How Expensive Is Herpes Medicine

Warnings Of Acyclovir And Valacyclovir

Both acyclovir and valacyclovir are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to either drug. Cautions should also be used if a patient has had a previous reaction to famciclovir, ganciclovir, penciclovir, or valganciclovir as there is a chance for cross-sensitivity between these drugs.

Acyclovir and valacyclovir should also be used cautiously in patients with renal dysfunction. Dose adjustments may be necessary to avoid central nervous system toxicity. Signs of CNS toxicity include agitations, hallucinations, confusion, and delirium. These are more likely in the elderly population. Good hydration is necessary to avoid precipitation of the drugs in the tubules of the kidneys.

What Is Feline Herpes

Feline herpes is caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 , also known scientifically as feline viral rhinotracheitis . This virus infects cats and uses the cats own cells to make more of the virus. Because of this, herpesvirus is very challengingif not impossibleto treat.

Once herpesvirus has infected a cat, most cats will be infected with the virus for a lifetime, including inside cells of the nervous system . During times of stress, cats will develop symptoms again and again.

Medication For Feline Herpes

When cats are not very active, are very congested, or have a lot of yellow-green discharge from the eyes or nose, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. This will eliminate any secondary bacterial infections. Antibiotics will also often shorten the course of disease.

Depending on your cats symptoms, your veterinarian may prescribe either antibiotics by mouth or into the eye. The best choice of antibiotics by mouth for an upper respiratory infection include doxycycline and azithromycin. Some choices of antibiotics in the eyes include erythromycin, Terramycin, tobramycin, or ofloxacin.

While antibiotics may help shorten the length of time your kitty is feeling ill, they will not treat the virus itself. A very common antiviral medication taken by mouth in cats to kill herpesvirus is called famciclovir. It has limited side effects and is most often used when cats have one of the more uncommon conditions, such as keratitis, stomatitis or dermatitis. It may also be used when cats have chronic symptoms related to herpes such as chronic congestion or eye infection.

You May Like: How To Reduce Herpes Outbreaks

Which Herpes Medication Is Best

In the war between valacyclovir vs. acyclovir vs. famciclovir, the truth is, there is no best herpes medication. All three of the drugs are safe and proven to be effective as treatments for HSV-1, HSV-2, shingles and other forms of the herpes virus.

If you think you might have herpes, the best approach is to speak to your doctor about treatment options. Your doctor will be able to provide advice on the most effective drug for treating herpes based on your symptoms, immune system, lifestyle and overall health.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Get updates from hims

General Information About Ciclopirox

Treatments are sometimes prescribed for purposes that are not in the patient leaflet. Do not use ciclopirox for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ciclopirox to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It could harm them.

This page summarizes the most important information about ciclopirox. If you would like more information about ciclopirox talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about ciclopirox that is written for health professionals.

Recommended Reading: How To Cure Herpes Simplex 1

All About Feline Herpes

• Over 80 percent of cats are affected by the herpesvirus.
• The virus can lay dormant, with symptoms showing during times of stress.
• Symptoms of herpes in cats may include upper respiratory problems such as sneezing and watery eyes.
• Many cats recover from symptoms without treatment. However, severe cases may require medications.
• The FVRCP vaccine for cats can help prevent feline herpes.

Over 80 percent of cats have feline herpes, a virus that hides within the body and can cause symptoms at any time. It can cause a myriad of issues, from a common cold to painful inflammation in the mouth.

How do you know if your cat has herpes? And how is it prevented or treated? Read below to understand this complex condition.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Ciclopirox

Ciclopirox is a topical antifungal agent that treats dandruff. It shouldnt be used around the eyes or mouth. Because studies on the efficacy and safety of ciclopirox excluded people with a history of immunosuppression, ciclopirox is not recommended in these patients, including patients on corticosteroid therapy .

