Famvir antiviral
Common Questions and Answers about Famvir antiviral
famvir
Is it possible for a person to become resistant to the antiviral meds, like valtrex and famvir? Like could it have previously worked and no longer does?
My doctor said its very unusual to have outbreaks all the time on medication. She has prescribed Famvir for me now. Can you tell me if this is normal?
I was not comfortable with the dr so i went to see another one, he prescribed me famvir and told me to come back in 6 weeks for testing for herpes, though he saw nothing he could culture or anything indicative of herpes. The famvir relieved my symptoms though every time i go off it i get about 5 days of relief before symptoms start to come back. I also have had general (and painful) adenopathy since early feb. but dr dismissed it as no big deal.
It seems that famvir and lysine are not effective on the herpes that was dormat before prednisone treatment. Does anyone have any suggestion on what may be effective?
People who have severe or prolonged outbreaks (especially if it is the first episode), people with immune system problems, or those with frequent recurrences will benefit from antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
People who have frequent or severe recurrences of oral or genital herpes may choose to continue taking antiviral medications to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences.
are you sure that they typed your infection or just that it was + for herpes and assumed to be hsv2 since it was below the waist? if you aren't sure, well worth trying to find out.
It doesn't matter how long you've been infected. We have studies showing that the virus sheds as much whether you've been infected 3 years or over 20 years.
makes no difference where you typically get lesions either.
Established infections like yours allow some of the antibodies to be temporary with the baby. The most important issue is that your put on antiviral medication at a time prior to delivery to surpress the virus. Work with your doctor on the but its nothing to be overly concerned about at all.
The far bigger risk is for mothers that contact the virus during pregnancy where antibodies are lacking and more outbreaks could occur.
Tell us about the test you took confirming your positive for hsv.
Hi, if i have herpes in 3 locations is it possible that my body will not be able to suppress the virus even with antiviral medication? I have it in my eyes,hands,and mouth. Outbreaks have been continuous even with meds.
One more question...You and Terri have said that outbreaks last 1-2 weeks. However, if you take antiviral therapy close to the 1st signs of symptoms (famvir 2000mg or valtrex 2g/day for 3 days) and the outbreak doesn't end for 2 weeks, then can't one argue that the antiviral therapy didn't work? Shouldn't the antiviral therapy stop the outbreak in its tracks. How does this work? What's a typical physiological response to the antiviral therapy? Please explain.
Hi -
No, nothing cures herpes. Antivirals don't cure it, either. They just help prevent outbreaks and reduce shedding if you take them daily.
No studies have been done on any of the things you mentioned and transmission, so we can't say how it works for that, but some say L-lysine and Monolaurin really helps them in reducing the frequency of outbreaks. Others don't, so obviously that varies.
Be really leery of anything promising a cure.
Hi, low positive for hsv2 and a retest of negative could be conclusive. The culture for positive is very accurate and the negative blood for hsv1 would mean it missed it as even the best tests miss 10% or it was taken too soon to show antibodies.
I am also taking an antiviral med for EBV / CFS. The drug is Famvir. I take one pill per day. The goal is to keep EBV in check and hopefully eliminate my CFS.
I did not realize the side effects of this drug. Wow. I also show mycoplasma infections (mycoplasma pneumonia / chlamida pneumonia) which no doctor believes requires treatment. Anyway, I've been on the antiviral drug for just over 2 months with no sign of improvement. In fact, I feel worse.
Antibiotics will not cure herpes, in fact, they will do nothing to alleviate symptoms either. Antiviral medication, such as Valtrex (valacyclovir), Famvir (famiciclovir), or Zovirax (acyclovir) can help suppress the virus so you will have less outbreaks and less frequent viral shedding, but it cannot be cured. However, you can still transmit the virus while on this medication, even if you are not having an outbreak.
hello i have a question i tested positive on a non specific herpes test and without knowin the type i took antiviral famivir and i tested again after 1 month andthe result was negative for both types.
can famivir suppress the antibody to a level that it produce a negative test result?
i asked a doctor he said once you develop antibodies they stay life long medication does not suppress the antibodies they just inhabit the viral replication.
will taking famivir for 10 days affect the test result?
My primary outbreak was a few vaginal blisters. I was misdiagnosed and given 2 days of Famvir. 5 days later I had a severe rectal outbreak. I was then very sick for 3 months with flu like symptoms and severe itching in my bikini area.
In prior posts you did not feel nerve pain was a direct result of HSV2. What is it a result of? Please expand on this? I have had severe burning, itching, nerve twitching, and zapping with this disease in my pelvic and rectal area.
Oral acyclovir or the recently developed drugs, valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir (Famvir), lessen the symptoms and frequency of fever blister recurrences for some patients. These drugs prevent HSV from multiplying and are effective when taken in pill form prior to an outbreak of the virus. Topical antiviral creams containing acyclovir (Zovirax) or penciclovir (Denavir) may also help in limiting the extent or duration of lesions if applied promptly to affected areas.
You may not get that side effect. I haven't, and I did get it from a heart medication I take. Your mileage may vary, of course.
There is another antiviral called famvir. Hair loss isn't a known side effect of that. However, it is more expensive, usually, though it has also been studied and does reduce shedding, and therefore, probably transmission -
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17538513/
Valtrex is a little better for reducing shedding -
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
I am on a daily antiviral treatment and my outbreaks went dormant for a year and a half and recently was five months between them. I have learned that sunburn / UV is a trigger for my outbreaks.
My question is, if I prevent UV exposure to my lips where the outbreaks occur is that enough to theoretically thwart the onset of outbreaks or is the research behind HSV and sun exposure any sort of sunburn anywhere?
Anyone have clarification? Thanks!
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