Famciclovir for recurrent genital herpes

Recurrent genital herpes is a significant problem for patients worldwide. Not only is the infection painful, but patients are affected by its emotional and psychological burden. Famciclovir, an orally administered prodrug of the antiviral agent penciclovir, is an excellent option for patients with recurrent genital herpes. While genital herpes has no cure, infected patients can treat their outbreaks episodically or they can choose suppressive therapy. Famciclovir can be used in both cases. Famciclovir has a safety profile that is comparable to placebo, acyclovir and valacyclovir, and is the only oral antiviral that has been proven effective to date in preventing a full herpes outbreak using a single-day treatment.