You May Like: How Can You Get Genital Herpes Without Being Sexually Active

Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Acyclovir Vs Valacyclovir

Acyclovir is a prescription medication that is covered by both commercial and Medicare prescription insurance plans. The out-of-pocket price for acyclovir can average more than $50, but with a coupon from SingleCare, you could pay less than $10 at participating pharmacies.

Valacyclovir is a prescription medication that is covered by both commercial and Medicare drug insurance plans. The out-of-pocket price of valacyclovir can be more than $200 for one prescription. With a coupon from SingleCare, you could obtain valacyclovir for approximately $13.

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.

Don’t Miss: How To Date Someone With Herpes

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.

Drug Interactions Of Acyclovir Vs Valacyclovir

Acyclovir and valacyclovir are known to have negative effects on both the kidneys and the liver. For this reason, both drugs may be dangerous to take with drugs that are also nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic. In some cases, the risk is so severe that the concurrent use with these drugs is contraindicated. This is the case with cidofovir. Other drugs are strongly discouraged from being used concomitantly with acyclovir or valacyclovir for the same concerns. These include capreomycin, foscarnet, and mannitol.

Vaccinations against varicella and zoster have significantly decreased outbreaks of these viruses. However, the administration of live attenuated vaccines depend on the bodys immune system and natural response to the vaccine to produce antibodies in order to be effective. For that reason, acyclovir and valacyclovir should not be administered within a specific window before and after administering these vaccines. Your healthcare provider can provide more specific information prior to your vaccine.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all potential drug interactions. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information and be sure they know all prescription drugs and supplements you are taking prior to beginning antiviral therapy.

Recommended Reading: What Does Herpes Leg Pain Feel Like

How Do Herpes Drugs Work

Herpes medications like valacyclovir, acyclovir and famciclovir belong to a class of medications called antiviral drugs.

Antiviral drugs are designed to inhibit the multiplication of viruses in the body. 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.

None of the antiviral drugs on the market today can cure herpes. 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.

Herpes drugs are taken for several reasons. People with active HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections can take them during outbreaks to control and treat their symptoms. Antiviral drugs are also used as part of suppressive therapy for herpes to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

Even 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.

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.

You May Like: Can You Transmit Herpes Without Blisters

Real Reviews From Real People

Here’s what our patients are saying.

Great experience. Easy to navigate, easy to get my script filled. Staff are helpful, friendly and respond quickly. Would definitely recommend . . . – especially in these Covid-19 times!

Very trustworthy and credible. They give the information you need and has great support from their doctors.

Oh my gosh. So amazing! Delivers right to your door, fast responses and they take my health care! I’m so impressed, this is definitely the future of prescriptions

Super convenient, and amazing customer service! The team always responds +++ fast and answers every question and concern. Very pleased with Felix!

Discreet, quick, very professional, and feels totally safe. This is such a convenient service and I’m a huge fan already.

Super helpful if you have questions. They get back to you instantly and care about your experience. I have had an awesome experience with them and will continue using Felix!

Sign up was a breeze, and items shipped faster than expected. A positive, painless experience from start to finish!

Painless process. . Impossible to get doctors appointment during pandemic. If it is a simple renewal/prescription, use online practitioners and leave the actual visits for the ailing and infirm.

Very quick and easy to do. Can ask the doctor any questions about the medication. Only drawback is the initial fee, which is a bit pricey.

Super simple to use! Got my meds in a timely manner. Excellent stuff.

Common Side Effects Of Acyclovir Vs Valacyclovir

The manufacturer literature lists side effects for acyclovir and valacyclovir by indication and dosing. Dosing is dependent upon the type of viral infection being treated. Overall post-marketing data is not provided by specific indication and does not give incidence rates. Given the chemical relationship and similarities of the drugs, the side effects are similar as might be expected. Gastrointestinal effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur with either drug. Some of the more serious concerns are the fact that both drugs have been linked to renal failure and an increase in liver enzymes. It is advised that a patients kidney and liver functions status are assessed prior to initiating therapy with either drug. The following list is not intended to be a comprehensive list of side effects. Please consult your pharmacist or other healthcare professional for a more comprehensive list of adverse events.

