Evaluation of safety and efficacy of prolonged suppressive therapy of genital herpes with valacyclovir.

The aim of study was to determine the effectiveness, safety and side effects of suppressive therapy (valacyclovir) for relapsing genital herpes virus infections. Patients with HSV were divided into three groups: the first group was composed of 82 patients (45 males and 37 females) who received 500 mg of valacyclovir single dose daily during 6 months. The second group was composed of 52 patients (29 males and 23 females) who received 500 mg of valacyclovir single dose daily during 12 months. The third group was composed of 152 patients (87 males and 65 females), who received 500 mg of valacyclovir single dose daily during 24 months. Control group was composed of 60 patients (32 males and 28 females) who were treated with topical antiseptics. Several side effects such as headache (in 12% of patients), sickness (6%) and diarrhoea (3%) have been seen with the same frequency in patients and control group. Frequency of more serious complications, such as HBV infections, leukopenia, strong headaches was very low (0.2%). Other haematological and biochemical parameters were normal. Genital herpes reoccurrence was demonstrated only in 3% of patients. Relapse of genital herpes during suppressive therapy was seen in 9 % of patients. In control groups the same measure was 86% in patients. It is concluded, that continuous suppressive therapy of HSV infections with valacyclovir is safe and effective treatment, which strongly prevents reoccurrence or transmissions of HSV infections to sexual partners. Suppressive therapy few weeks before the expected delivery will decrease: the risk of relapse and need for cesarean section.