I believe that I'm having an outbreak, but I'm not sure. I was diagnosed last April and my PCP told me I didn't need a daily does of Valtrex, to only use it when during an outbreak. I recently lost my health ins. through my father, and he doesn't know about the meds or my condition. The meds are very expensive, so would it be alright if I just stuck it out and hoped the outbreak went away on its own? Or should I bite the bullet and buy the pills?
2007-05-07 07:47:02 · 7 answers · asked by lil'bit 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
You have a couple of options here. First of all, it is usually safe to "wait out" an outbreak depending on how severe it is. If you are handling the symptoms fine now - the outbreak may very well resolve on its own. While valtrex is expensive, generic acyclovir works as well (some say not as well, but it still works) and is a LOT less expensive. If you don't have insurance try a walk-in clinic or a planned parenthood. Also there may be an STD clinic in your area. If you have to sneak this by your father I have told my young patients to tell their parents it is an "antibiotic" which is somewhat true and less specific.
2007-05-07 08:15:02 · answer #1 · answered by DrM 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've had Herpes now for 5yrs and I do not take medicine for it, It all depends how many outbreaks you have a year. I only get like one a year. You can also try the acyclovir tablets they are cheap and I think they are actually better than the Valtrex. The reason why I don't take medicine on a daily basis is because I was told by the dr that I need to check up on my liver every 3 months because there a side affects. So, if I dont need it I dont take it...Good luck =)
* You might want to take them when you have an outbreak so it heals faster or when you start a relationship in where the other person doesn't have the virus to help not pass to them..=)
2007-05-07 07:58:28 · answer #2 · answered by ME 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-08-31 11:27:38 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-06 11:35:32 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Valtrex would shorten the time of the outbreak, but it's not necessary.
Remember to use protection or abstain when you know you are having, or about to have an outbreak. Herpes can be spread before you have symptoms. Valtrex also reduces, but doesn't eliminate, the risk of spread.
2007-05-07 08:02:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Herpes outbreaks can go away without medication. People had to deal with it before medication was around.
I personally only take the medication when I am having an outbreak. It's too expensive to take it every single day and it makes me nauseous.
If you can stick it out without the medication then I wish you the best of luck! It will be a lot easier with the medication, but like I said before, the outbreaks can go away without it!
Have you ever thought about getting on a cheaper medication like acyclovir or famvir? They both work really well, I've tried them both.
Good luck!
2007-05-07 08:18:41 · answer #6 · answered by Alli 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Valtrex is a prescription medication prescribed for the treatment of genital herpes, cold sores and herpes zoster. A herpes infection is irritating, painful and has a huge impact on the quality of your life. People suffering from this viral infection have literally felt a few days being taken away from their lives.
The active ingredient in Valtrex, valacyclovir is a pro-drug. Meaning, when it's administered to the patient, its form is less active as compared to the active form of other medications. A pro-drug becomes active as soon as it's inside the patient's body. So, when valacyclovir is inside your body, it metabolizes into its active form, namely acyclovir. The action of acyclovir has been seen to be effective against most of the viruses that are a part of the herpes virus family including herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and also the herpes zoster virus.
The action of Valtrex helps block the working of DNA polymerase, a viral enzyme. This enzyme is needed by the herpes virus to replicate genetic material; multiply and spread the infection from one part of the body to another. By inhibiting the function of DNA polymerase, this medication prevents the herpes virus infection from multiplying and spreading. So, the body's immune system is able to cope better with the virus as compared to the system dealing with the virus without the help of the medication. The objective of Valtrex is to help control the infection.
http://www.ustabs.net
http://www.lalorspharmacy.com
http://www.pharmagenic.com
It's in the treatment of herpes labialis as well as herpes infections in people with cancer. The evidence to support the use of aciclovir in primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is less strong.
2014-04-08 14:55:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont know how any one could just tough it out. Do u remember how painful the outbreak is?? :[
maybe im just dramatic but, i take a pill everday just so i dont have to endure the pain of ever having one...
2007-05-07 12:35:10 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