Patients' preference of valacyclovir once-daily suppressive therapy versus twice-daily episodic therapy for recurrent genital herpes: a randomized study.
BACKGROUND
Valacyclovir is effective for suppressive and episodic treatment of recurrent genital herpes. Few data on patients' treatment strategy preferences are available.


OBJECTIVE
The goal was to assess patients' preference, satisfaction, and quality of life with suppressive versus episodic treatment of recurrent genital herpes.


METHODS
This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized, two-arm, crossover 48-week study involving 225 patients with genital herpes.


RESULTS
Suppressive valacyclovir therapy was preferred to episodic valacyclovir treatment by 72% of patients (P < 0.001). Overall treatment satisfaction and quality of life were significantly greater during suppressive therapy (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). The risk of recurrence during the first 24 weeks was reduced by 78% with suppressive therapy (P < 0.001). Significantly fewer patients experienced recurrences during suppressive treatment than with episodic treatment (P < 0.001). Valacyclovir was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Suppressive valacyclovir was preferred to episodic therapy by most patients. Suppressive therapy was associated with increased treatment satisfaction, and decreased risk and lower frequency of recurrences.
Romanowski
Barbara
B
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. broman@docromanowski.com
Marina
Raymond B
RB
Roberts
Jeremy N
JN
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002170:Canada; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000212:Acyclovir