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Valtrex

Valtrex (Valacyclovir)

Detailed Information

Valacyclovir hydrochloride is an antiviral agent, active against most species in the herpes virus family. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection and lessens the symptoms and shortens the length of time you are sick.

Valtrex is used for:

  • treatment or suppression of genital herpes (including recurrent)
  • reduction of transmission of genital herpes
  • treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), cold sores, herpes simplex keratitis1
  • recurrent genital herpes in pregnant women4

Natural Alternatives to Valtrex

  • Amino Acid Lysine
    Lysine is one of amino acids that the body needs for growth and tissue repair. Lysine is an essential amino acid because it cannot be synthesized in the body and its breakdown is irreversible. Lysine improves the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. L-lysine can be used to treat mouth and genital lesions as well as shingles.
  • Zinc
    Zinc enhances the immune system. Topically applied zinc compounds may significantly reduce the duration of infection, accelerate healing and reduce or eliminate recurrence when used in long-term treatments.
  • Propolis
    Laboratory studies report that propolis may have action against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. For genital infection, 3% propolis cream (made from 75-85% concentrated propolis extract) is applied to the skin four times daily for 10 days. In cases of cervical or vaginal lesions, the same amount of ointment may be applied to the tip of a tampon and inserted vaginally four times daily for 10 days.
  • Tea tree oil
    Tea tree oil has activity against some viruses in laboratory studies. Tea tree oil can reduce the healing time by as much as one half. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the infected area with cotton swab 2 times a day, to help prevent breakouts apply directly upon onset.

Advantages & Benefits

  • convenient less frequent dosing regimen (potential for improved compliance)
  • high oral bioavailability2
  • proven to reduce the risk of HSV sexual transmission7
  • highly effective
  • safe and well-tolerated
  • very effective for herpes zoster3

Drawbacks

  • cannot eradicate latent virus
  • expensive

How Valacyclovir works

Valacyclovir is a chemical which is able to enter infected host cells. Once in the cell, it is activated by viral enzymes, then mimic a DNA nucleotide - a molecule needed for replication by the virus. Once the molecule binds to any viral DNA under production, it will terminate the production process. The result is that the virus cannot reproduce, thereby stopping it shedding and spreading to other cells.

Effectiveness in preventing HSV transmission
Valacyclovir reduces transmission of overall genital infection (HSV-2 seroconversion) by 50% and of symptomatic genital herpes by 75%.

Valtrex for shingles

Valacyclovir is widely used in the treatment of shingles. It is proven to speed healing and keep new blisters from forming. Valacyclovir works in the body to help stop the varicella-zoster virus from multiplying.

For maximum effectiveness, Valtrex should be used early in the course of shingles. Ideally, you should begin taking the medication within the first 2 or 3 days of the rash. The usual dose is 1 gram taken 3 times a day for 7 days.

Valtrex vs. Famvir
Valacyclovir appears to be somewhat better than famciclovir for suppression of genital herpes and associated shedding. Valacyclovir and penciclovir appear to have different ability to abrogate HSV reactivation5.

Valacyclovir is comparable to famciclovir in speeding the resolution of zoster associated misery and postherpetic neuralgia6. However, valacyclovir is the more profitable treatment for herpes zoster than famciclovir.


References
  • 1. Asbell PA. Valacyclovir for the prevention of recurrent herpes simplex virus eye disease after excimer laser photokeratectomy. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 2000;98:285-303. PubMed
  • 2. Bras AP, Sitar DS, Aoki FY. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2001 Winter;8(4):207-11. PubMed
  • 3. Beutner KR, Friedman DJ, Forszpaniak C, Andersen PL, Wood MJ. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1995 Jul;39(7):1546-53. PubMed
  • 4. Andrews WW, Kimberlin DF, Whitley R, Cliver S, Ramsey PS, Deeter R. Valacyclovir therapy to reduce recurrent genital herpes in pregnant women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Mar;194(3):774-81.
  • 5. Wald A, Selke S, Warren T, Aoki FY, Sacks S, Diaz-Mitoma F, Corey L. Comparative efficacy of famciclovir and valacyclovir for suppression of recurrent genital herpes and viral shedding. Sex Transm Dis. 2006 Sep;33(9):529-33. PubMed
  • 6. Tyring SK, Beutner KR, Tucker BA, Anderson WC, Crooks RJ. Antiviral therapy for herpes zoster: randomized, controlled clinical trial of valacyclovir and famciclovir therapy in immunocompetent patients 50 years and older. Arch Fam Med. 2000 Sep-Oct;9(9):863-9.
  • 7. Corey L, Wald A, Patel R, Sacks SL, Tyring SK, Warren T, et al. NEJM 2004 Jan 1;350(1):11-20.