Treatment FAQ

what are medications and treatment for herpes

by Hailey Von Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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There are three major drugs commonly used to treat genital herpes symptoms: acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These are all taken in pill form. Severe cases may be treated with the intravenous (IV) drug acyclovir.Aug 30, 2020

Healthline.com

1. Warm compress...

2. Cool compress...

3. Baking soda paste...

4. Cornstarch paste...

5. Topical garlic...

6. Topical apple cider vinegar...

7. Antioxidant-rich veggies...

8. Omega-3 fatty acids...

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1. Ice Packs...

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3. Hydrogen Peroxide...

4. Garlic...

5. Lemon Balm...

6. Licorice Root...

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8. Tea Tree Oil...

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1. Olive Oil...

2. Echinacea...

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What medication is used to treat herpes?

What to do about:

  • headaches make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. ...
  • feeling dizzy if aciclovir makes you feel dizzy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. ...
  • feeling or being sick stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. ...
  • diarrhoea drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. ...

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What is the best over the counter treatment for herpes?

Treatment options

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax) Acyclovir is a prescription antiviral drug taken orally or applied topically that treats the symptoms of genital herpes.
  • Famciclovir (Famvir) Famciclovir, taken orally in the form of a tablet, is a prescription drug for oral and genital herpes.
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Valacyclovir comes in tablet form taken by mouth. ...

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Is there any over the counter medicine for herpes?

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, can help ease the pain of herpes symptoms. Doctors sometimes recommend soaking the affected area in warm...

How to get rid of herpes symptoms naturally?

Supplements

  • Zinc. Taking zinc may reduce how many herpes outbreaks you experience each year. ...
  • Vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex supplements contain all of the B-class vitamins. ...
  • Lysine. Lysine is an amino acid that your body uses for digestion and healthy cell growth. ...
  • Probiotics. ...

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What is the most effective treatment for herpes?

Intravenous acyclovir remains the most effective form of treatment for a primary genital herpes infection, leading to significant reduction in time to cessation of viral shedding and pain.

Can herpes be cured with medication?

Is there a cure or treatment for genital herpes? There is no cure for genital herpes. However, daily use of antiviral medicines can prevent or shorten outbreaks. Antiviral medicines also can reduce the chance of spreading it to others.

What medication stops herpes outbreaks?

Powerful anti-herpes drugs -- acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) -- prevent most outbreaks in most people.

What causes a herpes flare up?

Triggers for recurrence — Illness, stress, sunlight, and fatigue can trigger recurrent herpes outbreaks. In women, menstrual periods may trigger an outbreak. When did I become infected? — The first time a person has noticeable signs or symptoms of herpes may not be the initial episode.

What are the signs of herpes on a woman?

The first signs may include:Itching, tingling, or burning feeling in the vaginal or anal area.Flu-like symptoms, including fever.Swollen glands.Pain in the legs, buttocks, or vaginal area.A change in vaginal discharge.Headache.Painful or difficult urination.A feeling of pressure in the area below the stomach.

What happens if herpes goes untreated?

Genital herpes can lead to complications, especially the first time you have it. The possible complications include vaginal yeast infections (“thrush”), bladder problems with trouble urinating, and – in rare cases – meningitis. Complications are very rare in later outbreaks.

Can I buy acyclovir over the counter?

Are Aciclovir tablets available over the counter? No – Aciclovir is a prescription-only treatment that must be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. You can purchase Aciclovir through The Independent Pharmacy following an online consultation.

Can a woman give a man herpes?

Herpes can only be passed through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area such as kissing, oral sex, genital-to-genital rubbing, vaginal, and anal sex. Herpes (both oral & genital) can be spread even when there are no symptoms or sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding.

What happens if herpes is left untreated?

Without treatment, sores and outbreaks usually heal on their own. Oral herpes is usually considered a mild infection, but complications may appear...

Can herpes be cured by antibiotics?

No. However, antibiotics may be helpful if you have both an infection caused by bacteria as well an infection with the herpes virus. In this case,...

Can you test for herpes at home?

Yes, there are at-home sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests for herpes. LetsGetChecked is a health and diagnostic company that offers home la...

Can you prevent herpes outbreaks?

Taking good care of yourself can help prevent future herpes outbreaks. Eating healthy foods, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding stress can all h...

How to diagnose genital herpes?

