5 Things you Need to Know About Herpes Medications

1. They Don't Protect Against HIV

Researchers originally hoped that some of the medications used to treat herpes, with special emphasis on acyclovir, would reduce the chance of the person being treated from getting HIV from another person during sexual intercourse. However, a clinical trial led by the University of Washington in Seattle showed that acyclovir does not reduce the risk of HIV infection. The study took place in 9 study sites in Zambia, South Africa, Peru, Zimbabwe and the United States.

2. The 3 Main Herpes Medications

3 main medications are used to treat herpes: acyclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir. While each medication is slightly different in chemical makeup, they all work by preventing the HSV-2 from making copies of itself. These copies then spread and infect healthy cells. They do this by stopping the creation of an enzyme that only the virus creates.

3. A Closer Look at Acyclovir

Acyclovir is used to speed the healing of blisters or soars in people infected with herpes. It's also prescribed to decrease the pain of sores people get from chickenpox. As far as medical classifications are concerned, Acyclovir is considered an antiviral medication. It stops the spread of the herpes virus in the infected person's body, but it doesn't prevent the infected person from spreading the virus to other people. Acyclovir was the first successful drug used in the treatment of genital herpes. It was licensed in the 1980s and was originally sold under the brand name, Zovirax. Many generic versions of the drug are also available, which makes it the cheapest herpes medication available on the market. It can be administered topically, orally or intravenously. Most doctors find the topical acyclovir ineffective. Acyclovir had some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, headaches and dizziness. People with kidney disease and pregnant or nursing women should not take this drug.

4. All About Famciclovir

Famciclovir can be used to treat herpes outbreaks and to prevent them. To treat an outbreak, one tablet is taken with or without food twice a day for 1 day within 6 hours of the first symptoms. To prevent the virus from returning, infected patients need to take this drug twice a day for up to 1 year. Side effects include loose stools, gas, stomach pain, nausea, headaches, rash, fatigue, itching and painful periods. Pregnant or nursing women and people with kidney disease shouldn't take famciclovir.

5. Understanding Valaciclovir

Valaciclovir is an oral herpes medication, and it is taken twice a day for 5 days to treat an outbreak. It's a derivative of acyclovir, but it absorbs better into the system that acyclovir, so often less frequent doses are needed. Side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting and headaches. Valaciclovir should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, anyone with kidney disease or the elderly.