HERPES

Herpes Drugs | What pharmaceutical drugs treat herpes?

Prescription Drugs

Herpes prescription meds are used as episodic treatments and for long-term suppression therapy:

• If you are having an episode, or breakout, medication can lessen the duration and the symptoms associated with herpes. The sooner you start taking the meds the better as with any treatment.
• A prophylactic type treatment is used to help suppress herpes especially for those who experience frequent recurrences. A smaller dose can be taken over a long period of time. This type of treatment may help with shedding when there are no symptoms.

There is no CURE for herpes.

Talk to your doctor before taking any medication. Some of the side effects of these drugs include stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness or unusual weakness. More serious side effects can include confusion and severe rashes or itching, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), blood in the urine, or fever.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters with herpes, varicella (chickenpox), and herpes zoster (shingles).

Valtrex

Valtrex, which is converted into acyclovir in the body, is designed to last longer and requires a lower dosage frequency.

Zovirax

Zovirax interferes with the virus’s ability to reproduce and spread to new cells.

Famvir

Famvir treats acyclovir resistant herpes.

Sorivudine

Sorivudine is not currently being used to treat herpes.

Denavir

Penciclovir Cream is used on the lips and faces of adults to treat cold sores caused by HSV.