Episodic Therapy

When you have early signs of an outbreak, you can take medicine to control how bad the outbreak is and how long it lasts. You take the it only when you are having the symptoms. The down side is that it may not lower the risk of spreading the virus to your partner. This is because some outbreaks may not start symptoms.

Suppressive Therapy

Suppressive therapy is used to prevent future outbreaks. This involves taking the medicine each day. You may want to take it if you have a lot of outbreaks. It can also be used to lower the risk of spreading the virus to a partner who has not had the infection. Keep in mind this only lowers the risk, it does not get rid of the risk.

Antiviral Medications for Episodic and Suppressive Therapy

Antiviral medicines are prescribed to treat genital herpes. You may be given:

• Acyclovir—May be given through an IV for severe infections. It can also be taken as a pill or a cream. Pills appear to help more than the cream.
• Oral famciclovir
• Oral valacyclovir

Possible side effects include:

• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin irritation
• Feeling tired or weak
• Stomach pain

If you are pregnant or nursing, or have another health problem such as HIV infection, talk to your doctor. Your treatment plan may not be the same.

Pain Management

Pain relievers can help ease your symptoms until the antiviral medication takes effect.

Special Considerations

Pain medicine can help ease your symptoms until the antiviral medicine begins to work.

• Take your medicine as directed. Do not change the amount or schedule.
• Ask what side effects could happen. Report them to your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medicine.
• Do not share your prescription medicine.
• Medicines can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one, including over the counter products and supplements.
• Plan ahead for refills.