More and more herpes sufferers are seeking alternatives to Valtrex and other herpes medications to avoid the many potential side effects or avoid the high cost of daily therapy. Fortunately, there are natural treatment options that can be very effective in reducing the length and severity of outbreaks.
Valtrex is the brand name for a prescription drug called valacyclovir HCl used to treat genital and oral herpes, as well as shingles (herpes zoster). Some people take the medication every single day as part of a daily therapy regimen, which is said to reduce the number of outbreaks and the risk of spreading herpes. Others take Valtrex when breakouts occur for a period of a few days until symptoms disappear.
Non-prescription Valtrex alternatives do exist and can be effective in treating the symptoms of herpes, and many people choose OTC products to avoid adverse reactions from anti-viral medications. Some of the common side effects of valacyclovir are nausea, headaches. vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain. Other side effects can include hypertension, allergic reactions, seizures, mania, renal failure, visual abnormalities and liver problems.
Most natural alternatives to Valtrex have few to no side effects to contend with, as they consist of anti-viral herbal extracts that are generally regarded as safe by the FDA. These herbs are usually combined in a topical ointment that can be applied to the area of a herpes breakout. Usually, the symptoms disappear in a short amount of time.
It’s important to know that there is no cure for herpes at the present time. Anti-viral medications and Valtrex alternatives are just treatment options that can help manage the condition so that outbreaks are not as severe as they would be without treatment. Valtrex does not work for everyone, and is not recommended for the elderly, the infirm or people with kidney problems. Daily therapy can be costly as well, and most prescription medications cause one side effect or another.
That’s why alternatives to Valtrex might be a better, safer option for you. If you have genital or oral herpes talk to your doctor and see if a natural Valtrex alternative makes sense for you. You might find that you can treat outbreaks without having to take oral medications.
Sheldon Miller is a health researcher who has been studying natural remedies for herpes and other STDs for many years. He is a regular contributor to Herpes Treatment Guide. Learn about natural Valtrex alternatives as well as various treatment options on the site.
