Medications for Genital Herpes

Although genital herpes is incurable, taking medications for it lessens the period of the infection’s initial outbreak. It is also effective in lowering the chances of a relapse. There are good chances too that even if it recurrs it will not be severe in nature as the first outbreak. The anti-viral drugs that are prescribed for Genital Herpes come in different price ranges but they should all be taken for at least seven to ten days. If after ten days the doctor is not satisfied with the patient’s progress he may extend the therapy for as long as necessary. Some of the medications prescribed are famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) among others.

In order to prevent the outbreak of genital herpes it is best to start medications as soon as the first signs appear. Medications are prescribed for a minimum of five days. Those who have frequent recurrences like over six a year have to take daily medications. This treatment which is called suppressive therapy is effective in controlling such recurrences in about seventy to eighty percent of the infected patients.