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.