A large-scale, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial of peroral valaciclovir for episodic treatment of recurrent herpes genitalis. Valaciclovir HSV Study Group.

Abstract

Valaciclovir therapy provided a clinically significant benefit to patients that included shortening of the duration of lesions, the duration of pain or discomfort, and the duration of virus shedding. In addition, this study, to our knowledge, provides the first convincing demonstration that antiviral therapy can prevent lesion development. These results should prompt a reconsideration of the role that episodic treatment plays in the management of recurrent herpes genitalis.