Antivirals and care
Herpes Antiviral Medication: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir and Famciclovir
Herpes antiviral medication is the proven care: acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir, prescribed by a clinician. They shorten outbreaks, and daily suppressive therapy cuts recurrences 70 to 80% in people who have them often and lowers the chance of passing HSV-2 to a partner. Reviralis is a supplement, not an antiviral, so keep any prescription.
Written by the Reviralis label deskUpdated
The proven care01
What is herpes antiviral medication?
It is a prescription medicine that slows the herpes virus from copying itself. The three in common use are acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir.
The CDC lists all three in its treatment guidelines for genital herpes (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes). WHO describes them as the medicines that reduce symptoms and the time to healing, while saying they do not cure the infection (WHO, Herpes Simplex Virus Fact Sheet). For cold sores, Mayo Clinic also lists antiviral medicine as an option and advises seeing a clinician about frequent or severe sores (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes).
The medicine does not remove the virus. It controls it while you take it.
The three drugs02
What is the difference between acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir?
All three are prescription antivirals named for HSV in CDC guidance. A clinician picks one based on your history and other medicines.
We list no doses here, because dose depends on your history, your kidneys and the reason you take it, and the CDC guidelines give the exact schedules to your clinician (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes).
| Medicine | Form | Used for | Needs a prescription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acyclovir | Prescription | Outbreaks and suppression | Yes |
| Valacyclovir | Prescription | Outbreaks and suppression | Yes |
| Famciclovir | Prescription | Outbreaks and suppression | Yes |
Source: CDC treatment guidelines (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes). Your clinician sets the dose.
Two ways to use them03
What is herpes suppressive therapy?
Suppressive therapy means taking an antiviral every day to keep outbreaks from coming back often. Episodic therapy means taking it only when an outbreak starts.
Episodic (at the first sign)
Started at the first tingle or within a day of a sore, it shortens the outbreak. Speed matters, so people often keep a prescription on hand.
Suppressive (every day)
The CDC says daily use lowers recurrences by 70 to 80% in people with frequent outbreaks (CDC, About Genital Herpes).
Daily suppression also lowers the chance of passing HSV-2 to a partner, though it does not remove the chance (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes). Whether to use it is a decision you make with a clinician.
How much help04
How much do antivirals help?
Enough to matter, but not magic. They shorten outbreaks, and taken daily they lower how often outbreaks return.
Q: Should you expect it to work at once? A: No. Medicines of this kind work best when started early, and suppression is judged over months, not days. Tell your clinician if outbreaks continue, because the plan can be changed.
The CDC says treatment shortens an outbreak and, when taken early, can ease symptoms (CDC, About Genital Herpes). It does not clear the virus, and it does not make a person non-infectious. That is why a clinician also talks about condoms and partners.
The strongest figure is for suppression: a 70 to 80% cut in recurrences in people with frequent ones (CDC, About Genital Herpes).
Prepare05
How do you prepare for a clinician visit about herpes?
Bring your outbreak dates, your medicine list and your questions. A short note makes the visit more useful.
- The dates and sites of each outbreak.
- Every medicine and supplement you take, including Reviralis if you use it.
- Whether you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or have a weak immune system.
- Questions about partners, testing and suppression.
Q: Is it awkward to ask? A: Not for a clinician. Herpes is one of the most common infections there is, and the questions you bring are routine ones. Writing them down first helps you cover everything in a short visit.
People with HIV use different regimens, so tell your clinician about it (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes). Pregnancy matters too, because herpes passed to a newborn is serious (CDC, About Genital Herpes).
Reviralis: from $49 a bottle60 capsules a bottle · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 and 6 · 60-day money-back guarantee
See packsSupplements06
Can a supplement replace an antiviral?
No. Nothing we found shows that any dietary supplement does what an antiviral does, and Reviralis is not an antiviral.
The label lists vitamins, minerals and a 661 mg blend of 18 names, and never mentions herpes. FDA says a supplement presented for a disease is a drug (FDA, Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements), and regulators have acted against online products sold for sexually transmitted infections (HIV.gov, FDA and FTC Act on Fraudulent HIV and STD Products).
Do not stop or reduce an antiviral because you started a supplement. If you want to add one, tell your clinician or pharmacist. The check on supplements and medicines shows what to ask.
Get care07
When is herpes an emergency?
Sores in or near the eye, or sores with fever, stiff neck, severe headache or confusion, need care the same day. Call 911 for the severe signs.
- Painful sores near the eyesHerpes in or near the eye can harm sight. Get care the same day.
- A first outbreak, or sores you are unsure aboutA clinician can confirm what it is and talk about antivirals and partner safety.
- Sores that do not heal in 2 to 3 weeksOr frequent outbreaks. Ask about daily suppression.
- A weakened immune systemOutbreaks can be longer or more severe. Tell your clinician about any outbreak.
- Fever, stiff neck, severe headache or confusionCall 911 or go to an emergency room.
- Pregnant, or a new baby with sores or feverCall a clinician or emergency care right away.
From the CDC and Mayo Clinic (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes) (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). This list is not complete, and a supplement is never a reason to wait.
More facts in herpes basics.
Side effects08
Report a bad reaction
Report a reaction to any medicine or supplement to your clinician, and you can also report it to FDA MedWatch (FDA, MedWatch).
Tell your clinician about any other medicine or condition so the plan fits you. If you take Reviralis, the label asks you to consult a provider first if you take any medication, which includes an antiviral.
FAQ09
Herpes antivirals: common questions
Is acyclovir the same as valacyclovir?
No. They are separate prescription medicines in the same family, along with famciclovir. All three are prescription antivirals for herpes. A clinician chooses between them.
What is the difference between episodic and suppressive therapy?
Episodic therapy is taken at the first sign of an outbreak to shorten it. Suppressive therapy is taken daily. The CDC says daily use lowers recurrences by 70 to 80% in people with frequent outbreaks.
Does suppressive therapy stop me from passing herpes on?
It lowers the chance of passing HSV-2 to a partner but does not remove it. Condoms also lower the risk without removing it. Using both and talking openly with a partner gives the best protection.
Can I stop my antiviral if I feel better?
Do not change a prescription without asking your clinician. Feeling better can be the natural pattern of milder outbreaks or the medicine working. A clinician can review whether to continue, adjust or stop.
Can antivirals get rid of the herpes virus?
No. They control the virus while you take them, shorten outbreaks and lower recurrences, but the virus stays in the body. The CDC and WHO both state that there is no cure.
Can I take Reviralis with an antiviral?
Ask your clinician or pharmacist first. The label tells anyone taking a medication to consult a provider. Reviralis is not an antiviral and does not replace one. Keep your prescription as directed.
Who wrote this10
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the order page and linked NIH, FDA, FTC, Mayo Clinic and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a USA Authorized Reviralis Retailer. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
Keep reading
More about Reviralis
USA Authorized Reviralis Retailer
Ready to try Reviralis?
Read the label warning, check your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist first, then pick a pack. Six bottles cost the least per bottle; three and six ship free in the US; every pack carries the 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Secure checkout on the sales site
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Ships from the U.S.