Antiviral drugs like aciclovir, famciclovir, and valaciclovir are commonly used to treat herpes, but must be taken daily to control the disease. Treatment plans depend on outbreak frequency and cost and side effects should be considered. Medication cannot cure herpes, but can reduce outbreak severity and duration. Side effects include headache, nausea, and joint pain.
Herpes is a virus and therefore the drugs used to treat it are antiviral in nature. In many cases, patients must take daily doses to keep the disease under control. The choice of drug for herpes should be made only after consulting a doctor. In addition to effectiveness, other things to consider are costs and side effects. When taking medicine every day, these two areas are of great concern.
Herpes medication is usually given in pill form. The most common products for the treatment of herpes are: aciclovir, famciclover and valaciclovir. The brand names of these products are, in order, Zovirax®, Famvir® and Valtrex®. Aciclovir usually has to be taken more often than the other two, simply because the absorption rate is less favorable than the others. Generics, if available, may present a cheaper option.
For some patients, drugs are taken only during outbreaks. This helps keep costs down, as well as the risk of side effects. For those who have more frequent outbreaks, usually six or more times a year, a more aggressive treatment plan may be prescribed. This would involve using the drug even when there is no outbreak.
No herpes medication can provide a cure for the disease. Rather, all of these drugs work to reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks. These medications will also help with the discomfort that often accompanies outbreaks, including pain and burning sensations. Additionally, an outbreak represents the time when an individual is the most infectious. Therefore, getting through the epidemic quickly is in the best interests of the infected person and their partner.
Regardless of the type of medication you choose, it’s best to start treatment as soon as you notice symptoms, assuming you haven’t already been prescribed more proactive treatment. Once the epidemic starts, it will take longer to calm it down. Herpes outbreaks can be very unpredictable. This is why patients need to make sure that medicine is on hand, even when no symptoms are present.
Common side effects of herpes medications include headache, nausea, joint pain, stomach or abdominal pain, and even diarrhea or constipation. Kidney problems are the most serious side effect, but this usually only occurs with prolonged exposure. Those experiencing side effects should consult their doctor. They can be reduced or eliminated completely by switching to another antiviral drug.
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