Herpes - Acyclovir

[needadvice44]

Hi everyone, I'm after some advice and hoping someone can help me.

Around the year 2013/2014 (can't remember the exact year) I was diagnosed with genital herpes. I had quite a bad outbreak, I visited the GUM clinic whom prescribed me a short dose of 400mg acyclovir to take (can't remember how often). So I did that and it cleared up.

Then I started to get regular flare ups and my GP suggested I take Acyclovir long term to suppress this (400mg again 2x a day). So I did. I did this for a good few years until one day my very lovely GP suggested me to stop taking them, I was skeptical at first as I was scared of having another outbreak but I gave it ago. Then I had another outbreak. I went back to my GP who put me on 400mg 2x a day again. Fast forward to now and I'm still taking them 2x a day.

I'm going to call and discuss things properly with my GP but in the meantime I am worrying a little. I have been quite naive in the fact that this medication works, it keeps me from having attacks and I've never really researched into it until today.

But from looking on the internet I can see this medication (if used long term) can cause kidney failure, low platelets and red blood cells and you can also build up resistance to it. I never knew any of this. No doctor ever told me. Apparently you should have regular blood tests to check your kidneys but I've never had this mentioned to me?

Im keen to try and stop this medication again to see if I've suppressed the herpes but I am also worried. Nevertheless, I also don't like the sound of the above (kidney failure etc).

I am hoping someone on here is knowledgeable about this condition/medication or there is someone on here who also suffers with herpes and can advise me as I'm now really concerned. Thank you.

I wouldn’t say I’m knowledgeable but I also have herpes and I don’t take acyclovir daily. I have a back up supply and I start taking them the second I feel an attack coming and it stops it in it’s tracks. I find it completely manageable like this and I’ve never had an attack as bad as the first one.
I also suffer with shingles fairly regularly (lucky me!) and I treat it the same, take anti virals when I feel it starting. Hope this helps.

@Shadow1986 I don't know why my GP has never suggested me to have a back up supply and to take when I feel an attack coming on. I'm going to contact them on Monday as I'm anxious now.

Maybe it was because you were having more frequent attacks at the time they made that decision. But I would definitely seek advice about coming off them (you’ll need to find out if you need to reduce before completely stopping) and just having a supply at home to start taking as and when you need them. I manage absolutely fine like this and would hate to take medication everyday for it. Good luck.

I was moved on to valciclovir.
Use regularly when stressed as more likely to get attack, and helps end it too.
Go back to your GP.

Thank you for your advice @Shadow1986

I hate taking daily medication but so scared of having another attack as I was very prone to them.

Will see what the GP says next week.

@Squirrel134 ha! I'm always stressed can I ask why they moved you into valciclovir? Good to know there are other medications incase I do build up resistance though.