Acyclovir and Itching: What Users Say

• Won...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I ended up misdiagnosed on several occasions with what felt like a UTI and or thrush. After five days of agony and burning fever, I knew something was wrong. I had one sore which experts misdiagnosed as a cyst. Finally, a GP confirmed my worst fears. An STD in my thirties. I can still count my encounters on one hand, but anyone that has sex risks taking the virus and I was just unlucky. I was lucky my partner, who was a week into our relationship, was so supportive. I take acyclovir as a preventative medication to avoid more breakouts and it works a treat. I get the odd itch but no symptoms. I sometimes feel tired with it and alcohol, I have to be careful with. Otherwise, I really recommend it for self-esteem, getting back on your feet, and with the whole acceptance aspect. One in six of us have it. This makes it manageable. A vaccine or cure would be better still... But out of all the illnesses and diseases, this isn't the worst one.. Count the blessings x"

• Doe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2016

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "A year and a half ago, my BF went to New Mexico. While he was there, he contracted HSV-2. When he came back, he was honest about having the virus. I never saw an outbreak on him, so I thought he was paranoid. Last weekend, I noticed that I had burning after intercourse. By Monday, I was sure I had an outbreak. It burned when I urinated and felt like the bottom of my vagina was on fire. Tuesday, I went to the doctor, and she said it looked like herpes. I'm 39 years old. She prescribed acyclovir 400 mg 3x. This is my first day. So far, the burning is persistent, and the itchiness is driving me insane. Any ideas???"

• HSV...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 5, 2017

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I found out I contracted genital herpes from an ex-boyfriend about 5 years ago. It initially felt like a cut on my vagina that itched and burned. Went to the doctor the next day and sure enough-herpes (ugh). I take the medicine as needed and it works like a charm. If I do feel one coming, I take 400 mg three days for about 4-5 days. Clears right up. I also used to get cold sores a few times a year-haven't since taking this medicine. It's AMAZING. Just wish I never had to find out about it."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2018

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "My fiancé and I discovered, in the beginning of our relationship, that we both had genital herpes. My first outbreak was the ABSOLUTE worst experience; I was so sick. We suffered for 2 years, had constant breakouts, and then finally we decided to both respectively take acyclovir. Doses are 800 mg tablet every day, and honest to goodness, it was a miracle drug. We have been on it for 3 months now, and except for an occasional itch here and there that lasts for a day and then goes away, neither of us have had the lesions or the terrible symptoms. We do not take it when we feel symptoms; instead, we take 800 mg every day, possibly for the rest of our lives, but that's okay so long as we never have to experience another outbreak!!"

• Cyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2020

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I had itching for 3 months before my first HSV-2 lesion appeared. It was very mild, but I had the fever, swollen lymph nodes, and intense burning. I took Acyclovir for 5 days, which reduced my symptoms quickly. I am now on 400 mg twice daily for suppression, however, I still get the odd itch here and there."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2015

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I'm 25 years old. When I first realized something was wrong was when I felt like I had a cut down in my genital area. I then realized there was a new form of a bump, and then the itching came along and the burning sensation when I used the restroom. I decided to see the clinic because I knew something was wrong. She ran tests, which I am still waiting for to come in this week, but from what she said, it looks like herpes. She prescribed me acyclovir 400 mg this past Monday, which was two days ago. I have to take one every 12 hours. It seems to work for so long, like a few hours, but I am still feeling the pain, and I feel like more bumps have appeared. I'm terrified. I still have a burning sensation."

• Ems...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I was diagnosed with HSV-2 six months ago. The guy I was seeing had told me before we slept together, and we always used condoms, but it was still transmitted. The first outbreak was grim and lasted for about a month, huge blisters on my thighs rendered me unable to walk. I stopped dating for a long time because I couldn't seem to control the outbreaks, and it seemed I was getting them back-to-back every week (although they never came out as full sores, just slight itching and discomfort). I started taking suppressive acyclovir (2 x 400 mg per day) after 4 months, and so far the 'outbreaks' have just been itchy with no visible sores. Though I do still get them frequently despite leading a healthy, for the most part, stress-free lifestyle. I will continue to take suppressive acyclovir for the foreseeable future to see if my body can eventually adjust to the virus."

