I think I have read that some hobbyists take one of the following drugs as a preventative measure before meeting with a provider. Acyclovir, Valtrex or Zovirax.I think I read it here but was unable to find it using the search function. Does anyone know about this or have experience? I understand that they are working on a vaccine.
I guess some hobbyists do, vscrtlvr,
But does that make it a good thing? Yes, Valtrex is approved as prevention of further outbreaks in people already diagnosed with herpes. But does it protect HSV-negative people from contracting the virus? It's not a vaccine, so it should not be treated as such.
To my knowledge, no physician would prescribe Valtrex to a person who is HSV-negative. Some of the side effects of taking Valtrex include kidney issues, nervous system problems including aggressive behavior, unsteady movements, shaky movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. These symptoms may be more common in patients with pre-existing kidney disease.
The basis of approval for preventative measures was an eight-month, international, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 1,500 monogamous, heterosexual couples. At the beginning of the study, only one member of each couple had herpes. Study participants taking Valtrex gave the infection to their partners 48% less often than those getting a placebo.
But does that mean that you should somehow obtain Valtrex illicitly (if you're HSV negative) and then throw caution to the wind? Hmmm....I think not.
If you're concerned, please play safe to begin with,
the Love Goddess
-- Modified on 4/12/2008 5:54:10 PM
Thank you, dear. I am continually humbled by your wisdom. You are a true treasure!
Do a google serach for terms "herpes" "prevention" "wrestling"
and you will find that quite a few college, high school, camps for wrestlers use it for this purpose and there is a fair amount of medical literature that you will see that supports this use as being effective. But these folks take it during a short 2-3 months season or a few week camp, not on a continual basis.