Genital herpes treatment (Aciclovir)

If you have previously been diagnosed with genital herpes you can select your preference for a single or double course treatment.

Taking genital herpes treatment (Aciclovir tablets)

Start taking Aciclovir as soon as you feel an outbreak starting.

Take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 5 days. Complete the course of treatment.

If you haven't been diagnosed with herpes previously but think you may have herpes, use our photo assessment service.

Side effects of Aciclovir tablets

A small number of people will experience some side effects when taking Aciclovir, however these are generally mild and should pass quickly. These may include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea or tiredness.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Effectiveness of Aciclovir tablets

This treatment is for acute outbreaks of genital herpes only.

If taken within 5 days of the start of an outbreak, Aciclovir should shorten your outbreak by 1-2 days and make the symptoms less severe. It might even prevent the outbreak if taken early enough.

There is no cure for herpes, so it may return. This treatment does not affect how often you get future outbreaks, or how severe they will be. However, you can minimise the inconvenience and discomfort of the outbreaks by considering herpes suppression treatment.

How genital warts treatment works

Aciclovir is an antiviral that works to prevent the herpes virus from multiplying. This reduces the severity of the infection.

Important information about Aciclovir tablets

We cannot prescribe Aciclovir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). We recommend that you regularly screen for STIs. Frequent herpes outbreaks may indicate a weakened immune system, which can be caused by HIV. Know your status by taking an HIV blood test.

Safety: taking other medicines

Aciclovir might interact with other medicines. It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Aciclovir safely.

Alternative genital warts treatments

We can prescribe a local anaesthetic gel, Instillagel, which can be used alongside Aciclovir to help reduce the pain of genital herpes outbreaks.

If you have more than 6 outbreaks of herpes each year, you may be suitable for suppressive treatment.