Once a week suppressive therapy?

Hi all, I've had genital herpes for a few years now and I've learned how to tell when my body
is about to have an attack. For the past few years I've been on the episodal treatment method but would like to look into suppressive therapy.

The reason being I went with my girlfriend to her pap appointment a few days ago (my gf is fully aware of my condition and so is her gyno)

Her doctor mentioned that there are some treatments that can be taken once a week, and that it is just another form of valtrex.

Does this mean it would be a higher doseage as opposed to the 500mg x 2 for 3 days that I take?

[gracefromHHP]

there is nothing you can take once a week to reduce transmission of herpes to a partner. no idea what her gyn is talking about at all.  sounds like her gyn is very misinformed about valtrex and how it works :(

daily suppressive therapy with valtrex reduces transmission to a partner by 1/2 which is significant.  has your gf been tested to know her own herpes status?  

grace

[Igotaboner]

Yes she has been tested and is free of the virus, we would like to keep it that way.
I would never want her to go through the pain I did

We consistently use condoms correctly and I'm always keeping in tune with myself to know if I need to take my meds

[asianslore]

first of all- I really laughed at your nickame.. LOL.. very silly.

just want to know what you mean when u say "I would never want her to go through the pain I did"  you mean emotional pain?

[gracefromHHP]

if you two did nothing but avoid sex anytime you have anything going on in the genital area, her risk is 8-10%/year of contracting hsv2 from you. If you take daily suppressive therapy also and use condoms correctly, her risk is reduced to 2-3%/year. suppressive therapy is definitely a good tool to help keep the odds in her favor of never contracting hsv2 from you.

keep asking questions!

grace

[Igotaboner]

Thanks Grace, the only thing stopping me from taking daily suppressive therapy is the cost of the pills, it can add up quite quickly but I am seriously considering it.

Around my area it costs roughly $60 for 30 pills, so if I took that year round, I would imagine it would cost a pretty penny :(

@ asianslore: I just mean the physical pain of a first outbreak, some people have very bad first outbreaks, mine was quite severe, in my opinion.

[gracefromHHP]

you can get generic acyclovir for under $20/month even without insurance in the US.  valtrex is just more convenient since you only have to take it once a day.  

[Igotaboner]

Thanks Grace, I guess my best bet is to speak with a doctor about my options

I'm in Canada so I'm not sure how the prices differ

[gracefromHHP]

it's still cheaper than valtrex in canada. why not call your local pharmacy and ask about prices?

[Igotaboner]

Ah sorry Grace, I actually have some acyclovir :)