What Is The Most Effective Herpes Medication

Traditional Medicine And Herpes Simplex 2

Traditional medicine usually recommends two types of remedies for herpes. One isantibiotics and the other is topical creams. There are gels and lotions but essentially they are creams applied topically, which is on the skin.

The antibiotics and creams recommended or prescribed by doctors are usually Acyclovir oral, Zovirax oral, Zovirax topical, Valtrex oral, Valacyclovir oral, Xerese topical, Acyclovir topical or Acyclovir-Hydrocortisone topical, Acyclovir Sodium intravenous, Zovirax topical, Acyclovir topical, Xerese topical and Acyclovir-Hydrocortisone topical. The topical remedies are the creams. The intravenous remedy is administered as an injection. The oral remedies are pills or tablets that must be ingested.

Antibiotics fail to have any impact on herpes simplex 2 because they are meant to fight bacteria.

Antibiotics are remedies for bacterial infections. Hence, it is almost futile to even expect any relief from herpes simplex 2 or any impact on the infection with antibiotics. The same is true for antibiotic creams. The essential components of the creams or the ingredients do not change. The composition remains effective only on bacteria, that too a certain type of bacteria. Not only is herpes simplex 2 a virus but it is a particular strain of virus. There are many viruses in the same family and they all cannot have the same cure or treatment for herpes. This is why there are vaccines for specific viruses that humans have been immunized against.

What To Expect During An Appendectomy

Before your appendix is taken out, youâll take antibiotics to fight infection. Youâll usually get general anesthesia, meaning youâll be asleep for the procedure. The doctor removes your appendix through a 4-inch-long cut or with a device called a laparoscope . This procedure is called laparoscopy. If you have peritonitis, the surgeon will also clean out your belly and drain the pus.

Continued

You can get up and move around within 12 hours after surgery. You should be able to go back to your normal routine in 2 to 3 weeks. If you had a laparoscopy, recovery is faster.

After an appendectomy, call your doctor if you have:

• Uncontrolled vomiting

So What Is The Best Herpes Treatment

Valaciclovir and aciclovir have both been proven to reduce the length and severity of herpes outbreaks. Studies show that both treatments are as effective as each other. Aciclovir is a more cost-effective option, however, valaciclovir offers a more convenient dosing regime. Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference, and what works best for you. Before seeking treatment, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Recommended Reading: How To Hide Herpes On Face

How Is History Helpful In The Diagnosis

Lesions are described as irritable and uncomfortable, but not painful. This history supports a diagnosis of herpes genitalis and does not fit the course of other venereal diseases. 2. You advise the patient that although the lesion present is in a late phase and is not diagnostic, the overall picture is consistent with genital herpes. He desires a definitive diagnosis if possible. What lab tests are indicated Answer Tzanck smear, biopsy, and viral cultures will have very low sensitivity on a crusted involuting lesion. Complement fixation titers are of no value in recurrent disease. Since Tzanck smears are inexpensive, an attempt is not unreason able however, a negative smear at this stage offers no reassurance. The most specific and cost-effective test in this case is a rapid immunofluorescence test for herpes performed on a smear of crusted material. A serologic test for syphilis should be done, and authorization requested for HIV titers.

Read Also: How To Heal Herpes Quickly

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: Can Herpes Virus Cause Nerve Pain

Otc Herpes Treatment Today

Over the counter herpes treatment can be effectively used for controlling the Herpes virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which is highly contagious virus. The virus cannot be cured completely, but its symptoms can be managed to avoid suffering from them. There are many options to deal with the virus including medications and ointments.

It is well known that the Herpes Virus can be in two major states: active and inactive, or dormant. When flare-ups come in the virus active state, it is very important to keep a good hygiene. Avoid touching the sores, keep the area clean and dry. You can wash the area in lukewarm water and use cornstarch on it. There are other handy things that can be used to bring some relief: ice, wearing sun block and cotton loose clothing .

The most unpleasant thing with the herpes besides its bad look is pain and itching sensation. So the main treatment here is the one that simply brings the relief. OTC or over the counter medicines for herpes and cold sores are widely available. They are fall into three main groups: one group gives relief to pain and itch and is applied in the tingling stage of cold sores other two groups prevent or slow down the cold sore lesion from aggravating. The result may vary though, since everybody has the unique health conditions and different stage of the cold sore severity.

Valacyclovir Vs Acyclovir Vs Famciclovir: Who Wins

Medically reviewed by

There are several drugs used to treat herpes, all of which are antiviral medications. The most popular, effective and widely used herpes medications currently available are valacyclovir , acyclovir and famciclovir . All of these drugs work through a similar mechanism, and all have their place in treating cases of HSV-1 and HSV-2. But when it comes down to it, in a battle between Valacyclovir vs. Acyclovir vs. Famciclovir, which herpes medication is the best?

In this guide, well compare these three herpes medications and explain which one is the best choice for treating and managing the virus.

Don’t Miss: Can Herpes Make You Infertile

Where Can I Get Medications For Herpes

The most common antiviral medications used to manage herpes simplex symptoms are available by prescription. If you have symptoms such as a cold sore or genital herpes, call your doctors office. They will first diagnose if you have herpes simplex. Then they will prescribe an appropriate medication to manage your symptoms.

Only docosanol is an antiviral medication available over the counter as a cream to manage oral symptoms such as cold sores or fever blisters.

If you have mild symptoms from a recurring oral herpes infection, you may be able to use nonprescription methods or some home remedies to manage your symptoms.

Examples include:

• pain relievers such ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain
• cold compress or ice to soothe burning or itching
• zinc oxide topical cream, which may help soothe itching or burning

Before trying over the counter medications or supplements, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms.

Management Of Sex Partners

The sex partners of persons who have symptomatic genital herpes can benefit from evaluation and counseling. Symptomatic sex partners should be evaluated and treated in the same manner as patients who have symptomatic genital herpes. Asymptomatic sex partners of patients who have symptomatic genital herpes should be asked about a history of genital symptoms and offered type-specific serologic testing for HSV-2. For partners without genital herpes, no data are available on which to base a recommendation for PEP or PrEP with antiviral medications or that they would prevent acquisition, and this should not be offered to patients as a prevention strategy.

Don’t Miss: Medicine For Herpes Type 1

Treatment Options + Pricing

If you experience outbreaks often, a daily dose of valacyclovir can prevent them and make it less likely that you’ll pass herpes to partners. If your outbreaks are less frequent you might choose to only take valacyclovir when you feel an outbreak coming on this will lessen the outbreak’s severity and help it heal faster. We bill insurance if you have it, and out-of-pocket prices are detailed below.

*For a 90-day supply of daily valacyclovir the out-of-pocket price is 83 cents per pill.

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.

You May Like: Is It Possible For Herpes To Go Away

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.

Complementary And Alternative Medicine

Some people use natural therapies to treat herpes, either on their own or to support standard medical care. The research supporting their use is generally weak, with little evidence that they can reduce either the severity or duration of an outbreak. Even so, many people swear by their effectiveness and consider them a vital part of managing herpes outbreaks.

Complementary and alternative therapies sometimes used to treat herpes include:

• Propolis: This is a sticky substance produced by bees that may help speed the healing of genital herpes. A 2017 study found that people who used propolis ointment experienced better healing by the 10th day of treatment compared to those who used a sham ointment.
• Algae extract: Lab studies suggest that algae extract can inhibit the growth of HSV-2 in test tubes. Whether it can do so in humans has yet to be proven.
• Acupuncture: A 2011 study concluded that acupuncture was mildly effective in reducing pain caused by the herpes zoster virus , the type of herpes virus that causes shingles. While this suggests that acupuncture may be useful in easing genital herpes pain, this has yet to be proven.

Read Also: How Long Between Herpes Outbreaks

Topical Otc Treatments For Genital Herpes

Several over-the-counter topical options are available for genital herpes treatment, but evidence suggests they arent all effective.

Start with a few simple DIY topical compresses. Research shows that topical therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms of genital herpes outbreaks and even contribute to the prevention of outbreaks when used promptly.

Here are a few tried-and-true natural compress ideas to get you started:

• -Dry, warm compress using warmed rice in a sock
• -Cold compress using an ice pack or soft washcloth filled with ice
• -Baking soda paste
• -Crushed garlic cloves mixed with olive oil
• -Topical apple cider vinegar using one-part ACV and three-parts warm water

Available By Prescription Or Over

• Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Your doctor may include an antacid in your drug regimen. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief. Side effects can include constipation or diarrhea, depending on the main ingredients.
• Antacids can provide symptom relief, but generally arenât used to heal your ulcer.
• Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications called cytoprotective agents that help protect the tissues that line your stomach and small intestine.
• Options include the prescription medications sucralfate and misoprostol .

1580 Creekside Dr. Suite 220 Folsom, CA 95630

Also Check: What Does The Herpes Look Like

You May Like: How Long Does Herpes Itching Last

What Are Cold Sores Chickenpox Shingles And Genital Herpes

Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus that may be spread by kissing or other physical contact with the infected area of the skin. They are small, painful ulcers that you get in or around your mouth. It is not known if valacyclovir tablets can stop the spread of cold sores to others.

Chickenpox is caused by a herpes virus called Varicella Zoster Virus . It causes an itchy rash of multiple small, red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites usually appearing first on the abdomen or back and face. It can spread to almost everywhere else on the body and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

Shingles is caused by the same herpes virus that causes chickenpox. It causes small, painful blisters to appear on your skin. Shingles occurs in people who have already had chickenpox. Shingles can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine by contact with the infected areas of the skin. It is not known if valacyclovir tablets can stop the spread of shingles to others.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. It causes small, painful blisters on your genital area. You can spread genital herpes to others, even when you have no symptoms. If you are sexually active, you can still pass herpes to your partner, even if you are taking valacyclovir tablets. Valacyclovir tablets, taken every day as prescribed and used with the following safer sex practices, can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.

Herpes Medication: Treatment And Drug Information

Herpes is a common, lifelong viral infection that affects nearly half of American adults under the age of 50.

Most infected individuals do not develop herpes symptoms at all, but for some people, herpes infections can cause painful sores, blisters, or lesions, often on the mouth or genitals.

People who carry the herpes virus can spread it to others through close, direct, and intimate contact.

In this article, Ill review the medications that doctors use to treat both oral and genital herpes.

These include the oral antiviral medications acyclovir , valacyclovir , and famciclovir .

Ill discuss how long it typically takes for these treatments to work, as well as the various dosages available with these treatments.

Ill examine the different kinds of herpes strains and look at the major side effects of herpes medications.

Finally, Ill discuss when to see a doctor if you think you may be experiencing a herpes breakout. .

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Genital Herpes Quickly

Conditions Treated By Acyclovir And Valacyclovirt

Acyclovir and valacyclovir are indicated in the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, as well as varicella-zoster virus. The most common of these types of viruses are cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. These drugs also play an important role in the prophylaxis of these types of infections, such as recurrent genital herpes.

Acyclovir and valacyclovir are used off-label for the prevention of cytomegalovirus and treatment of ocular infections related to shingles. Off-label use refers to use for treatment in an indication not approved by the Food and Drug Administration .