subject: Finding relief from genital herpes with Valtrex and Famvir [print this page] Finding relief from genital herpes with Valtrex and Famvir
Genital herpes, or herpes, is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type-I and -II. Herpes transmission by the type-I virus is rare, but can occur during oral sex. On the other hand, the type-II virus causes majority of herpes cases in the UK and elsewhere in the world.
What are the treatments available for genital herpes?
The unfortunate thing about genital herpes is that it cannot be treated. But the heartening news for you is that powerful antiviral medicines such as Valtrex and Famvir can suppress the herpes symptoms and prevent frequent outbreaks. But be very sure that herpes treatments are basically preventive and not curative. So possibility of future outbreaks depends a lot on your lifestyle. An unhygienic lifestyle increases the chance of herpes outbreaks. You need to be very careful with your sexual activities, diet and overall health to keep the symptoms from recurring.
Valtrex
Valtrex is an FDA-approved prescription drug which provides relief from the first herpes outbreak and any subsequent occurrences. It is recommended to be taken once daily. If taken within 24 hours from the first outbreak of herpes symptoms, Valtrex can give you total relief in just 5 days. If you use the medicine in conjunction with safer sex practices, the risk of herpes transmission reduces significantly. So effectively, Valtrex lets you take charge of both your general as well as sexual life.
Valtrex is available in doses of 500mg and 1000mg. It is indicated for both adults and children. Valtrex is used for treating cold sores, genital herpes and shingles for adult patients, and cold sores and chicken pox for paediatric patients.
Remember that Valtrex works best if you have a healthy immune system. HIV infection at an advanced stage or kidney or bone marrow transplant can render your immune system weak and the medicine may not work as intended then. Also, talk to your doctor if you have renal conditions.
Famvir
Preventive treatment of genital herpes is made 100% safe and effective with the fast-acting formula of Famvir famciclovir. Like Valtrex, this medicine is also approved by the FDA and it is available only on prescription. Take Famvir as soon as you think you're going to be symptomatic and it will prevent the irritable symptoms of herpes from occurring. The drug can also send the virus to a latent state and prevent future herpes outbreaks. But once again, you must have a sound immune system to get the complete benefits of the medicine.
Famvir comes in strengths of 125mg, 250mg and 500mg. It is the only medicine that can stop or reduce the severity of herpes outbreaks in just a single day. The drug is also prescribed for treating cold sores and shingles. Famvir is contraindicated when you are allergic to any of its active ingredients. Pregnant and lactating women should talk to their doctors before taking the tablet.
Both medicines seem to be the same! Is there any unique difference between the two?
Yes. Valtrex is recommended for people who are affected by genital herpes for the first time in their life. But Famvir is recommended to prevent later outbreaks.
