Treatment
How is genital herpes    treated?
What are your treatment    options?
Safety and tolerability

Did you know…

there’s more than one way to manage genital herpes. Talk to your doctor about all of the options available and choose the one that best suits your own personal concerns and needs.

Choose a Treatment That's
Right for You

Safety and tolerability

Antiviral medications are generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects reported in research studies were headache, nausea and diarrhea.1,4,5 Different side effects have been associated with the different medications. You may wish to consult your doctor for more information about the side effects associated with these medications.

Only use medications as prescribed for you by your doctor. There are special considerations for the use of antiviral medications in certain patients. Their use is cautioned in pregnant women (especially during the first trimester) unless the doctor determines that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Other precautions apply to some of the antiviral medications in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [?] and in children. People with kidney disease may be prescribed lower doses of antiviral medications, or antiviral therapy may not be prescribed at all. Make sure your doctor knows your health status so that he or she can determine what is safe for you to use.

One last word of advice…
Despite the range of treatment choices, any doctor will tell you that the best therapy decision is one made by an informed patient in consultation with their doctor. So first determine your concerns and needs. Then discuss treatment options with your doctor. And together, decide what’s best for you.

References

 

1. Valtrex® (valacyclovir hydrochloride) Product Monograph. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., May 2006.

2. Aoki FY. Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections 2006 Edition: Genital Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections. Public Health Agency of Canada http://phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti_2006/pdf_2006_e.html. Accessed May 15,2006.

3. Corey L, Wald A, Patel R, et al. Once-Daily Valacyclovir to Reduce the Risk of Transmission of Genital Herpes. NEJM 2004;350(1):11-20.

4. Famvir® (famciclovir) Product Monograph. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., January 20044.

5. Zovirax® Oral (acyclovir) Product Monograph. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., March 2007.

6. Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) Product Monograph. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., June 2002.

7. Zovirax Ointment 5% (acyclovir) Product Monograph. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., July 2001.
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