• way...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2012

Acyclovir for Herpes Zoster "I've had shingles a total of 6 times because I am immunocompromised. Each time, it was the same area of my back and wrapping around my side to my stomach. I do not recall the first few outbreaks, as it was during a time I was so ill that I am basically missing a few months of my life because I was not alert at all during that time. I do recall the last 4 outbreaks. One of the doctors and I have a theory about why I did not notice the burning, itching, etc., that tends to be very painful and annoying for most people. The meds I am already on. I take pain meds around the clock already, as well as taking gabapentin, which helps nerve pain. Now on 200 mg/day to prevent recurrence. I don't seem to have any issues with medication taken daily."

• Tam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2016

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I am 19 years old, and I just got diagnosed this 2 days ago. Someone took advantage because I was drunk, he began stroking, and I jumped up about 2 minutes into it. He was a creep all the way around, but that's the only person I could've gotten it from, and I'm positive about that. Now I can't get in contact with the boy, and my life is torn apart. I honestly am so upset about this because this pain is so unbearable. It hurts, burns, and itches to stand up, sit down, walk, etc. When I urinate, it burns super bad, and I am in misery. I can't deal with this for the rest of my life. I haven't even been showering because it burns so bad. I just started the meds 400 mg/8 hrs, no progress yet, though. Any suggestions?"

• Hor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 12, 2020

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I was prescribed this medication, and it did work. Years later, I'm still battling with this virus. I never gave it to anyone. Anytime I feel discomfort, I call my doctor to send a script to the pharmacy. I have had an outbreak on different parts of my vagina and by my anus and mouth. The ones that come by my vulva or anus are the worst, especially when I urinate. I always have that cup of water to pour while I urinate so it wouldn't burn. I'm having an outbreak now. I've been feeling this itch and painful feeling that got me up. I took a pill about 30 minutes ago. I can honestly tell you I'm feeling the medication kick in. My pill is 500 mg. I try to keep some on hand for times like this. My doctor is close."

• Ano...
• March 29, 2017

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "About 5 days ago, I realized a cut, I thought I had cut myself while shaving. It then got very uncomfortable and burned while I urinated. Finally, I took my camera down there and wanted to look. I noticed a few more cuts that looked like canker sores, so I made an appointment right away. She told me it looked like genital herpes. She gave me the cream and the pills. It's only been a day, and it doesn't feel like it's working. I know it's soon, but I still feel like I'm on fire, I'm itchy, and it still burns like crazy. Is there anything else I can do?"

• Sim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2020

Acyclovir for Cold Sores "I’ve been getting cold sores once or twice a year for the last 5 years. I do not get a small blister that turns my lip slightly red. When one emerges, it is so large and painful that one entire side of my lip is completely swollen. It can be so unsightly and painful for those two weeks that I typically don’t leave the house. I’ve always taken Valtrex as quickly as possible upon feeling symptoms and haven’t found it to be effective. The Sitavig, however, has been a godsend. I applied it upon the first notice of a small blister forming. The blister still appeared but is small enough that you can’t really see it unless you know what you’re looking for. There is no swelling and very, very little discomfort (slight itching). I’m only on day 2 of the sore and already it’s shrunk. Highly recommend for anyone who gets large, painful cold sores."

• Hei...
• March 11, 2023

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I found this medication to be very effective. I was diagnosed 12 months ago and experienced several very painful outbreaks in the first 8 months, 4 months in total. My doctor prescribed me this medication about four months ago, and it's worked fairly well. I still get slight itching from time to time, but nowhere near as bad as the outbreaks I get without it. My partner seems to get drowsy from this medication, but I don't get any side effects."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2021

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I found out on Tuesday that I have herpes. Went to many doctors before I got diagnosed with herpes. Started itching in 2014. Didn't know what it was, but can someone give me some advice on how to rid myself of it?"

• ano...
• July 27, 2017

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I just found out I had HSV. I have itching and a burning sensation, and the doctor put me on 200 mg daily. Will that be enough?"