You May Like: What If My Partner Has Herpes

How Should I Take Montelukast

Montelukast is only prescribed for allergic rhinitis in adults over the Ro platform. Adults using montelukast for allergic rhinitis should:

Please see the full Prescribing Information including the Patient Information sheet for complete safety information.

The Health Risks Of Genital Herpes

Pain and discomfort are the main health effects of genital herpes, but the virus can also cause emotional and social problems for those infected. Although it cannot be cured, genital herpes can be managed with antiviral medication that may help control the recurrences. On rare occasions, genital herpes may cause serious complications such as blindness and inflammation of the brain.

Genital herpes can sometimes be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or birth. The infection can be life-threatening to the child or result in skin lesions or brain damage. Antiviral medication and a cesarean delivery can reduce the risk of infecting the child.

Read Also: How Do You Get Eye Herpes

Treatment Options Available For You

Depending on where you are, there will be a variety of treatment options available to you. In the United States, youâll need a positive identification of the infection before a doctor will prescribe treatment. Your options include college campus health centers , local health clinics, your primary care physician or direct to lab services, such as STDAware.com.

If you think you may have an HSV 2 infection, contact our health counselors today and we will work to help you find a solution.

Are There Any Side Effects

Herpes medications do have side effects, although, in general, most patients are willing to put up with these side effects to end their genital herpes outbreaks as quickly as they can. These side effects include: headaches, gas, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, rashes and tingly sensations of the skin. These side effects are fairly consistent for all of the available herpes medications.

Also Check: How To Test For Herpes Type 2

What Are The Complications Of Having Herpes Infection

People infected with herpes simplex virus will have the virus for the rest of their lives. Even though the virus is inactive in the body, certain stimuli result in the outbreak. Some of them are

• Fever or illness

The following people are at a higher risk of getting the herpes infection.

• Having multiple sex partners
• Having unprotected sex at a younger age
• Infected with other sexually transmitted diseases
• Having a weakened immune system
• Females

What Are The Main Differences Between Acyclovir Vs Valacyclovir

Acyclovir is a prescription medication used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus . It belongs to a class of antiviral drugs known as synthetic purine deoxynucleoside analogues. This class is also sometimes referred to as nucleoside and nucleotide DNA polymerase inhibitor antivirals. Acyclovir fights viral infections by incorporating itself into the viral DNA and then prohibiting viral DNA synthesis. Acyclovir is available in a variety of forms including topical cream and ointment, ophthalmic ointment, solution for injection, oral capsules, oral tablets, oral dissolving tablets, and oral suspension. The oral acyclovir formulation has poor bioavailability because it is altered in first-pass metabolism, resulting in poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Tested For Herpes

How Is Sertraline Used To Treat Pe

Sertraline can be used in two ways to treat P.E. It can be taken daily at a convenient time or it can be taken 4-8 hours before you plan to have sex. Daily use is generally more effective. However, some people may prefer to take a pill only when they plan to have sex instead of daily. For example: people who have sex once or twice a month may not want to take a pill daily. Some people also may just not like the idea of having to take medicine every day.

Valacyclovir For Genital Herpes

The antiviral medication valacyclovir is a pill that lessens the frequency and symptoms of genital herpes, and reduces the chance that youll pass the virus to a partner. You can take valacyclovir when you feel an outbreak coming on to lessen symptoms, or take a dose every day for prevention. Taking this medication every day reduces the likelihood of transmitting genital herpes to a partner by 50%. Valacyclovir is safe and effective, side effects are rare.Note: We only prescribe medication if youve previously had a genital herpes diagnosis. If you havent been diagnosed with herpes we suggest you see your local provider for diagnosis during your next outbreak.

Answer a few health questions to get started and pay $15 for your medical consultation. This price includes unlimited messaging with our medical team for a year.

Recommended Reading: Can Oral Herpes Be Treated