Acyclovir 800 mg vs Valtrex 500 mg - Herpes Message Board

justnotfair · 02-21-2003, 12:35 PM

You can get about 90 Acyclovir 800 mg cheaper than a 30 day supply of Valtrex at 500mg. I was wondering if a daily dosage of Acyclovir be as effective as 500mg of Valtrex. I have been experiencing high levels or stress because of some other situations in my life and I'm having an unbelievable outbreak. I am going to have to cave in from "doing it all natural" and take some type of suppressive therapy that won't burn my pockets dry.

Any experience or suggestions. I have only taken drug therapy during my initial OB (I had enough pill for like a 4-6 month period) then I took more meds for another 2 months in '01, none since that point.

I also wanted to inquire on 2 additional things. Does taking vitamins have an affective on antivirals? Also, I drink beer occassionally, at most 1 to 2 times a week, what type of affects does that have in combo s-therapy?

[This message has been edited by justnotfair (edited 02-22-2003).]

TickledPeenk · 02-22-2003, 12:45 PM

I don't know first-hand since I'm not on s-therapy (yet) and I haven't taken Valtrex.. but to my understanding, Valtrex is a bit more effective, which is why it is more expensive. But Acyclovir DOES work, so if saving money is important, it will be a good idea to go with the Acyclovir.
You can take L-Lysine supplements to help your immune system. Half of the HSv sufferers polled on herpes.org said they use lysine and from what I've heard it's pretty effective too.
So I would think combining the two would work out for ya.
I don't know about the effects of beer though, I think you'd have to ask your pharmacist about that.
Hope I helped...

justnotfair · 02-22-2003, 12:50 PM

Yes,TickledPeenk that is of great help. The idea of "life long" medicine has always scared me, but outbreaks, while not many, are getting more severe. I've read some people have abandoned the drug after three years of s-thearpy, but I'm not sure if they took the drug from the initial OB or not.

Thanks for your help, hopefully more ppl can suggest/add their input. This is definitely a day by day feat!!!!