Famciclovir in the suppression of recurrent genital herpes

Recurrent genital herpes is associated with both medical and psychosocial complications for the patient. In addition to physical discomfort, fear of transmitting virus during sexual activity may be of great concern to those infected. Although there is no cure, a limited number of antiviral agents have proven effective in treating individual episodes of genital herpes and in reducing the frequency of episodes, as well as reducing subclinical shedding. Twice daily dosing of famciclovir has been shown to significantly decrease the number of recurrent episodes and may provide a convenient alternative for those patients who choose suppressive therapy.