|
Valtrex Herpes Treatment
Information
Are you serious about suppressing
both the frequency and the severity of the outbreaks of the
ulcers associated with the herpes virus?
If
yes, please read the following:
An estimated 21 percent of persons 12
years and older are infected with herpes simplex virus type 2
(HSV-2). The prevalence has increased by 30 percent in the
past 15 years. Many patients with HSV-2 are asymptomatic, and
an estimated 80 percent of cases are never diagnosed.
Fortunately, there
is now a very effective
medication that will reduce both the severity and the number of recurrent outbreaks
associated with the herpes virus.
Clinical trials have demonstrated Valtrex to be one of the
most effective treatment options for the treatment of the herpes
virus:
-
By the end of 12 months,
one-third of the patients taking Valtrex still had not had a
single genital herpes outbreak compared to only 4% of those
taking placebo (sugar pill).
-
Over half of the
patients (55%) who experienced a high frequency of genital
herpes outbreaks (six or more per year) did not have a
single outbreak for 6 months while taking 1000 mg of Valtrex
per day.
-
Patients with 9 or fewer
genital herpes outbreaks showed comparable results with a
500 mg Valtrex caplet once a day.
The following
Valtrex information has been compiled from a variety of
resources in order to give the reader an overview of the use
of Valtrex for the treatment of genital herpes:
Why is Valtrex prescribed?
Valtrex
is the most recommended herpes treatment by doctors for
their patient who have herpes:
- Genital
Herpes - Valtrex is indicated for the treatment or suppression
of genital herpes.
- Cold
Sores (herpes labialis) - Valtrex is indicated for the treatment
of cold sores.
back to the top of the Valtrex topics
Why is Valtrex sometimes referred to as valacyclovir hydrochloride?
Valacyclovir
hydrochloride is the generic name for Valtrex. The generic
name represents the medications nonproprietary or chemical
name, whereas, the brand name is the name a pharmaceutical
give to a medication for marketing purposes.
back to the top of the Valtrex topics
What
is the mechanism of action of Valtrex?
Valtrex
(valacyclovir hydrochloride) is rapidly converted to acyclovir
which has demonstrated antiviral activity against herpes simplex
virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus
(VZV).
Mechanism
of Action of Valtrex
Valtrex
(valacyclovir hydrochloride) is rapidly converted to acyclovir
is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine
kinase (TK) encoded by HSV and VZV. This viral enzyme converts
acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue.
The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by
cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number
of cellular enzymes. This process results in blocking the
replication of the herpes viral DNA.
In
non technical terms when the herpes virus tries to reproduce
and spread to other cells in the body, Valtrex disrupts the
process. This helps to keep the virus inactive, while there
is no cure for genital herpes, some people on suppressive
therapy with Valtrex can go 6 months or longer without any
outbreaks.
back to the top of the Valtrex topics
What
types of results did Valtrex produce during clinical trials?
During
clinical trials involving suppressive therapy for genital
herpes Valtrex
was proven effective. The findings were as follows:
- By
the end of 12 months, one-third of the patients taking Valtrex
still had not had a single genital herpes outbreak compared
to only 4% of those taking placebo (sugar pill).
- Over
half of the patients (55%) who experienced a high frequency
of genital herpes outbreaks (six or more per year) did not
have a single outbreak for 6 months while taking a 1 g Valtrex
Caplet once a day.
- Only
7% of those taking placebo (sugar pill) avoided a genital
herpes outbreak in 6 months.
- Patients
with 9 or fewer genital herpes outbreaks showed comparable
results with a 500 mg Valtrex caplet once a day.
back to the top of the Valtrex topics
What
are the Recommended doses of Valtrex?
- Genital
Herpes (initial episodes) - The recommended dosage of Valtrex
for treatment of initial genital herpes is 1 gram twice
daily for 10 days. There are no data on the effectiveness
of treatment with Valtrex when initiated more than 72 hours
after the onset of signs and symptoms. Therapy was most
effective when administered within 48 hours of the onset
of signs and symptoms.
- Recurrent
Herpetic Episodes - the recommended dosage of Valtrex for the treatment
of recurrent genital herpes is 500 mg twice daily for 3
days. If medical management of a genital herpes recurrence
is indicated, patients should be advised to initiate therapy
at the first sign or symptom of an episode. There are no
data on the effectiveness of treatment with Valtrex when
initiated more than 24 hours after the onset of signs or
symptoms.
- Suppressive
Therapy - the recommended dosage of Valtrex for chronic
suppressive therapy of recurrent genital herpes is 1 gram
once daily. In patients with a history of 9 or fewer recurrences
per year, an alternative dose is 500 mg once daily. The
safety and efficacy of therapy with Valtrex beyond 1 year
have not been established.
- Herpes
Labialis (cold sores) - the recommended dosage of Valtrex
for the treatment of cold sores is 2 grams twice daily for
1 day taken about 12 hours apart. Therapy should be initiated
at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling,
itching, or burning). There are no data on the effectiveness
of treatment initiated after the development of clinical
signs of a cold sore (e.g., papule, vesicle, or ulcer).
- Valtrex
may be given without regard to meals.
Get Your Free
Valtrex Genital Herpes Treatment
Online Consultation (click here).
back to the top of the Valtrex topics
What
if I miss a dose of Valtrex?
Take
it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
back to the top of the Valtrex tops
What
if there is an overdose of Valtrex?
When
taken by people with kidney disorders excessive doses of Valtrex
have been known to cause psychological problems and kidney
failure. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 or visit your
local emergency room or clinic.
back to the top of the Valtrex topics
Valtrex
Herpes Treatment Conclusions
Doctor
agree, Valtrex remains one the most prescribed medications for
the treatment of genital herpes.
Valtrex has been shown in
numerous clinical studies to suppress the number of
outbreaks associated genital herpes, as well as decreasing
the severity of the ulcers that appear secondary to
the herpes virus.
If you are one
of the million Europeans that have contracted the herpes Virus
please consider Valtrex.
|
Genital
Herpes
Treatment Info
