Detailed Information
Valtrex (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 of these infections and shortens
the length of time you are sick. The drug works best if it is used
within 48 hours after the first symptoms of shingles or herpes begin
to appear. Valtrex does not cure herpes virus infections.
Valtrex is indicated for
- treatment or suppression of genital herpes and for the suppression
of recurrent genital herpes
- reduction of transmission of genital herpes
- treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)
- treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis)
Off-label uses (not FDA-approved)
- herpes simplex keratitis1
- recurrent genital herpes in pregnant women4
Natural Alternatives to Valtrex
- Amino Acid Lysine
Lysine is one of 20 most common natural 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 may be effective against herpes by improving the balance
of nutrients that reduce viral growth. L-lysine can be used to
treat mouth and genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus
as well as shingles caused by herpes zoster viruses.
Good sources of lysine are foods rich in protein including meat
(specifically red meat, pork, and poultry), cheese (particularly
parmesan), certain fish (such as cod and sardines), nuts, eggs,
soybeans (particularly tofu, isolated soy protein, and defatted
soybean flour), spirulina, and fenugreek seed.
- Zinc
Zinc is useful for herpes infections by inhibiting the herpes
simplex virus and enhancing the immune system. Topically applied
zinc compounds may significantly reduce pain and itching, 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 herpes infection, a 3% propolis skin 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 painful 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.
Valtrex Advantages & Benefits
- convenient less frequent dosing regimen (potential for improved
compliance)
- high oral bioavailability2
- proven in clinical
trials to reduce the risk of HSV sexual transmission
- highly effective
- safe and well-tolerated
- very effective for herpes zoster3
Valtrex Drawbacks
- cannot eradicate latent virus
- expensive
How Valtrex works
Valacyclovir is a chemical able to enter viral 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.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) effectiveness in preventing HSV transmission
This medication is highly effective. It reduces transmission
of overall genital herpes infection (HSV-2 seroconversion) by 50%
and of symptomatic genital herpes by 75%.
Valtrex for shingles
Valtrex is widely used in the treatment of shingles. It is proven
to speed healing, reduce the pain, and keep new blisters from forming.
The medication work 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 for herpes
zoster is 1 gram (one 1-g tablet) taken 3 times a day for 7 days.
Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Famvir (famciclovir)
Valacyclovir appear 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 treatment is comparable to famciclovir treatment in
speeding the resolution of zoster-associated pain and postherpetic
neuralgia6. Current prices
indicate that valacyclovir is the more cost-effective treatment
for herpes zoster than famciclovir.
