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Suggest An Alternative Medicine For Valtrex Taken For Herpes

Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016

Question: I still get herpes outbreaks even on a daily dose of 1000 mg of valtrex. There has to be something better out there?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you can try alternative regimens

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

chronic suppression in immunocompetent individuals can be achieved with either of the following regimens:
- acyclovir 400mg twice daily
- famciclovir 250mg twice daily
- valacyclovir 1000mg once daily
All regimens are considered to be equal in efficacy.

This kind of treatment reduces recurrences by 40-80% depending on previous frequency of recurrences and herpes location. If you haven't done so already, please also check for HIV.

I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 hours later)

I contracted herpes when I was 20. I'm now 61. It was dormant for years and then I turned 60 and boom I'm getting it again in other than the usual areas. So I went on a daily dose and I've been on it for a year. If this treatment which I'm currently on is supposed to reduce occurrences 40-80 %, it's not doing its job. Other regimens you recommended are equally effective to the one I'm using. So no new stuff here. You're telling me I have to live with things as they are now because I'm doing all that
I can. Not helpful really....

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no more treatments...

Detailed Answer:
I understand your frustration... If you've tried all regimens without any benefit regarding recurrences' frequency. Check your HIV status, just to be sure. Immunosuppression requires higher dosages. The dosage is the same for valacyclovir (1000mg per day in two doses). Famciclovir 500mg twice daily. Acyclovir 400-800mg twice daily (or even 3 times per day). Immunosuppression is not all about HIV though. Cancer and other malignancies and diabetes mellitus are examples of disorders that also cause suppression of the immune system.

There's nothing more you can try for herpes...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)

Okay I'll follow up with my annual checkup. Thanks for your help.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome...

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar