Once-daily valaciclovir suppresses recurrent genital herpes

Abstract

Recurrent genital herpes is a common problem following initial genital infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and it can cause considerable physical and psychological morbidity. In their continuing search for effective therapies, investigators presented the results of a study involving once-daily valaciclovir [‘Valtrex’; Glaxo Wellcome] treatment for suppression of recurrent genital herpes. These were discussed at the 45th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ Las Vegas, US; April 1997 ]. Patients in this study had previously received 10 years of continuous suppressive therapy (CST) with twice-daily aciclovir [‘Zovirax’; Glaxo Wellcome]. The study results suggest that patients can be switched from twice-daily aciclovir to once-daily valaciclovir 500mg with no decrease in the suppressive effect exerted on recurrent genital herpes infection. In addition, compliance with therapy was improved and there was no change in the tolerability profile.