Acyclovir v. Valtrex - Suppression Therapy

[WantstoKnow5]

Is there a difference between Acyclovir and Valtrex?

Wanting to know which is better for the purpose of decreasing chance that partner will become infected, use to decrease amount of asymptomatic shedding.  Keep hearing only Valtrex does this, but someone on site suggested Acyclovir.

Thanks in advance!

[CodeRat]

I've read thru the threads and done research but am still confused.

This is exactly what my doc has prescribed:
"valACYclovir 1000 MG tablet Commonly known as: VALTREX"

I assume this is Valtrex but the ACYclovir in valACYclovir is confusing to me.

Is this Acyclovir or Valtrex?

[WantstoKnow5]

Thank you and will be sure to continue it in the same thread, did not think to do that, my bad. :)

[WantstoKnow5]

Thank you and will be sure to continue it in the same thread, did not think to do that, my bad. :)

[gracefromHHP]

Valtrex is an acyclovir prodrug. Greatly simplified - you swallow valtrex and your body converts it into acyclovir inside the body.  You get more active acyclovir available to kick a little herpes butt by doing it this way.  That's why you take valtrex less often.  We don't have studies to confirm that acyclovir reduces transmission the same amount as valtrex does but we assume it does.

http://racoon.com/herpes/v_a_compare.htm  this table comes directly from the valtrex full prescribing info. I've just put it on a page so you don't have to scroll thru all the prescribing info to find it.

Hope that helps :)

grace

[waringblender]

Sorry; Valtrex is one q.d. usually 500 mg.

[waringblender]

They work the same. Acyclovir is 400 mg b.i.d. for suppressive effect, Valtrex is one b.i.d.

Can you keep your questions in the same thread? Then we can all remember your story without looking for the older threads. :o)