acyclovir side effects

[constantburn]

Ten years ago as  part of a routine STD testing I tested positive for antibodies to HSV 1 and 2. (herpes type I and II IgG and IgM. HSV-I IgG ab >6. HSV-II IgG ab 4.90.

I never have symptoms or outbreaks and if I do, they are so mild I don't notice them. I recently began a relationship with a man. I am a woman. He gets cold sores. We have not had intercourse yet. My NP recommended 400 mg a day of acylovir to reduce shedding. I asked her if it was supposed to be twice a day and she said no.

My questions are these:
1. Is once a day acyclovir okay given I never have outbreaks?
2. How safe is oral sex? What are the chances of giving him oral HSV 2. What are the chances of giving him genital HSV 1, keeping in mind I never have outbreaks of either.
3. Since starting the acyclovir (3 weeks) I have an on and off burning senstation in vaginal area many times during the day. What is this? I really don't think it is a yeast infection as I was just treated for one last month, and yes it has cleared up (took teconazole and then thought it hadn't cleared up so took a diflucan). I have not had sex in over a year and was tested for all infections at my last physical. Got the yeast after taking antibiotics.

Is there a possibility the acylovir is causing an outbreak?. There is no redness, sores, discharge, etc, just a burning.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The HSV 2 would not be transmitted in the way that you are asking about.  As I said, there is a small chance that he could get HSV 2 orally if he is the giver of oral sex to you, but that would be the way he would get it - his mouth, your genitals.  

I know someone else who reports burning with Valtrex, not quite sure what that is about, but unlikely to be related to herpes reactivation.

Terri

[constantburn]

the burning senstation is actually still there, just less frequent. I am noticing some vaginal redness. Having never experienced outbreaks, and taking acyclovir, I find this hard to believe this could be an outbreak. I've read some forums where people have similar sx. Do you think it's just an antiviral side effect? Also, please repsond to previous question (oral sex, mouth kissing, oral sex, and passing HSV 2 that way)

[constantburn]

Thank you for answering. The buring sensation comes and goes throughout the day. I was taking valtrex in May and had similar sx. So I switched to acyclovir. I put myself on 400 twice a day yesterday and the burning stopped almost immediatley...yes, I think this was a coincidence. He has agreed to get tested for HSV II. My last question is, what are the chances of passing type II to him from him performing oral on me, then kissing me on the mouth and then me performing oral on him

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Your nurse practitioner is incorrect.  Please refer her (and yourself) to the CDC STD treatment guidelines, 2010.  You need twice a day therapy, 400 mg.  
He already has HSV 1, so the chances of you giving it to him in a new location, like genitally, is very low.  It is also a low chance that you would give him oral HSV 2 if he is the giver of oral sex to you, but not impossible.  Has he actually been tested for HSV 2 infection?  Or doest he just not believe he has HSV 2?
No, the acyclovir is not causing an outbreak.  I'm not sure why you are having burning now, but it is not an outbreak.  How often are you getting this sensation?

Terro