Aciclovir herpes suppression treatment
"A 3-12 month course of aciclovir tablets as a herpes suppression treatment. It’s recommended if you get more than 6 outbreaks of genital herpes a year."
What is herpes suppression treatment?
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It causes painful flare-ups of blisters around the genitals. These can appear every couple of months.
While genital herpes can’t be cured, there are treatments to help you manage the symptoms of your outbreaks. If you want to prevent outbreaks, or reduce their frequency, you can also take a herpes suppression treatment.
How does it work?
Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that works to prevent the herpes virus from multiplying. Taking it regularly can mean your genital herpes outbreaks are less frequent, shorter and less painful. You may see this treatment under a different spelling, acyclovir for herpes suppression.
How to use herpes suppression treatment
Initially our clinicians may suggest taking 1 tablet twice a day for 3 months. However, we usually recommend continuing the aciclovir herpes suppression treatment for a full year.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your tablet, do this as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for your next tablet, skip the missed dose. Never take 2 tablets together to make up for it.
Treatment results
If you have 6 or more outbreaks of genital herpes per year, this herpes suppression treatment should help to:
- Reduce the frequency and length of outbreaks
- Make blisters less severe
- Stop outbreaks altogether in some cases
This treatment will only be effective if you take it regularly and correctly, as prescribed by your clinician.
Side effects of herpes suppression treatment
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using aciclovir. However, these are generally mild and should pass quickly.
In a small number of people, the medication may cause:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Tiredness
- Itching
- Rash
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the aciclovir patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Make blisters less severe
Reduces the frequency of your outbreaks
You take 1 tablet twice a day for up to a year
What is herpes suppression treatment?
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It causes painful flare-ups of blisters around the genitals. These can appear every couple of months.
While genital herpes can’t be cured, there are treatments to help you manage the symptoms of your outbreaks. If you want to prevent outbreaks, or reduce their frequency, you can also take a herpes suppression treatment.
How does it work?
Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that works to prevent the herpes virus from multiplying. Taking it regularly can mean your genital herpes outbreaks are less frequent, shorter and less painful. You may see this treatment under a different spelling, acyclovir for herpes suppression.
How to use herpes suppression treatment
Initially our clinicians may suggest taking 1 tablet twice a day for 3 months. However, we usually recommend continuing the aciclovir herpes suppression treatment for a full year.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your tablet, do this as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for your next tablet, skip the missed dose. Never take 2 tablets together to make up for it.
Treatment results
If you have 6 or more outbreaks of genital herpes per year, this herpes suppression treatment should help to:
- Reduce the frequency and length of outbreaks
- Make blisters less severe
- Stop outbreaks altogether in some cases
This treatment will only be effective if you take it regularly and correctly, as prescribed by your clinician.
Side effects of herpes suppression treatment
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when using aciclovir. However, these are generally mild and should pass quickly.
In a small number of people, the medication may cause:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Tiredness
- Itching
- Rash
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the aciclovir patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Aciclovir herpes suppression treatment FAQs
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Who should not take herpes suppression tablets?
You should talk to your clinician before taking aciclovir tablets if:
- You’re allergic to any of its ingredients
- You have kidney problems
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Can I drink alcohol on aciclovir herpes suppression tablets?
While taking aciclovir you can drink alcohol and continue to eat your normal diet. Our clinicians also recommend you drink plenty of water.
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Can you take aciclovir herpes suppression tablets when pregnant?
Aciclovir is not considered to be harmful for your baby if you’re taking it while pregnant. However, you should tell your clinician if you’re pregnant before starting herpes suppression treatment.
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Is it safe to take aciclovir long term?
Studies have shown that it’s safe to take aciclovir in the long term. Your treatment may need to be as long as a year to effectively suppress herpes outbreaks.
If you experience any unwanted side effects while taking aciclovir, message our clinicians in your Patient Record.
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How to prevent genital herpes?
You can help reduce the risk of giving your partner herpes by taking the treatment that’s right for you and by using condoms. Note that condoms are a lot more effective at preventing male to female infections than female to male ones.
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Where can I buy Aciclovir herpes suppression tablets?
You can’t get aciclovir over the counter. You’ll need a prescription to buy it, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe it after an online consultation where you confirm you’ve tested positive for genital herpes.
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Can I buy herpes suppression tablets online?
Our clinicians can prescribe aciclovir online, once they’ve made sure it’s right for you. First, you’ll need to answer a few simple questions, in confidence, during a short online consultation.
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Taking other medicines when taking herpes suppression tablets
So, our clinicians can prescribe aciclovir safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and any recreational drugs you’re taking regularly. Medications that may be most likely to react with aciclovir include:
- Probenecid, which is used to treat gout
- Cimetidine, a stomach ulcer treatment
- Mycophenolate mofetil, commonly prescribed to stop your body rejecting transplanted organs
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Alternative herpes suppression treatments for genital herpes
Alongside aciclovir tablets, our clinicians can prescribe a local anaesthetic gel called Instillagel. Its numbing action can help to reduce the pain and irritation of genital herpes outbreaks, while aciclovir works to reduce their frequency and severity.
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What causes herpes outbreaks after years without?
When you get the herpes virus it stays in your body, though outbreaks tend to become less frequent and severe after the first year.
However, it’s possible to get a genital herpes flare-up even after a long period of time when you’ve been symptom-free. This can be triggered by:
- Stress
- Using sunbeds
- Smoking
- Too much alcohol
- Tight clothing
- Sex
- Other illnesses
- Your menstrual cycle
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How long does a herpes outbreak last?
When you’re first infected, the herpes outbreaks you get generally last for 2 to 4 weeks. However, future outbreaks are often more short-lived and usually less severe. Some people are fortunate enough to never get genital herpes symptoms again after the initial infection.
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