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Prescription Treatments

Are Prescription Herpes Treatments Safe?

All prescribed drugs have passed thorough testing before gaining government approval. Everything possible is done to make sure that these drugs are safe. Does this mean that they are safe? The answer is yes under normal conditions.

Allergic Reactions

If you are allergic to a particular drug then you may suffer serious consequences including death. Be sure to inform your physician of any allergies that you have and any drugs you are currently taking. Failing to do so could have serious consequences.

Following Directions

If you do not pay attention to the directions for use from the manufacturer and the directions of your physician then you are placing yourself at risk of suffering serious side effects.

When you read the information sheet that is included with the product called the "package insert" you will notice various possible side effects. During the drug testing there was a small percentage of those participating in the test who experienced these side effects. That does not mean that you will but it is possible.

With all of that said, if your physician prescribes the drug then the chances are that you will not have a problem.

Are Prescription Drugs for Herpes Effective?

All drugs that gain FDA Approval must prove to be safe but they must also prove to be effective for the purpose for which they are to be used. Antiviral herpes drugs will not cure herpes but they will cut down on the reoccurrence of outbreaks and shorten the length of an outbreak.

It should be noted that these drugs will have the greatest effect if taken as close as possible to the beginning of an outbreak.

Acyclovir - Brand name Zovirax is prescribed for the treatment of herpes infections including cold sores, genital herpes and herpes zoster (shingles). Possible side effects may include stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness or weakness. These problems should clear up in a few days as your body adjusts. If these problems do not go away or you experience any allergic reaction then you should consult your doctor right away.
Famciclovir - Brand name Famvir is prescribed for the treatment of herpes including genital herpes and shingles. It is not a cure, it reduces the pain and itching and helps to shorten the duration of an outbreak. It has some rather serious side effects and should be taken with caution. If you have any negative reactions you should seek professional medical advise immideately.
(Valacyclovir HCI) - Brand Name Valtrex is used to treat herpes infections including genital herpes cold sores, and herpes zoster. The sam side effects as Acyclovir mab occur including stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness or weakness. If these problems do not clear up in a few days as your body adjusts or you experience any type of allergic reaction then you should get in touch with a licensed healthcare professional right away.
Denavir This drug is prescribed for the treatment of cold sores on the lips and the face. Caution should be taken to make sure that that it does not come in contact with the eyes. Although this drug is only prescribed for cold sores the same precautions should be take with this drug as with the other herpes drugs.
Neurontin This drug is prescribed for a number of problems. It is very effective in relieving the pain of PNN (post-her-pet-tick noo-ral-juh). This is the pain that some expedience after shingles has healed. When one has an outbreak of shingles the herpes virus that is the culprit follows the nerves to the surface of the skin destroying nerve cells along the way. In some cases this pain is extremely severe.