Abstract |
A randomized, double-blind study of valaciclovir for suppression of recurrent genital herpes was conducted among 1479 immunocompetent patients. Patients were randomized to receive valaciclovir (250 mg, 500 mg, or 1 g once daily, or 250 mg twice daily), acyclovir (400 mg twice daily), or placebo, for 1 year. All valaciclovir dosages were significantly more effective than placebo at preventing or delaying recurrences (P < .0001). There was a dose-response relationship (P < .0001) across the once-daily valaciclovir regimens. Twice-daily valaciclovir and acyclovir were similar in effectiveness. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with a history of < 10 recurrences per year were effectively managed with 500 mg of valaciclovir once daily. One gram of valaciclovir once daily, 250 mg of valaciclovir twice daily, or 400 mg of acyclovir twice daily were more effective in patients with > or = 10 recurrences per year. Safety profiles of all treatments were comparable. Thus, valaciclovir is highly effective and well tolerated for suppression of recurrent genital herpes. Once-daily regimens offer a useful option for patients who require suppressive therapy for management of genital herpes.
|
Authors | M Reitano, S Tyring, W Lang, C Thoming, A M Worm, S Borelli, L O Chambers, J M Robinson, L Corey |
Journal | The Journal of infectious diseases
(J Infect Dis)
Vol. 178
Issue 3
Pg. 603-10
(Sep 1998)
ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9728526
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Antiviral Agents
- Valine
- Valacyclovir
- Acyclovir
|
Topics |
- Acyclovir
(adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, blood, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology)
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antiviral Agents
(adverse effects, pharmacology)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Herpes Simplex
(prevention & control)
- Humans
- Male
- Recurrence
- Simplexvirus
- Treatment Outcome
- Valacyclovir
- Valine
(adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
|