About 6 months ago I was tested positive for HSV-2. I have had several outbreaks since then, but they were all pretty minor (1-2 sores). I was taking Valtrex daily for about a month and a half, but I developed what appeared to be cystic acne the whole time I was on it. As soon as I stopped, my skin cleared up, but I had another outbreak, so I went back on it and my skin started to break out again. I've never read anything about that being a side effect, but it was the only explanation. I talked to my doctor about this and she told me to try acyclovir instead. Now I'm starting to take 400 mg once a day.
My main concern is to lower the risk of infection in my new partner. I haven't yet told him that I have herpes, but when I do I want to be able to say that the risk of transmission is very low (when combining daily suppressive drugs and condoms). I read a lot of statistics about Valtrex, but not as many about Acyclovir. Are both drugs just as effective in preventing transmission? Also, should I be taking 400 mg twice a day instead of once? My doctor has been down playing the issue a lot and only gave me the prescription to take it daily bc I asked her to.
Any advice/information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
However, all studies with acyclovir that have had similar outcomes to valtrex have been with twice daily dosing. So, I think you would be right to have your doctor prescribe that schedule for you.
Also, I had a doctor who wouldn't even prescribe me suppressive or episodic therapy even though I had a positive blood test and symptoms that I was sure were related to herpes. After months of being strung along with her trying to rule other things out (unsuccessfully), I found a doctor who took my condition seriously and prescribed me valtrex. If you don't think your doctor is taking this seriously, then maybe try seeing someone else. I think there is a tendency in the medical community to downplay the diagnosis, because of the stigma associated with this disease. I appreciate that, but at the same time, it does need to be managed responsibly and you need to find someone who will be on your side to make that happen.