Oral, or tablet, antiviral medications that treat Herpes Simplex Virus can only be prescribed by a doctor. They have been shown to be powerful and effective in controlling both the duration and severity of a herpes outbreak. You and your physician will decide, based on your specific type of HSV and history of flare-ups which drug therapy, suppressive or episodic, will best disrupt and effectively treat the frequency of viral eruptions. As with all medications and sexually transmitted diseases, a physician will also “prescribe” a hygiene management for dealing with the virus. It will most likely cover safe sexual contact with partners, how to care for an outbreak outside of medications, and periods of most contagious contact.
Patients who are pregnant, have HIV or other immuno-compromised illnesses, or those with other medical conditions, may be at risk taking some of these medications. These patients receive specially designed treatment plans based on their current medical condition.
Acyclovir, or Zovirax®
Acyclovir is one of the most popularly prescribed medications for treating HSV, and shingles. As an oral antiviral it is prescribed in tablet form and is often the initial choice of treatment. Acyclovir still remains the more economical of the prescription medications. In the treatment of HSV, acyclovir can be used for both a suppressive or episodic drug therapy regimen, depending on a patient’s history of the virus and frequency of outbreaks. Zovirax is a brand name version of acyclovir from GlaxoSmithKline. A typical dosage of acyclovir for treating the outbreaks as they occur is 5 tablets a day. Dosages for suppressive therapy vary. Physicians determine dosages and therapies based on patients’ health and condition in tandem with the viral characteristics. Side effects might include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
Famciclovir, or Famvir®
Famciclovir is a drug similar to acyclovir and valacyclovir, effective in the treatment of HSV, including shingles. Famvir is the brand name form of the medication. Famciclovir can be prescribed for episodic therapies—those that treat each flare-up as they occur. Typically the dosage for treatment is 3 tablets daily, but might be altered for more frequent outbreaks. The drug’s use as an HSV suppressive therapy—a daily, long-term prescription intended for those with regular flare-ups—is limited in the US.
Typical side effects might include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
Valacyclovir, or Valtrex®
Valacyclovir is currently one of the most powerful drugs in the treatment of HSV, both oral and genital outbreaks, and more severe symptoms of shingles. Valacyclovir works by breaking down in the body, where it reverts to its original state as acyclovir, a potent outbreak-fighting medication. Valacyclovir’s advantage over acyclovir, though, is that it remains in the body longer, so dosages are lower. Results have shown it to be effective not only at lessening intensity and duration of outbreaks, but when taken early enough in an episodic drug therapy—the first slightest “tingle” of an outbreak-- it may be so effective at disrupting the virus that it might even be capable of avoiding a complete outbreak. A typical dosage is 2 tablets a day. Side effects might include nausea, diarrhea and headache.
