Open AccessA Review of Famciclovir in the Management of Genital Herpes
Author(s) -
Sebastian Faro
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.656
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1098-0997
pISSN - 1064-7449
DOI - 10.1155/s1064744998000088
Subject(s) - famciclovir , genital herpes , medicine , herpes simplex virus , herpes genitalis , valaciclovir , sex organ , disease , psychosocial , immunology , virus , herpesviridae , viral disease , psychiatry , biology , genetics
The frequent occurrence of genital herpes continues to be a serious clinical problem. Although notlife threatening, the physical symptoms of the disease, and the ensuing psychosocial complications,can be overwhelming to patients. The life cycle of the herpes simplex virus is complex, comprisingmultiple stages. Following infection, the virus establishes life-long latency in its host and can reactivateat any time as a recurrent infection. Successful management of genital herpes simplex infectionsinvolves patient education and psychological support, as well as antiviral agents. The antiviralagent famciclovir has been shown to shorten the course and decrease the severity of episodes ofrecurrent genital herpes. In addition, famciclovir has been shown to be effective in suppressingrecurrent genital herpes. A review of the clinical experience with famciclovir in the treatment ofgenital herpes is presented