Friday, March 22, 2024

Pills To Take For Herpes

Is There A Cure Or Treatment For Herpes

Anti-Herpetic Drugs – How They Work

Theres no cure for the herpes virus yet. A herpes vaccine doesnt currently exist, as the herpes virus has more complicated DNA than most infections, creating challenges for researchers.

However, medication can help with symptoms, like sores, and outbreaks. Medication also lowers the risk of transmission to others. You can take most medications for herpes orally, though you may also apply some as a cream or receive them by injection.

Different Types Of Herpes Hsv

People with herpes can experience viral symptoms in widely different ways: across this population, there is a large range in both the frequency and severity of peoples herpes outbreaks.

Ultimately, all herpes infections are caused by one of two strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Herpes simplex virus-1 is the strain that is primarily responsible for oral herpes outbreaks, which are also known as cold sores.

In some cases, HSV-1 infections can also cause genital herpes outbreaks, for example if the virus is spread through oral sex.

Herpes simplex virus-2 , meanwhile, is the herpes simplex strain that causes most outbreaks of genital herpes.

Typically, most herpes outbreaks will resolve on their own in 1-2 weeks.

At this point, the herpes virus will move from your skin cells and into your nervous system, where it will lay dormant until it is reactivated, if for example, your immune system is under stress.

However, certain medications can make the resolution of a herpes outbreak quicker, and more tolerable.

In some cases, they can even prevent outbreaks from occurring with frequency .

Whether youre having an outbreak or need long-term treatment, K can help. Get private, online herpes treatment today.

How Herpes Outbreaks Occur

Once it enters a human cell, the HSV virus penetrates the cells nucleus and begins the process of replication. Even though cells may be infected, you probably will not experience any symptoms at this stage.

During the initial infection, the virus is transported through nerve cells to nerve-branching points, known as ganglia. There, the virus will stay in an inactive, dormant state, neither replicating nor presenting any signs that its even there.

On occasion, the dormant virus may suddenly reactivate, starting the replication process anew. When this happens, the virus will travel back through the nerve to the surface of the skin. With this, many of the infected skin cells are killed, causing blisters to form. The eruption of these blisters creates the characteristic ulcers that are recognized as cold sores or genital herpes.

Dont Miss: What Can You Do To Treat Herpes

Also Check: Why Does Herpes Cause Blisters

How Do Other Antivirals Work

Antivirals are medications used in the treatment and prevention of various types of viral infections. Other antivirals are medications that are not categorized into any specific classes of antivirals. Most of the other antivirals block viral replication by interfering with DNA polymerase, an enzymevital for DNA synthesis and viral replication.

Some of the other antivirals are active drugs that directly take effect, while some are prodrugs, which release the active form of the drug after being metabolized. Other antivirals include the following:

  • Acyclovir: Acyclovir is an active drug effective against herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 that cause genital and oral herpes, and varicella-zoster virus which causes chickenpox and shingles. Acyclovir gets incorporated into the viral DNA, inhibits DNA polymerase, and terminates the DNA chain to prevent viral replication.
  • Brincidofovir: Brincidofovir is a prodrug approved for treating human smallpox, a disease caused by the variola virus. Although smallpox has been eradicated with vaccination, concerns that the variola virus can be used as a bioweapon remain.
  • Brincidofovir penetrates cells and releases cidofovir which is metabolized to produce cidofovir diphosphate, the active drug that selectively inhibits orthopoxvirus DNA polymerase-mediated viral DNA synthesis and reduces the rate of viral DNA synthesis.
  • Acute herpes zoster infection
  • How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Valtrex

    Herplex Herpes Treatment

    There are several considerations that you must keep in mind to stay healthy while you are taking Valtrex:

    • Maintain hydration: Valtrex is more likely to cause kidney damage if you are dehydrated.
    • Pain control for shingles: Shingles can cause substantial pain. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a pain-control medication for you as your condition is resolving.
    • Rest and fever control for chicken pox: Chicken pox infection can cause high fevers and sometimes fatigue. If your child has this infection, maintain rest, and follow their providers advice regarding management of fevers.

    Herpes viruses are highly contagious, so its important to avoid infecting others while you are recovering.

    Tips to avoid the spread of the following infections:

    • Cold sores: Dont share cups, utensils, lipstick, or kiss others while a cold sore is present
    • Genital herpes: Practice safe sex.
    • Chicken pox and shingles: Avoid contact with people who are immunosuppressed , people who are pregnant, and babies until your infection has fully resolved.

    Recommended Reading: Do Herpes Outbreaks Go Away On Their Own

    Treatment Of Herpes Tablets

    Completely get rid of herpes in the body is impossible, so taking pills is a way to prevent relapses and exacerbations, that is, to protect the body from abnormalities in the functioning that arise due to the presence of the virus. Treatment of herpesvirus infection has two directions: taking antiviral drugs and antiviral therapy with immunotherapy.

