Genital Herpes Suppressing

[katiebee33]

Hi. Just wondering the different between Valtrex and Acyclovir (benefits, symptoms, cons etc.) I know that the liver turns Valtrex into Acyclovir, but are there any other things I should know when picking a drug to take?
Also is taking 400mg of Acyclovir enough for suppressing viral shedding, or is 400mg 2x daily going to suppress viral shedding that much more. What is an estimated percentage of suppressing viral shedding with both aforermentioned doses? Also where is a free/cheap place to get a HSV blood test in California?

Haven't been able to get much info/ answers from my doctor. Want to take something to suppress it to lessen the chance of passing it on and symptoms.

Thank you.

[gracefromHHP]

In the studies done originally on doses and effectiveness for the most amount of people as far as reducing ob's and viral shedding, the once daily doses of acyclovir were not effective.  the half life of acyclovir is very short and just taking it daily is not enough to keep the virus under control adequately.

[facebook_friend]

can you elaborate why is not effective?

thanks

[gracefromHHP]

correct.

[katiebee33]

Taking 400mg of Acyclovir once a day, is NOT an effective dosage to suppress hsv2?

[gracefromHHP]

have you been tested to know your own status?

acyclovir needs to be taken 2x/day to effectively suppress hsv2. All 3 herpes antivirals suppress hsv2 about the same amount except for famvir doesn't work as well in folks who are asymptomatic in their infections.  the herpes handbook is free to read online and has info on all 3 antivirals.

grace