Oral antivirals and recurrent genital herpes

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Oct, 2007 by Marissa Heller

A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology confirms that oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are effective for prophylaxis against recurrent genital herpes. This study is the first meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of these agents, which have been used for this indication for many years, compared with placebo.

The meta-analysis explored clinical trials evaluating the use of these medications in immunocompetent, nonpregnant patients. A total of 14 trials, which included 6,158 patients, were included in the study. Patients who were treated with acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir were 47% less likely to have a recurrence of genital herpes than those treated with placebo. The regimens that maximally prevented recurrence were acyclovir 400 mg twice daily, valacyclovir 250 mg twice daily, famciclovir 250 mg twice daily, or valacyclovir 500 mg once daily. The study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 57, pages 238-246.