Genital Herpes Tablets

What are Genital Herpes Tablets and what are they used for?

Genital Herpes Tablets are an antiviral tablet, which is used to prevent or treat infections from the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can cause both cold sores, typically seen around the mouth, and genital herpes that can appear in and around the genitals and anus. Read more about what are Genital Herpes Tablets used for here.

It cannot completely cure herpes but will stop the growth of the virus and suppress the symptoms. Genital Herpes Tablets can also be used as a means to prevent recurrent outbreaks. It is one of the most popular treatments in the UK for genital herpes.

How do Genital Herpes Tablets work?

If you begin to take Genital Herpes Tablets as soon as symptoms appear, the outbreak will often disappear within 1-2 days. Recurrent outbreaks are usually preceded by a tingling or itching sensation.

Genital Herpes Tablets targets the enzyme that is necessary for the HSV to replicate and grow. By stopping further production of this enzyme, the virus cannot reproduce and create more blisters. This allows the immune system to fight the remaining virus and end the outbreak.

After taking Genital Herpes Tablets, you should wait until the affected area has healed before resuming sexual activity. Once the virus has fully gone into remission, it will no longer be contagious.

Alternatives to Genital Herpes Tablets

If you do not fancy using prescription medications to help ease your symptoms or you want to try some non-medicinal alternative treatments alongside Genital Herpes Tablets, helpful things to try include:

• Cleaning the area with water or saltwater to promote healing
• Avoid wearing tight clothing
• Use pain relief such as paracetamol
• Try to avoid your known outbreak triggers such as excess alcohol.
• Use Vaseline on the blisters to promote healing and relieve pain.

Genital Herpes Tablets dosage

Begin taking Genital Herpes Tablets as soon as you notice symptoms of the herpes virus, which include visible blisters and a burning sensation.

• Take 1 tablet three times a day for 5 days, or for as long as is prescribed with a glass of water. If you are taking Genital Herpes Tablets to prevent future recurrences of herpes, you will likely be prescribed 2 tablets per day for a period of 3-6 months.

HSV infections are contagious and can be spread even if you are taking Genital Herpes Tablets. So, be sure to frequently wash your hands and do not allow the infected area to make contact with others.

Genital Herpes Tablets side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Genital Herpes Tablets, however, if you do they may include:

• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• diarrhoea
• allergic reaction
• rash
• stomach pain
• fatigue
• fever
• heightened sensitivity to light

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Is genital herpes curable?

While there is no cure for herpes, the virus's severity varies over the course of a person's lifetime. Over time, recurrent genital herpes outbreaks generally become less frequent and less severe, but it is still important to monitor your symptoms with antiviral medication if symptoms do come back.