However, consistent use of an antiviral drug can make living with herpes much easier by speeding up healing after an outbreak and reducing your risk of transmitting the virus to other people.Herpes drugs are taken for several reasons. As such, the effects of acyclovir are the same as valacyclovir — faster recovery during an oral or genital herpes outbreak and a reduced risk of transmitting the virus to other people.One of the main reasons people may choose valacyclovir vs. acyclovir for cold sores is because of its improved bioavailability, which allows a lower dose of the drug to be used in treatment.Famciclovir is another antiviral drug that’s used for certain herpes infections. Still sucks though.This stuff makes a huge difference in the duration and pain of cold sores. In this guide, comparing valacyclovir vs. acyclovir vs. famciclovir to explain which one is the best choice for treating and managing the virus.Herpes medications like valacyclovir, acyclovir and famciclovir belong to a class of medications called antiviral drugs.Antiviral drugs are designed to inhibit the multiplication  of viruses in the body. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.Important: This email goes to a third party - never send personal, medical, or health information to this address. Hoping it heals quickly though so that I can see my boyfriend! Unlike antibiotics, which eliminate the bacteria that cause infections, antiviral drugs simply control viral proliferation, rather than completely eliminating the target virus from the body.None of the antiviral drugs on the market today can cure herpes. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. For those who have problems with frequent outbreaks, do some research on things you shouldn't eat. • Acyclovir is the active drug while valaciclovir is the pro-drug. Famciclovir was introduced in the 1990s by Novartis and is sold under as Famvir in the United States. Most people know of this drug as Like other herpes medications, valacyclovir is highly effective. Since 2007, it’s been available as a generic medication at a relatively affordable cost.It’s also effective at controlling HSV-1 and HSV-2 symptoms in patients with compromised immune systems and is occasionally used as an alternative to valacyclovir and acyclovir for this purpose.If you think you might have herpes, the best approach is to speak to your doctor about treatment options. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir (Zovirax) are antiviral drugs that work by interfering with viral DNA replication. Acyclovir vs Valacyclovir • Acyclovir and valacyclovir are both antiviral drugs. All of these drugs work through a similar mechanism, and all have their place in treating cases of HSV-1 and HSV-2. The truth is, when it comes to acyclovir vs. valacyclovir vs. famciclovir, there is no clear winner. ** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. But with this med, I only get a red patch for 3-4 days and then it's gone. Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Zovirax (acyclovir) are antiviral drugs used to treat infections with shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis), and cold sores (herpes labialis). Compare Famciclovir vs Valacyclovir head-to-head with other drugs for uses, ratings, cost, side effects, interactions and more. • Acyclovir gets removed from the circulation in the first pass metabolism while valaciclovir gets converted into active form during the first pass metabolism. headache. Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is a first choice treatment for herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Unlike valacyclovir and acyclovir, which are usually prescribed for HSV-1 and HSV-2, famciclovir is typically used to treat shingles, or herpes zoster. Both Valtrex® and Famvir® effectively accelerate resolution of zoster rash, lessen the severity of acute pain, and reduce duration of post-herpetic neuralgia. Commonly reported Always consult your healthcare provider.No known alcohol/food interactions. .. My experience was Awful . Usually don't have any cold sores anymore. Famciclovir rated 8.2/10 vs Valacyclovir rated 8.7/10 in … :( Since being on valacyclovir however, plus lysine and icing the pre-sores, my life has been a little less miserable in the cold sore department. Took the 1g every 12 hours plus icing the areas, and it wasn't enough to stop it. Famciclovir was introduced in the 1990s by Novartis and is sold under as Famvir in the United States. Nuts and seeds are huge cold sore triggers because of the arginine in them. But I had the most intense stressful week with a lot of triggers. Current wholesale prices indicate that valacyclovir is the more cost-effective treatment for herpes zoster ($83.90 vs $140.70 per course). Within 30 minutes of taking it, I started to have severe heart palpitations, severe diarrhea, nausea and restlessness . It won't cure the disease, but it'll control the … People with active Even people with asymptomatic herpes can benefit from using antiviral drugs to Valacyclovir is one of the most widely used drugs for treating herpes. There are several drugs used to treat herpes, all of which are antiviral medications. Sometimes it gets you, and there's not a lot you can do. 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