Your doctor usually can diagnose genital herpes based on a physical exam and the results of certain laboratory tests: Viral culture. This test involves taking a tissue sample or scraping of the sores for examination in the laboratory. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

What happens if you find out you have herpes?

Finding out that you have genital herpes can cause embarrassment, shame and anger, among other emotions. You may be suspicious or resentful of your partner if you think he or she "gave" you the infection. Or you might fear rejection by your current partner or future partners.

What test is used to test for HSV?

Blood test. This test analyzes a sample of your blood for the presence of HSV antibodies to detect a past herpes infection.

Can you take antiviral medication for herpes?

Antiviral medications used for genital herpes include: Your doctor may recommend that you take the medicine only when you have symptoms of an outbreak or that you take a certain medication daily, even when you have no signs of an outbreak.

Drugs used for Herpes Simplex

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Alternative treatments for Herpes Simplex

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Herpes Simplex. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Herpes Simplex.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

What is the best treatment for herpes?

Treatment options for herpes symptoms include prescription medication, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and home remedies. The best herpes treatment for you may depend on the type and severity of the infection.

How to cure herpes?

Some home remedies for herpes include: 1 applying a warm or cold compress 2 applying cornstarch or baking soda paste 3 making dietary changes 4 applying garlic or apple cider vinegar 5 incorporating supplements like lysine and zinc 6 applying herbs and essential oils

What happens if herpes is left untreated?

Without treatment, sores and outbreaks usually heal on their own. Oral herpes is usually considered a mild infection, but complications may appear in people with weakened immune systems.

Can you test for herpes at home?

Yes, there are at-home sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests for herpes.

What is acyclovir used for?

It can decrease the pain of outbreaks and help them heal faster. In people with weakened immune systems, acyclovir can also help prevent the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of your body, causing further infections. In severe cases, the intravenous (IV) form of acyclovir can be administered by a healthcare professional.

How long does it take to get rid of herpes?

When you are first diagnosed with herpes and have symptoms of an active infection, a brief 7- to 10-day course of antiviral therapy is usually prescribed. This may help alleviate your symptoms and prevent them from worsening.

How many people have herpes?

, an estimated 3.7 billion people under 50 years old (67 percent) have HSV-1 infection and 491 million who are 15 to 49 years old (13 percent) have HSV-2 infection worldwide.

What antiviral medication is used for herpes?

Randomized trials have indicated that three FDA-approved antiviral medications provide clinical benefit for genital herpes: acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir ( 463 – 471 ). Valacyclovir is the valine ester of acyclovir and has enhanced absorption after oral administration, allowing for less frequent dosing than acyclovir. Famciclovir also has high oral bioavailability. Topical therapy with antiviral drugs offers minimal clinical benefit and is discouraged.

How does suppressive therapy help with herpes?

Suppressive therapy reduces frequency of genital herpes recurrences by 70%–80% among patients who have frequent recurrences ( 469 – 472 ). Persons receiving such therapy often report having experienced no symptomatic outbreaks. Suppressive therapy also is effective for patients with less frequent recurrences. Long-term safety and efficacy have been documented among patients receiving daily acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir ( 474 ). Quality of life is improved for many patients with frequent recurrences who receive suppressive therapy rather than episodic treatment ( 475 ). Providers should discuss with patients on an annual basis whether they want to continue suppressive therapy because frequency of genital HSV-2 recurrence diminishes over time for many persons. However, neither treatment discontinuation nor laboratory monitoring is necessary because adverse events and development of HSV antiviral resistance related to long-term antiviral use are uncommon.

What is the purpose of antiviral medication?

The goals for use of antiviral medications to treat genital herpes infection are to treat or prevent symptomatic genital herpes recurrences and improve quality of life and suppress the virus to prevent transmission to sexual partners. Counseling regarding the natural history of genital herpes, risks for sexual and perinatal transmission, and methods for reducing transmission is also integral to clinical management.

How to prevent herpes in neonates?

Prevention of neonatal herpes depends both on preventing acquisition of genital herpes during late pregnancy and avoiding exposure of the neonate to herpetic lesions and viral shedding during delivery. Mothers of newborns who acquire neonatal herpes often lack histories of clinically evident genital herpes ( 514, 515 ). The risk for transmission to the neonate from an infected mother is high (30%–50%) among women who acquire genital herpes near the time of delivery and low (<1%) among women with prenatal histories of recurrent herpes or who acquire genital herpes during the first half of pregnancy ( 516, 517 ). Women who acquire HSV in the second half of pregnancy should be managed in consultation with maternal-fetal medicine and infectious disease specialists.

What is the most sensitive test for HSV?

HSV NAAT assays are the most sensitive tests because they detect HSV from genital ulcers or other mucocutaneous lesions; these tests are increasingly available ( 442 – 444 ). Although multiple FDA-cleared assays exist for HSV detection, these tests vary in sensitivity from 90.9% to 100%; however, they are considered highly specific ( 445 – 447 ). PCR is also the test of choice for diagnosing HSV infections affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and systemic infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis, and neonatal herpes). HSV PCR of the blood should not be performed to diagnose genital herpes infection, except in cases in which concern exists for disseminated infection (e.g., hepatitis). In certain settings, viral culture is the only available virologic test. The sensitivity of viral culture is low, especially for recurrent lesions, and decreases rapidly as lesions begin to heal ( 443, 448 ). Viral culture isolates and PCR amplicons should be typed to determine whether HSV-1 or HSV-2 is causing the infection. Failure to detect HSV by NAAT or culture, especially in the presence of older lesions or the absence of active lesions, does not indicate an absence of HSV infection because viral shedding is intermittent. Similarly, random or blind genital swabs in the absence of lesions should not be used to diagnose genital HSV infection because sensitivity is low, and a negative result does not exclude the presence of HSV infection.

What is the cause of genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a chronic, lifelong viral infection. Two types of HSV can cause genital herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Most cases of recurrent genital herpes are caused by HSV-2, and 11.9% of persons aged 14–49 years are estimated to be infected in the United States ( 436 ). However, an increasing proportion of anogenital herpetic infections have been attributed to HSV-1, which is especially prominent among young women and MSM ( 186, 437, 438 ).

Is HSV-1 shedding suppressive?

Recurrences are less frequent after the first episode of HSV-1 genital herpes, compared with genital HSV-2 genital herpes, and genital shedding rapidly decreases during the first year of infection ( 479 ). No data are available regarding the efficacy of suppressive therapy for preventing transmission among persons with HSV-1 genital herpes infection. Because of the decreased risk for recurrences and shedding, suppressive therapy for HSV-1 genital herpes should be reserved for those with frequent recurrences through shared clinical decision-making between the patient and the provider.

What is the name of the medication that is used to treat herpes?

Famciclovir (brand-name Famvir) comes as tablets, and it can treat initial and recurring oral and genital herpes flare ups, as well as shingles.

How long does it take for herpes to heal?

Herpes can cause blisters to form on or around the mouth or genitals. These blisters then break, forming open, painful sores that may take at least 1 week. to heal. The symptoms may clear up on their own, and they may reappear later, in what some people call “outbreaks” or “flare ups.”.

What is herpes STI?

What is herpes? Herpes is a common. Trusted Source. STI, and it can pass on through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are two types of the virus that causes it: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Oral herpes often stems from an HSV-1 infection, and it can cause blisters or sores to form on or around the mouth. ...

What to do if you have blisters on your arm?

Researchers recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing and underwear and taking pain relief medications if blisters become painful. They also warn that using antiviral creams may increase the risk of viral resistance.

How to get rid of genital blisters?

cleaning the sores and blisters with clean water or saltwater to prevent infection. applying an ice pack in a towel to the area to soothe any pain. applying petroleum jelly to genital blisters before urinating. keeping a pitcher near the toilet and pouring clean water over the genitals while urinating to reduce pain.

Can you get herpes while pregnant?

Trusted Source. describes the risk of the herpes virus passing to a newborn during childbirth. Although this is rare, people who are pregnant and have herpes should let their doctors know. Using a condom or another barrier method of protection during sex reduces the risk of the virus transmitting.

Can you buy Herpes medication online?

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection. When it flares up, several medications can ease the symptoms, and some are available to buy online.

Can a woman have genital herpes before giving birth?

Women with genital herpes are examined carefully for any symptoms before giving birth. If sores or signs that an outbreak is coming show up at the time of delivery, the baby may be delivered by cesarean section (also called a C-section).

Can you take antiviral medication while pregnant?

Women taking antiviral drugs for herpes -- either daily suppressive therapy or occasional therapy for outbreaks -- should consult their doctor about whether to take the drugs during pregnancy. The answer is not set in stone: You and your doctor have to discuss the risks and benefits to decide what's right for you. Drug.

What is the best medicine for herpes in the eye?

GANCICLOVIR is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat herpes infection in the eye.

What is Valtrex used for?

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections include herpes and shingles .This medicine will not cure herpes. It is more popular than comparable drugs.

What is a famvir?

See Prices. Famvir (famciclovir) Drug class: Herpes Virus Nucleoside Analogues. FAMCICLOVIR is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections are herpes and shingles. This medicine will not cure herpes.

Is acyclovir covered by Medicare?

This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand form. Generic acyclovir is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.

How Can I Treat Herpes Online?

Looking for a comprehensive guide that covers all the herpes treatment options available? One of our goals at Wisp is to give you a clear understanding of how to treat and prevent herpes outbreaks with prescription medication or all natural herpes home remedies.

What to do after first cycle of herpes treatment?

After your first cycle of treatment, it’s important to make a game plan with your doctor based on the severity of your symptoms and the frequency of your outbreaks. You may choose either episodic herpes therapy (taking medication when an outbreak occurs) or suppressive herpes therapy (taking medication daily as a preventative measure). Learn more about the advantages of suppressive and episodic herpes treatment.

Is lysine an over the counter supplement?

Lysine is an approachable alternative treatment for herpes outbreaks. It’s a naturally-occurring amino acid that’s available as an over-the-counter supplement. It may inhibit your body’s absorption of arginine, another amino acid that helps HSV grow. As with many alternative medical treatments, research on lysine as a herpes treatment is still developing.

Can you start taking antiviral drugs for herpes?

It’s always recommended to start with prescription antiviral drugs when treating herpes. But once you get your symptoms under control, it’s worth exploring all-natural herpes treatment options as well. The more you invest in improving your general health and your immune health in particular, the more likely you are to mitigate major herpes outbreaks.

Can antibiotics cure herpes?

One of the biggest misconceptions we’ve encountered is the belief that antibiotics can treat herpes. Herpes is a virus (the herpes simplex virus, HSV Type 1 & HSV Type 2) and antibiotics are not effective at treating viruses. If antibiotics worked on herpes, we would have a cure for the disease.

Can you get herpes if you have cold sores?

Whether you have battled cold sores since childhood, or recently contracted genital herpes, consider yourself equipped with the best options available today for treating herpes and preventing outbreaks . Keep in mind, too, that a vaccine for herpes may be in the not-to-distant future. While the structure and behavior of the herpes virus make it very difficult to develop a vaccine, scientists and medical researchers continue to pursue a herpes cure.

What is the best treatment for herpes simplex?

There are various antiviral medications effective for managing a herpes simplex infection. They belong to the antiviral group of drugs and come in different dosage forms. Antiviral medications work to manage herpes simplex symptoms by blocking the virus from multiplying and growing in the body.

Which antiviral medication is effective for herpes simplex labialis?

A 2017 study comparing the antiviral medications acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir and valacyclovir to treat herpes simplex labialis (oral herpes) found all antiviral medications were effective to shorten healing time for lesions and reducing pain. The comparison study found valacyclovir had the fastest healing time and pain reduction.

Can you spread herpes while on medication?

Yes, even while taking an antiviral medication, you can infect close direct contacts with herpes simplex (oral or genital contact) while you have sores or blisters. Take steps to avoid sharing personal hygiene products (lip balm, towels, etc.) and oral and genital contact while you have an active infection.

What is the name of the virus that causes blisters on the lips?

HSV-1 mainly affects the oral area and is called oral herpes or herpes simplex labialis. It can cause lesions or sores also commonly called cold sores or fever blisters around the lips, tongue, mouth, or gums. In rare cases, HSV-1 can also cause genital sores or blisters (genital herpes).

What is acyclovir used for?

Acyclovir is a generic prescription version of the brand name drug Zovirax. It is used to manage symptoms of recurring (repeat episodes) oral or genital herpes.

How many people have herpes?

Herpes simplex virus is a common viral infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016 there were 3.7 billion HSV-1 infections globally affecting people under age 50. And while HSV-2 is less common, in 2016 there were around 491 million HSV-2 infections worldwide affecting people aged 15 to 49 years.

How can HSV-1 be spread?

HSV-1 is a contagious virus that can be spread through direct oral contact such as kissing, or through sharing utensils with someone who has an infection.

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