Aa
Acyclovir vs. Valtrex
I am in a committed relationship and my boyfriend is fully aware of the risk of HSV-2 transmission, however, I would obviously like to keep him infection free! I just received a prescription for daily suppressive Acyclovir that I began taking today. My outbreaks are minimal, so the primary purpose for the medication is to reduce the risk of transmission. I have read in various places that Valtrex is the only suppressive medication that has been proven in clinical trials to reduce transmission. I am under the impression, however, that this is simply because Valtrex is the only drug that has been tested for reduction in transmission.
My question is....since Acyclovir also suppresses the HSV-2 virus, is it likely that it will also reduce the risk of transmission? Or, is Valtrex a more effective drug and should I consider switching to that?
My question is....since Acyclovir also suppresses the HSV-2 virus, is it likely that it will also reduce the risk of transmission? Or, is Valtrex a more effective drug and should I consider switching to that?
yes it is available as a generic now but if you don't have insurance, it's still way more expensive than acyclovir. same goes with famvir.
grace
grace
I beleive valtrex is now available in generic in the US. I wold see if it s worth it
take 2 200mg at a time 2x/day - far more convenient :)
the assumption is, the less you are shedding the virus, the less chance your partner has of coming in contact with active virus. I myself don't pay the extra money for valtrex :)
grace
the assumption is, the less you are shedding the virus, the less chance your partner has of coming in contact with active virus. I myself don't pay the extra money for valtrex :)
grace
Thanks Grace, that's what I was thinking but it's nice to have a confirmation. I'm actually taking 200mg Acyclovir 4x per day (simply because that's what my pharmacy had available). Very inconvenient, but much less expensive than Valtrex.
So, it sounds like if I take the Acyclovir as directed it will be as effective as Valtrex at reducing the risk of transmission.
So, it sounds like if I take the Acyclovir as directed it will be as effective as Valtrex at reducing the risk of transmission.
acyclovir is 400mg 2x/day. is what what you are taking?
correct, valtrex is the only drug studied for reduction in transmission to a partner. acyclovir reduces shedding at the same rate , you just have to take it more often.
once daily valtrex is just more convenient, it's not better.
grace
correct, valtrex is the only drug studied for reduction in transmission to a partner. acyclovir reduces shedding at the same rate , you just have to take it more often.
once daily valtrex is just more convenient, it's not better.
grace
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
