Question:
Why do most doctors prescribe Valtrex over Acyclovir- it sounds like there are a lot of side effects with Valtrex posted here- any thing about Acyclovir?

Answer:
Im a doc with HSV2, I usually use acyclovir because it is cheaper ( has a generic brand) But Acyclovir has a shorter half life and needs to be taken 4-5 times a day by label. I usually dose 4 times a day. Valtrex is a fancy newer version that has a longer half-life. Same drug essentially. Side effects are few and very tolerable. Ive never had any side effect with acyclovir or valtrex personally. And in my hundreds of patients I ve never seen a serious side effect. And to be honest I think there are many side effects attributed to this medicine that are due to other reasons.

Doc