Herpes prescription drugs

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Herpes prescription drugs are used to treat herpes - an infection caused by herpes simplex virus 1 or 2. It primarily affects the mouth or genital area. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually associated with infections of the lips, mouth, and face. It is the most common herpes simplex virus among the general population and is usually acquired in childhood. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is sexually transmitted and is usually associated with genital ulcers or sores.

Herpes symptoms:

mouth sores
genital lesions (male)
genital lesions (female)
blisters and/or ulcers - most frequent on the mouth, lips and gums or genitalia
fever blisters
fever - may be present especially during the first episode
enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck or groin

More information about Herpes: Herpes labialis (oral Herpes simplex); Herpes genital (genital Herpes simplex), Treatment and Therapy

Antiviral medications are used to treat herpes simplex virus infections. Antiviral drugs can help prevent or minimize recurrences of herpes, speed recovery of an outbreak, reduce pain and decrease the chances of spreading the condition. Some cases of herpes are relatively mild and may not require treatment. In severe or prolonged cases antiviral medications such as acyclovir or its derivatives may be used. In individuals with more than 6 recurrences of genital herpes per year, chronic antiviral medications may be offered to reduce recurrences.

There are a limited number of antiviral drugs available. The first antiviral medication used to treat herpes was Acyclovir and it is used most often to treat genital herpes. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) can be used as an alternative to Acyclovir to treat herpes infections and shingles. It requires less frequent dosing and usually have similar or better results than acyclovir. Penciclovir (Denavir) cream is used to prevent recurring herpes sores (cold sores and fever blisters) on the lips.

Antiviral medications are only available by prescription.

Price-RX.com offers you price comparison of the following herpes prescription drugs:

Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral medications may significantly lessen the severity of a primary outbreak and reduce the time it takes genital herpes outbreaks to heal. The drugs also decrease the number of days of painful symptoms and for some people, the number of days you can spread herpes virus. Antiviral drugs are most effective if they are taken when you first notice the prodromal symptoms (tingling and pain) of a herpes outbreak and if they are taken for the next 5 to 7 days or until symptoms go away. These medications are taken as suppressive therapy or as episodic therapy. Use them as recommended by your doctor.

Genital warts prescription drugs

Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease. Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD). The virus responsible for genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). All medicines used to treat HPV disease are applied topically on cutaneous surfaces. Two categories of medications are effective in treating genital warts. The first category, the immune response modifiers (i.e., imiquimod (Aldara), interferon alfa), is primarily used in treatment of external anogenital warts or condylomata acuminata. The second category consists of the cytotoxic agents, which include drugs such as podofilox (Condylox), podophyllin.

Topical treatments are available that can be applied directly to your skin. These include: