Valaciclovir in herpes zoster ophthalmicus: new indication. An empty clinical assessment file.

(1) Valaciclovir, a metabolic precursor of aciclovir, improves the bioavailability of the active compound. It is licensed for the prevention of ocular complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in immunocompetent subjects. (2) The clinical file on valaciclovir in this indication is very thin. Only two (uninterpretable) trials have been done, both versus aciclovir. Note that oral aciclovir has also been assessed inadequately in this indication. (3) Over 10% of patients treated with valaciclovir in the two trials had nausea or headache.