Does Valtrex prevent herpes transmission?
Does Valtrex prevent herpes transmission?
In 2003, the US Food and Drug Administration approved an indication for Valtrex (valacyclovir) to reduce genital herpes transmission: “Valtrex reduces the risk of heterosexual transmission of genital herpes to susceptible partners with healthy immune systems when used as suppressive therapy in combination with safer …
How much does Valtrex reduce viral shedding?
Valacyclovir significantly reduced HSV-2 shedding during all days compared to placebo (mean 2.9% versus 13.5% of all days ( ), a 78% reduction). Valacyclovir significantly reduced subclinical HSV-2 shedding during all days compared to placebo (mean 2.4% versus 11.0% of all days ( ), a 78% reduction).
Can you get herpes if you take Valtrex?
However, Valtrex does not eliminate the virus; it is not a cure. Safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner. Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptoms or outbreak of genital herpes. Use a latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.
How often do you pass herpes to your partner?
The likelihood of passing genital herpes to a partner is highest during an outbreak (times when a sore is present). When a person is not experiencing an outbreak, there is a 4-10% chance of transmitting it. (Depending on gender) According to studies done by Valtrex, these are the rates of transmission per year of regular sex:
How many couples have been treated with Valtrex?
Corey’s study was conducted in 126 sites on four continents. Researchers identified more than 1,400 couples in which one had genital herpes and one did not. In half the couples, the person with herpes got Valtrex; in the other half, the infected person got a placebo.
How does one use Valtrex prophylactically, to prevent?
Previous research has shown that even when told to use condoms, many monogamous couples don’t follow these instructions. Once-daily Valtrex cut the chance of the partner getting herpes with no symptoms by 50%. The risk of developing genital herpes with symptoms in the partner dropped by 77%.