    Tablets from herpes are considered a means of local therapy. Tablets, like ointments, eliminate only a part of the painful symptoms and accelerate the healing process. The most effective treatment is considered, in which drugs with different mechanisms of influencing the virus are used. If the pill is taken at the first sign of the disease, when a characteristic rash has not yet occurred, then it helps to prevent the disease. With frequent relapses, patients are prescribed prophylactic pill administration for several months.

    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.

    Read Also: What Medication Do You Take For Genital Herpes

    When To See A Medical Provider

    Patients should get in contact with their doctors as soon as possible if they suspect they are experiencing an initial outbreak of genital herpes, or are experiencing especially severe and frequent cold sore outbreaks.

    In these cases, the sooner your doctor can test you for herpes and prescribe you medication, the better.

    Following an initial diagnosis, you should work with your doctor to make sure that you have the right antiviral medications on hand to treat later outbreaks as soon as they happen.

    Your doctor can also help set you up with a preventative course of antiviral treatment.

    Once on medication, you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any serious side effects.

    Its especially important to consult your doctor about initial or recurrent genital herpes outbreaks if you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant.

    In these cases, doctors use special medication and treatment strategies to not only support their pregnant patients, but also to safeguard the health of the babies.

    Treatment For Genital Herpes

    Anti herpes drugs | Pharmacology | Antiviral drugs | Med Vids Made Simple

    There are three antiviral medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of genital herpes:

    • Acyclovir: The oldest antiviral medication for herpes is acyclovir. It has been available since 1982 in a topical form and sold since 1985 in pill form. Acyclovir has been shown to be safe in persons who have used it continuously for as long as 10 years.
    • Valacyclovir: A newer drug, valacyclovir, actually uses acyclovir as its active ingredient. This medication delivers acyclovir more efficiently so that the body absorbs much of the drug, which has the advantage of taking the medication fewer times during the day.
    • Famciclovir: Famciclovir uses penciclovir as its active ingredient to stop HSV from replicating. Like valacyclovir, it is well absorbed, persists for a longer time in the body, and can be taken less frequently than acyclovir.

    Antiviral medication is commonly prescribed for patients having a first episode of genital herpes, but they can be used for recurrent episodes as well. There are two kinds of treatment regimens: episodic therapy and suppressive therapy.

    Recommended Reading: Can Someone Pass Herpes Without An Outbreak

    What Other Drugs Interact With Acyclovir

    If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of this medicine or any drug before seeking medical advice from your doctor, healthcare provider or pharmacist first. To do so may result in serious consequences or side effects.

    Severe Interactions of Acyclovir include:

    • There are no severe interactions from the use of acyclovir.

    Serious Interactions of Acyclovir include:

    When To Talk With A Doctor

    Herpes isnt curable, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. These medications can reduce the severity of an outbreak.

    If you suspect you have herpes, make an appointment with a doctor. Its also a good idea to talk with your doctor about a herpes screening if:

    • your current or previous sexual partner has herpes
    • youre planning to have sex with a new partner
    • you had a risky sexual encounter

    If youve already been diagnosed with herpes and youre currently experiencing an outbreak, the outbreak might go away without causing complications and without treatment.

    However, its wise to make an appointment with your doctor if:

    • the outbreak is particularly painful or unbearable
    • youre experiencing symptoms of other STIs
    • youre experiencing frequent, severe outbreaks

    If youre sexually active, its a good idea to have regular STI screenings. You can book appointments for STI screenings with your doctors office. You could also try a local clinic, certain pharmacies, or Planned Parenthood.

    Also Check: Can Herpes Be Cured Permanently

    Best Supplements For Herpes

    1). Lysine is the most important supplement for Herpes or Shingles. This amino acid helps block the virus from reproducing. Its important to also reduce its opposite Arginine amino acid in your diet. Here are two articles discussing high Arginine foods such as Bone Broth, Protein Powders and Chocolate you need to know about.

    I like this Pure Encapsulations Lysine. Pure is committed to additive-free products. This is rare in the supplement industry, even with professional-grade products that I carry. One capsule twice a day between meals is great for maintenance. Take more when you feel prodromal symptoms. I take 500 mg. a day for maintenance.

    2). Supreme Nutrition Olive Leaf. This is whole Olive Leaf, not the standardized extracted Oleuropein sold everywhere. It has a huge antioxidant ORAC score. I find it an effective anti-viral for Epstein Barr and Herpes. Well tolerated, I take it daily from 1 to 4 a day as needed, with food. 6 a day for difficult cases.

    3). Ecological Formulas Monolaurin. Monolaurin is well known for Candida and the various Herpes Viruses. Derived from Coconut Oil, its Lauric Acid disturbs infectious cell membranes which then cannot survive.

    Side Effects Of Herpes Supplements

    Herplex Herpes Treatment

    The natural ingredients used in herpes supplements are not typically associated with any side effects. Healthy adults should not have any adverse reaction if they find the explicit instructions provided.

