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Acyclovir vs valacyclovir
About 6 months ago I was tested positive for HSV-2. I have had several outbreaks since then, but they were all pretty minor (1-2 sores). I was taking Valtrex daily for about a month and a half, but I developed what appeared to be cystic acne the whole time I was on it. As soon as I stopped, my skin cleared up, but I had another outbreak, so I went back on it and my skin started to break out again. I've never read anything about that being a side effect, but it was the only explanation. I talked to my doctor about this and she told me to try acyclovir instead. Now I'm starting to take 400 mg once a day.
My main concern is to lower the risk of infection in my new partner. I haven't yet told him that I have herpes, but when I do I want to be able to say that the risk of transmission is very low (when combining daily suppressive drugs and condoms). I read a lot of statistics about Valtrex, but not as many about Acyclovir. Are both drugs just as effective in preventing transmission? Also, should I be taking 400 mg twice a day instead of once? My doctor has been down playing the issue a lot and only gave me the prescription to take it daily bc I asked her to.
Any advice/information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
My main concern is to lower the risk of infection in my new partner. I haven't yet told him that I have herpes, but when I do I want to be able to say that the risk of transmission is very low (when combining daily suppressive drugs and condoms). I read a lot of statistics about Valtrex, but not as many about Acyclovir. Are both drugs just as effective in preventing transmission? Also, should I be taking 400 mg twice a day instead of once? My doctor has been down playing the issue a lot and only gave me the prescription to take it daily bc I asked her to.
Any advice/information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
However, all studies with acyclovir that have had similar outcomes to valtrex have been with twice daily dosing. So, I think you would be right to have your doctor prescribe that schedule for you.
Also, I had a doctor who wouldn't even prescribe me suppressive or episodic therapy even though I had a positive blood test and symptoms that I was sure were related to herpes. After months of being strung along with her trying to rule other things out (unsuccessfully), I found a doctor who took my condition seriously and prescribed me valtrex. If you don't think your doctor is taking this seriously, then maybe try seeing someone else. I think there is a tendency in the medical community to downplay the diagnosis, because of the stigma associated with this disease. I appreciate that, but at the same time, it does need to be managed responsibly and you need to find someone who will be on your side to make that happen.