Aciclovir 400mg tablets

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2). It can cause:

– Painful blisters and open sores on or around the genitals, anus or nearby skin

– Burning, itching or tingling in the area

– Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and swollen glands, particularly in a first episode

The virus stays in your body for life but spends most of the time dormant and only flares up occasionally.

Aciclovir slows down the virus’s ability to multiply, which:

– Shortens how long an outbreak lasts

– Helps blisters and sores heal more quickly

– Reduces pain, burning and soreness

– Reduces viral shedding during an episode (though it does not completely remove the risk of passing the virus on)

It is especially useful during a first episode and for people who have frequent or severe recurrences.

No. Aciclovir treats outbreaks and can be used long term to reduce how often they occur, but it does not remove the virus from your body. The virus remains in nearby nerves and may reactivate from time to time.

However, aciclovir can make episodes:

– Shorter

– Less painful

– Less frequent (when used as daily suppressive therapy)

– A first episode is usually more severe, lasts longer and often causes more systemic symptoms (fever, aches, swollen glands). Treatment may need to be started quickly and continued for longer.

– Recurrent episodes tend to be shorter and milder. Treatment is most effective if started as soon as you notice early warning signs, such as tingling, itching or soreness before blisters appear.

Your prescriber will explain which regimen you are using and when to start it.

Without antiviral treatment:

– A first episode can take around 2–3 weeks to fully settle.

– Recurrent episodes are usually shorter but can still be uncomfortable and disruptive.

With aciclovir:

– Symptoms often start to improve within a few days.

– Sores usually heal faster than they would without medicine.

– On suppressive therapy, many people notice far fewer outbreaks.

Everyone’s experience is slightly different.

Daily suppressive therapy may be considered if you:

– Have frequent outbreaks (commonly 6 or more per year), or

– Have particularly painful, distressing or disruptive episodes, or

– Are anxious about transmission and the impact on relationship

Yes, but it does not remove the risk completely.

Daily suppressive therapy can:

– Reduce the number of outbreaks

– Reduce viral shedding between outbreaks

When combined with:

– Condoms/dental dams, and

– Avoiding sex during an outbreak or when you have symptoms

it can significantly lower the chance of passing the virus on—but it cannot reduce the risk to zero.

You should avoid sexual contact (including oral sex) when:

– You have blisters, sores or open lesions

– You have tingling, burning or other early warning signs of an outbreak

Between outbreaks:

– Use condoms or dental dams to reduce risk (though they do not fully eliminate it).

– Suppressive aciclovir can further reduce, but not completely remove, the risk of transmission.

Most people tolerate aciclovir well. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects, but many are mild and short-lived.

Common side effects can include:

– Headache

– Dizziness

– Feeling or being sick (nausea, vomiting)

– Diarrhoea or stomach pain

– Skin rash or itching

– Sensitivity to sunlight

– Tiredness or feeling generally unwell

These usually settle on their own. If side effects are severe, persistent or worrying, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects are rare, but you should seek urgent medical help if you notice:

– Signs of an allergic reaction – such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash

– Confusion, agitation, hallucinations or unusual drowsiness (especially in older adults or people with kidney problems)

– Signs of kidney problems – such as passing very little urine, blood in the urine, or swelling of the legs or ankles

If you are ever unsure, seek medical advice immediately.

Genital herpes in pregnancy needs specialist management because of the risk of passing the virus to the baby around the time of birth. Aciclovir is often used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when a doctor believes the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

You must tell your prescriber if you are:

– Pregnant or may be pregnant

– Planning a pregnancy

– Breastfeeding

Aciclovir is cleared from the body mainly by the kidneys. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, you may need:

– A lower dose

– Less frequent dosing

– Periodic monitoring, as advised by your doctor

Always inform your prescriber about any kidney issues and any medicines that can affect the kidneys. Unless you have been told otherwise, ensure you drink enough fluids.

If you miss a dose:

– Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next one.

– If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as normal.

– Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

If you miss several doses and still have active symptoms, contact your prescriber for advice.

There is no specific interaction between aciclovir and alcohol. However, if you feel dizzy, tired or generally unwell, alcohol may make this worse. It is sensible to limit or avoid alcohol until you know how aciclovir affects you.

Genital herpes does not usually affect fertility, and aciclovir is not known to affect fertility when used at normal doses. If you are trying for a baby and have concerns about herpes or your treatment, discuss this with your GP or a sexual health clinic.

Yes, that is usually recommended. Because genital herpes is sexually transmitted, you and your partner(s) may benefit from screening for other STIs (such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis) at a sexual health clinic.

Seek urgent advice from a GP, NHS 111 or emergency services if:

– You have very severe genital pain or cannot pass urine

– You feel very unwell with high fever, severe headache or confusion

– Your symptoms are rapidly worsening despite treatment

– You have a weakened immune system (e.g. due to chemotherapy, HIV, high-dose steroids or certain medicines) and develop genital sores

– You develop signs of a serious allergic reaction or any other severe side effect after taking aciclovir