Three antiviral drugs are approved to treat or suppress outbreaks of genital herpes: acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. Most clinically apparent outbreaks can be prevented by taking one of these drugs daily. In addition, daily acyclovir reduces asymptomatic viral shedding by 95%.11 mar 1998
How long does acyclovir take to work to prevent transmission?
When taken as soon as you notice a herpes outbreak, valacyclovir can provide relief in as little as two to three days, minimizing symptoms and reducing the risk of you passing genital herpes to sexual partners.26 abr 2020
How long do you have to take acyclovir for it to work?
Response and effectiveness. May take up to two hours to reach peak plasma concentrations after oral acyclovir administration. May take up to three days for symptom reduction; however, acyclovir should be taken until the course prescribed is completed. Acyclovir works best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.21 may 2021
Does valacyclovir stop transmission?
Once-daily suppressive therapy with valacyclovir significantly reduces the risk of transmission of genital herpes among heterosexual, HSV-2–discordant couples.1 ene 2004
Does Valtrex limit transmission?
Zovirax is only approved to treat initial and recurrent outbreaks. Compared to Famvir, Valtrex appears to be more effective at suppressing viral shedding when taken daily. Of the three medications, Valtrex is the only one approved for reducing the transmission of genital herpes.29 oct 2020
How much does valtrex reduce risk of transmission 2021?
One study of valacyclovir showed that taking suppressive therapy can reduce the chances of transmitting the virus by approximately one-half.28 jun 2021