Q. Are there potential concerns regarding liver damage associated with long-term use of Acyclovir for genital herpes?
Hello doctor,
At the age of 18, I was diagnosed with genital herpes following an initial outbreak. Since then, I have been taking Acyclovir 400 mg twice a day as a suppressant for the past nine years. During this time, I have not experienced noticeable outbreaks. However, after recently switching doctors, I was informed that there is limited research on the long-term use of Acyclovir as a suppressant, with studies only covering up to two years. My new doctor mentioned concerns about potential liver damage associated with long-term use. I would like to know if this information is accurate and whether I should consider discontinuing the medication.
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thank you for your query.
The usual treatment duration for acute cases of genital herpes with Acyclovir is typically seven to ten days. While it does not cure the disease, it helps in reducing the severity of symptoms during acute outbreaks. In cases of recurrent outbreaks, a shorter duration of treatment, usually around five days, may be advised. Prolonged suppressive therapy with this medication is commonly used to prevent the transmission of the infection to sexual partners. However, to the best of my knowledge, there is currently no evidence supporting the use of this medication for suppressive therapy over nine years. It is generally well tolerated over a long time without severe side effects. However, it is important to consult your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the continuation or possible discontinuation of the medication. They will be able to provide personalized advice based on your specific condition. I also recommend using barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, to help prevent the transmission of the infection to your partner. It can be used as needed for five to seven days when you notice the recurrence of painful ulcers. My advice is to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this answer helped you.
Thank you.
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