Valtrex in the treatment of genital herpes

Genital Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease which affects nearly 20% of all adult population.

In most cases genital herpes affects male and female genitals, anal zone, buttocks or thigh. Genital Herpes infection is caused by herpes simplex virus or HSV for short. Besides genital Herpes, HSV also causes chickenpox, mononucleosis or shingles. Currently there are known two types of herpes simplex virus:

• HSV type 1 which affects oral cavity and usually develops on lips and tongue. Herpes Simplex Virus may cause genital herpes in case or oral sex. Nearly 30% of genital herpes is caused by HSV type 1.
• HSV type 2 is responsible for the development of genital herpes. HSV type 2 can affect oral cavity via oral sex as well.

Both HSV type 1 and HSV type 2 are very similar in their structure. Besides affecting urogenital system and mouth cavity, they can cause infections of the mucous lining, skin and and CNS (central nervous system).The symptoms of herpes infections depends on different factors:

• Infected area
• The patient's age
• The type of Herpes Simplex Virus
• Concomitant disease
• Functioning of the immune system

Unfortunately, there is not cure for genital Herpes, however there are some medicines which can help to speed the process of recovery and relieve the symptoms of genital Herpes. These medicines can also help to decrease the risk of transmission of genital herpes from one person to another. The most widespread medicines include:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• Famcyclovir (Famvir)

Valtrex is used in children to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) and chickenpox (varicella zoster). It is used in adults to treat cold sores and shingles (herpes zoster). Valacyclovir does not cure these diseases, but it may decrease pain and help sores heal faster. Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals.

Valacyclovir is also used to treat people with genital herpes who are currently having an outbreak. It can also be used to prevent an outbreak (suppressive therapy). This medication helps control symptoms, but does not cure the disease or prevent infection of sexual partners.

If you are taking Valtrex for treatment of genital herpes, it is important to follow safe sex practices to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner, even if there are no symptoms present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.

Take valacyclovir by mouth, with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. This medication works best if you start taking the medication when you first notice symptoms. This medication may not work as well if you wait to start it. How soon you need to start the medication to get benefit depends on the type of infection. Dosage is based on the type of infection, your medical condition, and response to treatment.

To treat chicken pox or shingles, start taking valacyclovir at the first symptom or after the rash first appears. To treat cold sores or genital herpes, start taking this medication at the first sign of symptoms (such as tingling/itching/burning feeling). Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear. When using this drug to suppress/control outbreaks, take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.

If using this medication to treat an outbreak, tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.