Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets

What is Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets and what is it used for?

Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets are an antiviral drug that uses an active ingredient. It is an effective treatment for preventing the recurrence of viral flare-ups, such as genital herpes and cold sores, and is most effective if used as soon as symptoms begin to appear.

If you suffer from flare-ups of herpes regularly then you might need to take Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets regularly in order to suppress the viral infection. When taken regularly, it can reduce the chance of passing your infection to other people sexually. You should, however, continue to wear condoms and practise safe sex. When the sores are visible and present it is recommended to avoid sex altogether.

Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets is available on prescription for adults between 18 and 65 years old.

Dosage

For adults aged between 18 - 65 years:

Treatment of genital herpes - The usual dose is 500 mg (one 500 mg tablet or two 250 mg tablets) twice a day. For the first infection, you should take for five days or for up to ten days if your doctor tells you to.

Helping to prevent herpes infections from returning - The usual dose is one 500 mg tablet once a day. Some people with frequent recurrences may benefit from taking one 250 mg tablet twice a day. You should take until your doctor tells you to stop.

Always complete the full course of medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you believe that your infection may have subsided. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If this is the case it is okay to skip a dose - never take a double dose in order to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

As with most medications, Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets can cause some people to experience unpleasant side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of using Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets include the following:

• Headache
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Skin reaction after exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity).
• Rash
• Itching (pruritus)

If you have any further concerns about anything addressed here, or you are worried about potential side effects, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings

It is important to read the following warnings before taking Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets in order to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Consult your doctor before using Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets if any of the following apply to you:

• You have kidney problems
• You have liver problems
• You are over 65 years of age
• Your immune system is weak

Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets and other medicines

Speak to a doctor before using Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets if you are taking any other medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets is not usually recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you could be, or if you are planning to become pregnant, don’t take Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets without checking with your doctor. Your doctor will weigh up the benefit to you against the risk to your baby of taking Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before taking Genital Herpes Treatment Tablets.