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Acyclovir vs valtrex

Posted , 4 users are following.

ouch109
ouch109

Hi

I have been given two scripts

One for valtrex oraland one for aclyovir topical ointment.

Does anyone know why i would use both?

I understand the valtrex and what it dies, but how is aclyovir different? Does it help avtually heal things, or is it just another form of viral suppression?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • elizabeth283
    elizabeth283 ouch109

    Posted

    I suppose they gave you both to help heal faster, anyway the topical ointment should help clear up the actual sores a little faster whereas the pill helps other symptoms like whats going on internally.
    • ouch109
      ouch109 elizabeth283

      Posted

      Ahh

      Gotcha

      They are from two different docs so i wasnt sure if there was any real benefit in using both

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus ouch109

    Posted

    The ointment does the same (reduce viral replication), but via the lesions themselves. The sooner used, the better, as with the oral meds. For mild outbreaks, topical treatment can be used in lieu of oral meds.

    However, the ointment is only recommended for the first outbreak. Cream is supposedly better for recurrences, but the general medical trend/advice for GH is oral antivirals over topical antivirals. The latter is less effective and does not reduce shedding.

    • ouch109
      ouch109 FelizCastus

      Posted

      The ountment actually burns a bit and i dont really think it adds much on top of valtrex

      I think i will DC

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus ouch109

      Posted

      Yeah, I'm not sure that you're even supposed to use both at the same time. I've read that stinging is a common side effect of the topical treatment.
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