Does Acyclovir For Herpes Infection Affect PSA Levels?

Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Can taking Acyclovir (for herpes infection) affect my upcoming PSA test? (Also can Herpes affect PSA levels?) I had radiation for Prostate Cancer 2 and 1/2 years ago. PSA levels droped to around 0.9. However I had a spike in PSA 2months ago but also had a severe Gum infection. My urologist did not rule out that the Gum infection may have caused the spike. I am schedueled to take PSA in two weeks and am concerned that the results will be raised by Herpes or artificially lowered by Acyclovir. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No proven fact

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Welcome to healthcaremagic

I understand your condition and read your query carefully.You can take acyclovir for your herpes infection as advised.

There is no such proven fact that a herpes infection or antiviral medications increases PSA levels. So for now please focus on treating your herpes infection.When you see your doctor for checking PSA levels, just for his information mention your doubts to them.

Hope i have answered your query.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj