 days after treatment. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting treatment with Valcyte. If you are a female who can become pregnant, have a pregnancy test done before starting Valcyte.
- Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment with Valcyte.
- Males should use condoms during treatment with Valcyte, and for at least 90 days after treatment, if their female sexual partner can become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about birth control.
Common side effects
Suppressive Therapy For Recurrent Hsv
Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of genital herpes recurrences by 70%80% among patients who have frequent recurrences . Persons receiving such therapy often report having experienced no symptomatic outbreaks. Suppressive therapy also is effective for patients with less frequent recurrences. Long-term safety and efficacy have been documented among patients receiving daily acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir . Quality of life is improved for many patients with frequent recurrences who receive suppressive therapy rather than episodic treatment . Providers should discuss with patients on an annual basis whether they want to continue suppressive therapy because frequency of genital HSV-2 recurrence diminishes over time for many persons. However, neither treatment discontinuation nor laboratory monitoring is necessary because adverse events and development of HSV antiviral resistance related to long-term antiviral use are uncommon.
Valacyclovir 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 3 daysOR
Valacyclovir 1 gm orally once daily for 5 days
*Acyclovir 400 mg orally 3 times/day is also effective, but are not recommended because of frequency of dosing.
Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Oral Herpes Outbreaks
Understanding Herpes With H Hunter Handsfield Md
Herpes expert H. Hunter Handsfield, MD, explains the basics about genital herpes, including the difference between genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, testing options and the importance of knowing virus type, and the three-prong strategy for prevention. See more herpes videos at sexualhealthTV.com.
Have a question about herpes youd like Dr. Handsfield or our other experts to answer? Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how.
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.
Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of all three of the approved antivirals used to treat genital herpes.
Studies have also shown that daily antiviral therapy reduces the rate of transmission from an HSV-2 infected person to an uninfected partner of the opposite sex.
Daily therapy also lowers the odds of infecting other people if you have multiple sex partners or if you are a man who has sex with men.
The drugs work both for people who have had herpes symptoms and for those whose blood tests show they have an HSV-2 infection but who have never had symptoms.
Some people choose to take antiviral drugs only as needed, for outbreaks that occur after the first one. For this to work, you need to start taking the medicine within one day of sores cropping up or during the time period that comes before some outbreaks.
During the prodrome, you may feel
- Burning in the area where the virus first entered your body
- Itching or tingling in that area
- Pain in your back, buttocks, thighs, or knees
Your doctor will probably give you a prescription you can fill and keep handy for timely use, and tell you to start taking the drugs just as soon as symptoms begin.
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Valacyclovir Dosage And Usage
Valacyclovir dosing can differ depending on your diagnosis and body weight. Valacyclovir doses for children, specifically, are calculated by a pediatrician according to the child’s body weight.
Because valacyclovir is a prescription medication, your health care provider will prescribe the specific dose that they believe will be safest and most effective for your situation. But you can see some typical doses in the handy infographic we’ve provided below.
Mayo Clinic is credited for the data used in this graphic.
Because the initial outbreak of genital herpes is usually more severe, physicians often prescribe 1,000 milligrams of valacyclovir tablets to be taken twice per day for 10 days. Subsequent outbreaks, on the other hand, may only require 500 milligrams of valacyclovir tablets twice per day for a shorter duration of time .
Valacyclovir can also be prescribed for long-term use to prevent future outbreaks of genital herpes. This dosage is usually between 500 and 1,000 milligrams once per day.
Valacyclovir Lowers Herpes Transmission Rates
If you have herpes, youve probably taken valacyclovir before as part of an outbreak or initial infection treatment protocol. Valacyclovir is extremely helpful in the management of herpes. During an outbreak, it can speed up the rate of recovery and quickly remove herpes sores.
When it comes to preventing the transmission of herpes, valacyclovir can be helpful but shouldnt be relied on as a 100% effective solution.
Study data shows that people with symptomatic herpes who take valacyclovir are almost 50% less likely to transmit the virus to others than non-medicated people with herpes. In one study, the HSV-2 acquisition rate was reduced from 3.6% to 1.9% using valacyclovir treatment.
Other studies show a similar reduction in herpes transmission rates when the infected person used valacyclovir.
For example, in a 2004 study, researchers noticed that people with non-symptomatic genital herpes were 50% less likely to transfer the virus to their sexual partner. People with herpes symptoms had an even higher drop in transmission ratea reduction of 77 percent.
Its important to remember that this still means there are cases where herpes is transmitted between sexual partners, even when the infected person takes valacyclovir.
In short, while valacyclovir doesnt completely block genital herpes transmission through sex and genital contact, using valacyclovir does lower your risk of catching herpes from a sexual partner.
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Antiviral Drug Reduces Genital Herpes Transmission Between Sexual Partners By 50 Percent
SEATTLE â Dec. 31, 2003 â An international team of researchers finds that taking a single daily dose of an approved antiviral drug known as valacyclovir can reduce the transmission of genital herpes to uninfected partners by 50 percent. The results are published in the Jan. 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The team of researchers led by Dr. Larry Corey, a member of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, conducted a study of nearly 1,500 heterosexual monogamous couples in which one partner had genital herpes and the other did not. Infected partners who received a standard daily oral dose each day of valacyclovir were half as likely to transmit herpes simplex type 2 than infected partners given a placebo.
University of Washington collaborators included Dr. Anna Wald, associate professor of medicine and laboratory medicine, and Dr. R. Ashley Morrow, professor of laboratory medicine.
The strategy potentially could be applied to combat the spread of other sexually transmitted diseases that are caused by viruses.
“This is the first demonstration that an antiviral drug can prevent a viral sexually transmitted disease,” said Corey, also a professor of laboratory medicine at UW and head of Fred Hutchinson’s infectious diseases program. “The study provides the conceptual framework to extend other viral sexually transmitted diseases, such has HIV infection.”
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What Are The Causes Of Herpes Infection
The various causes of herpes infection are:
- Herpes infection spreads from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact and is highly contagious.
- Touching or kissing is the main cause of HSV 1 transmission, whereas, sexual contact is the main cause of HSV 2 transmission.
- If a healthy person shares personal items like toothbrushes, utensils, spoons, etc. with an infected person, then he/she may also get infected.
- Herpes infection can also spread through the eyes.
- This infection can spread by touching the mouth sores of an infected person.
- Having sex without protection can lead to herpes infection of the genitals.
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What Is The Best Medication For Genital Herpes
There are three major drugs commonly used to treat genital herpes symptoms: acyclovir , famciclovir , and valacyclovir . These are all taken in pill form.
How to get rid of genital herpes quickly?
Cold Compresses. You can reduce the pain in the genital herpes women by placing ice packs on them.