Does Acyclovir Decrease Viral Shedding When Diagnosed With Herpes?

Brief Answer:
Acyclovir has beneficial effects on shedding

Detailed Answer:
Hello My Dear

Welcome.

I am Dr V XXXXXXX
I am a Dermatovenereolgist.
I have gone through your query and would be glad to help.

I assume that you are mentioning Herpes genitalis.
Acyclovir does reduce viral shedding, as has been observed in research on long term suppressive therapy.

I would request you to get your IgG to HSV done to know as to what does it reflect.

I will be awaiting confirmation from you that your query indeed has been answered. If you wish to attach any reports or prescriptions, please do so. I will review them and provide best inputs.

Best wishes

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Brief Answer:
Trials are under way

Detailed Answer:
My Dear

Welcome with the information.
From your reports, it is clear that IgG is raised, an indirect evidence of infection.

I have seen reported in the literature that at some centers they stopped suppressive therapy after a year or so as they found that there was no further improvement by continuation of the suppressive treatment.

I am aware of some studies/clinical trials which can be categorized as
(a) locally applied agents like Tenofovir gel and siRNA nanopeptide ,
(b) medicines that block replication of the virus, and
(c) vaccines.

Out of them , the first two hold better promise while the vaccines have shown mixed results.

I hope this information is useful to you.
Best wishes

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Brief Answer:
Viral shedding in case of Herpes Genitalis with Acyclovir is reduced

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir

Welcome with your observations and it is good that you are asymptomatic. Suppressive therapy implies that though virus is present but it is not able to produce symptoms. You have got the interpretation correct. I appreciate your interest in acquiring knowledge about your condition.

I could not get any mention of literature wherein Acyclovir was used for that long period. However, I have several patients who had used this drug for as long as five or even seven years without any symptoms or signs of toxicity.

In a few cases, which appeared immunologically competent, I stopped acyclovir after 18 months or so and they had no relapses. So, the crux of my readings and personal experience is that it is a mutual decision between the physician-patient to continue or discontinue acyclovir after a couple pf years.

I would encourage you to explore this option, but not the cost of any major risks.

My best wishes are always with you. Let me know if I can help you further on this subject.

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Brief Answer:
This option is worth exploring

Detailed Answer:
My Dear Sir

Welcome with your message.
I endorse your viewpoint that one can consider the option of stopping Acyclovir especially when you have been asymptomatic for a long period.

Wish you the very best.

Thanks for choosing our services.

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