Genital Herpes (HSV-2) Treatment

What Are My Options To Get Treated For HSV-2?

There are three effective medications that are commonly prescribed for genital herpes (HSV-2) treatment. They are Zovirax (acyclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Famvir (famciclovir). These treatments are available as tablets and are taken orally. There is an injectable form of Zovirax that can be used for treatment in people that have a severe outbreak of genital herpes.

Herpes Simplex II Treatment In Men & Women

Unlike a number of other STDs, treatment for genital herpes (HSV-2) in both men and women is generally the same. Doctors usually start treatment with a 7-10 course of antiviral therapies during a patient's initial outbreak of sores related to the disease. Patients are also prescribed medications to keep on hand for long periods of time. This is because the timing of outbreaks for people with HSV 2 is unpredictable. Therefore, it makes sense to have certain medications handy for when future outbreaks occur. In some patients whose outbreaks happen more frequently than others, it may be necessary to take anti-viral medication on a daily basis.

How Long Does Treatment Take To Work?

There is not a cure for genital herpes. Therefore, people with the disease may need to either take medications or have medication available for the rest of their lives. These medications are often effective at suppressing outbreaks and reducing the duration of outbreaks, so it can be difficult to definitively state how often treatment will be required and how long each battery of tests will need to last for. The actual process of ingesting the medication is simple enough, as it is as straightforward as swallowing a pill for the vast majority of the time. As stated earlier, some people who suffer from severe outbreaks may require medications to be injected. In those cases, the treatment may take longer to administer because an appointment with a healthcare provider will have to go alongside the treatment.

Can I Be Allergic To Treatment?

Allergies to HSV 2 medications are extremely rare. However, as with almost all medications, they do exist. If you have an allergic reaction to any of your medications, it is important to discuss that with your doctor so that alternate treatments can be explored.

How Much Does Treatment Cost Without Insurance?

You will be unable to get ahold of HSV 2 medication without a test showing that you have the disease. These tests can be purchased online for $70-100.

After you have a positive test result to show to a doctor, the medications they can prescribe to you vary in price. For example, a tube of Zovirax cream is around $800. fValtrex usually costs between $200 and $500 for 30 pills, depending on the dosage. Famvir costs around $35 for a supply of 30 125mg pills.

How Effective Is HSV-2 Treatment?

In general, genital herpes medications are good at reducing the severity of outbreaks and reducing the amount of time that outbreaks last for. They are also effective at increasing the amount of time between outbreaks. However, it is important to note that they are not effective at curing anybody of the disease. There is no cure for genital herpes, so the best thing these medications can do is lessen the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Herpes medications do have side effects, although, in general, most patients are willing to put up with these side effects to end their genital herpes outbreaks as quickly as they can. These side effects include: headaches, gas, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, rashes and tingly sensations of the skin. These side effects are fairly consistent for all of the available herpes medications.

Treatment Options Available For You

Depending on where you are, there will be a variety of treatment options available to you. In the United States, you’ll need a positive identification of the infection before a doctor will prescribe treatment. Your options include college campus health centers (for students), local health clinics, your primary care physician or direct to lab services, such as STDAware.com.

If you think you may have an HSV 2 infection, contact our health counselors today and we will work to help you find a solution.