Genital Herpes Treatments

While genital herpes cannot be cured, antivirus medications can prevent the virus from growing and spreading. By disrupting DNA synthesis, these medications decrease the duration of genital herpes outbreaks, make the symptoms less severe and, in some cases, prevent outbreaks altogether.

There are three medications commonly used for the treatment of genital herpes: Acyclovir (brand name Zorivax), Famciclovir (Famvir) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). They are all considered equally effective, but various factors determine which medication is most appropriate for individual cases.

Zorivax is perhaps the most versatile of the three options because it can be administered in three ways. Though usually taken in pill form, it is also available as an intravenous drug and as a topical cream. The cream is applied directly to the affected area of skin when an outbreak occurs. However, this is not a very effective genital herpes treatment. The cream does a poor job of relieving symptoms and is therefore rarely used. Intravenous delivery is highly recommended and most common for people with weak or compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients.

Zorivax is considered safest for the treatment of genital herpes in pregnant women, though women who can't take Zorivax may also use Valtrex.

Zorivax is the only one of the three genital herpes treatments available in generic form. The cost savings, however, may be offset by the fact that Zorivax requires more doses: it does not break down in the stomach as quickly as Famvir and Valtrex do.

The treatment of genital herpes may be episodic or suppressive, and all three of the above medications can be used episodically or suppressively.

Episodic treatments are for genital herpes patients who have infrequent outbreaks. They occur on an outbreak-by-outbreak basis and are most effective when undertaken as soon as the patient notices the tingling and numbness that precede an attack.

If a genital herpes patient experiences six or more outbreaks annually, suppressive therapy is recommended. These patients take antiviral medication every day, whether symptoms of an outbreak are present or not. However, it is suggested that these patients - in consultation with their doctors - abstain from genital herpes treatments for short periods of time to see if the recurrence of outbreaks has lessened.

The side effects of antiviral genital herpes treatments may include dizziness, headaches, nausea, reduction of appetite, stomach pain and joint pain. Less common side effects include diarrhea and constipation. Though rare, kidney damage can result from taking Zorivax intravenously over an extended period of time.

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