Valtrex after exposure as prophylactic against primary infection?

[akamonroe]

Hello Terri, thanks for all the work you do!
I have had HSV-2 for about 20 years. It has been very well managed with daily preventative Valacyclovir, and until yesterday I had not had any symptoms for about seven years. I have of course disclosed everything to my partner, and with all of the facts in mind we have opted for unprotected sexual relations. Yesterday, I got what I THINK may have been a tiny outbreak for the first time 7 years. I bombarded my system with extra valtrex and it’s pretty much gone now. If it was an outbreak, my partner was probably, but not definitely, exposed.

What are your thoughts regarding her taking valacyclovir over the next few days (or week, or two weeks?) to hopefully prevent the virus from taking hold in her body, and ever reaching the stage of a symptomatic infection? It makes a lot of sense to me, even though I haven’t been able to find any studies that have proven this works. I’m wondering if it makes sense to you, and if it is something you would recommend, especially considering there are almost no downsides to taking valacyclovir. If the answer is yes, what do you think would be the right dosage and duration?

Thank you.

• This topic was modified 11 months, 3 weeks ago by akamonroe.

[Terri Warren]

I don’t believe that would be useful at this point. There is some mouse data that if antivirals are taken almost immediately, it could prevent latency, but now is too late. We also don’t believe that an uninfected partner taking a routine course of Valtrex would be protected against transmission. I would just observe your partner for about 10 days, and if they develop symptoms or sores, they should be seen right away and treatment begun.

Terri

[akamonroe]

Hi Terri,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. They were taken almost Immediately! Within a few of hours of the potential exposure, once I realized what it had been. Can you tell me anything about where that mouse data can be found? Thanks very much.

[akamonroe]

Hi Terri,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. They were taken almost Immediately! Within a few of hours of the potential exposure, once I realized what it had been. Can you tell me anything about where that mouse data can be found? Any idea what you would recommend in terms of dosage and duration for this? Thanks very much.

• This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by Terri Warren.
• This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by Terri Warren.

[Terri Warren]

I don’t have that reference at hand, it’s been years ago, and we don’t know that the mouse data could apply to humans but there is no down side in doing it. When people have asked me about this, a very wild ass guess, that is still within safety limits, would be 1 gram three times a day for three days. VERY wild ass guess.

TErri

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