    Individuals who currently take any medications could potentially experience side effects from the herpes virus if they do not speak with the doctor beforehand. The doctor can educate them on the correct combination of treatments to ensure that they do not have a bad reaction.

    While supplements are undoubtedly safe for consumers, the same cannot be said of herpes medications. The majority of people that take these medications end up with some kind of side effect, including dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, depression, headaches, joint pain, and more. Those are just the side effects for individuals that choose Valtrex as their solution. Individuals that use Zovirax can even experience mood changes and bruising during the use of this product. With supplements, these types of side effects are not possible.

    Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Herpes

    How Long To Take Them

    For the treatment of herpes infections, the usual course of treatment is five days. However in some instances your doctor may want you to take your tablets for ten days.

    For prevention of herpes infections, you should continue to take this medicine every day as prescribed by your doctor.

    Do not stop taking Valtrex tablets just because you feel better. The herpes outbreak may not be completely over.

    Read Also: Where To Get Tested For Oral Herpes

    Protecting Your Partner And Preventing Herpes Transmission

    Research shows that the single greatest fear is the fear of transmission to partners, says Dr. Handsfield.

    The main ways to avoid transmitting herpes are:

    • Learn to recognize how you feel when an outbreak is on the way, and stop having sex immediately.
    • Dont have sex during active outbreaks.
    • Always use condoms but dont rely on them during outbreaks. They dont completely cover infectious areas.
    • Only after all sores have scabbed over and healed should you have sex again.
    • Avoid touching your herpes sores, because you can spread them to other places on your body that way. Whenever you touch a sore, wash your hands immediately.
    • Dont kiss people or have sex if you have a cold sore.
    • Tell potential partners about having herpes before having sex with them, even though it may be hard.
    • Ask your doctor about taking antiviral drugs regularly.

    Recommended Reading: Is Herpes Contagious All The Time

    When Is Preventive Treatment Considered

    Some people have outbreaks of genital herpes very often or experience especially severe symptoms. Then it may be a good idea to take antiviral medication for a longer time including during symptom-free phases. The goal is to prevent further outbreaks and to keep the symptoms from becoming so severe. Also, the antiviral medication reduces the likelihood of infecting others. As preventive treatment, the WHO recommends the following:

    • aciclovir: 400 mg two times per day,
    • famciclovir: 250 mg two times per day or
    • valaciclovir: 500 mg once per day.

    Research shows that preventive treatment can considerably lower the risk of further outbreaks. The people participating had four or more herpes outbreaks per year before the start of the studies, and then took an antiviral medication or a fake treatment for up to one year. A comprehensive analysis of the study results shows that

    • 96 out of 100 people who took a placebo had at least one further outbreak of genital herpes.
    • 46 out of 100 people who were given antiviral medication had at least one further outbreak of genital herpes.

    In other words, the medication prevented further outbreaks in 50 out of 100 people within one year.

    People with very frequent herpes outbreaks also benefited from preventive treatment: In one study involving people with very frequent outbreaks, the medication lowered the number of episodes in one year from 11 to 2.

    What Triggers Outbreaks

    Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment / Alynn Alexander, MD

    Certain triggers can cause the herpes virus to reactivate. This is known as a recurrence and can happen even if you have a healthy immune system.

    There are several known triggers that can stimulate recurrence, including:

    • Physical stress, such as an infection, an illness, or an injury
    • Persistent emotional stress or anxiety for greater than one week
    • Exposure to ultraviolet light , excessive heat, or cold
    • Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation

    Recommended Reading: Does Penicillin Help With Herpes

    Who Should Get Tested

    If you experience any of the symptoms of herpes, you should get tested. The most accurate genital herpes tests will include taking a swab from an open sore. The reliability of results depends on the quality of the sample. If you do not have any signs or symptoms, it is likely that the test will come back negative.

    Also Check: How To Heal Herpes Simplex Fast

    Can I Breastfeed If I Have Genital Herpes

    Yes, you can breastfeed if you have genital herpes, but not if you have a herpes sore on one of your breasts. If you have genital herpes, it is possible to spread the infection to any part of your breast, including your nipple and areola.

    If you have any genital herpes sores on one or both of your breasts:

    • You can keep breastfeeding as long as your baby or pumping equipment does not touch a herpes sore.
    • Do not breastfeed from the breast with sores. Herpes is spread through contact with sores and can be dangerous to a newborn baby.
    • Pump or hand-express your milk from the breast with sores until the sores heal. Pumping will help keep up your milk supply and prevent your breast from getting overly full and painful. You can store your milk to give to your baby in a bottle for another feeding. But if parts of your pump also touch the sore while pumping, throw the milk away.

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    Before Taking This Medicine

    You should not take Zovirax if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir .

    To make sure Zovirax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

    • kidney disease or

    • a weak immune system .

    Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

    It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

    Zovirax should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

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