Suggest Treatment For Persistent Herpes While On Valtrex

Posted on Sun, 3 Apr 2016

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

Sun, 3 Apr 2016 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have an herpes outbreak for more than 9 month and Valtrex does not stop it, what should I do?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can't do much...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

there are no real alternative in such cases. I suppose you're talking about shingles because this is the most commonly prolonged disease. Valtrex 1 gr three times per day is the right dosage. The duration of treatment is between 7 and 10 days.

If it's not going away or getting better then confirmation of the diagnosis might be a helpful first step. PCR is the best test (most sensitive and specific). If the diagnosis is confirmed then you just have to be patient. Famciclovir 500mg three times per day can be tried but it's a very similar drug to valtrex.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)

But i am doing it for many month and the outbreak continues, anything else to try?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
sorry no alternatives...

Detailed Answer:
I'm sorry but there are no alternative treatments. Acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir are all similar drugs and there are no other drug classes against this virus. Shingles may have a prolonged course. Only symptomatic treatment can be given (painkillers of various types and perhaps anti-depressive and anti-convulsants for serious pain).

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar