Valaciclovir versus aciclovir for herpes simplex virus infection in HIV-infected individuals: Two randomized trials

M. A. Conant, T. W. Schacker, R. L. Murphy, J. Gold, L. T. Crutchfield, R. J. Crooks*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

93 Scopus citations

Abstract

Our objective was to evaluate valaciclovir for anogenital herpes in HIV-infected individuals using 2 controlled trials conducted before highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was used. In Study 1, 1062 patients (CD4+ ≥ 100cells/mm3) received suppressive valaciclovir or aciclovir for one year and were assessed monthly. In Study 2, 467 patients were treated episodically for ≥5days with valaciclovir or aciclovir and evaluated daily. Valaciclovir was as effective as aciclovir for suppression and episodic treatment of herpes. Hazard ratios [95% confidence interval (CI)] for time to recurrence for valaciclovir 500mg twice daily and 1000mg once daily vs aciclovir were 0.73 [0.50, 1.06], P=0.10, and 1.31 [0.94, 1.82], P=0.11. Valaciclovir 500mg twice daily was superior to 1000mg once daily, P=0.001. Valaciclovir 1000 mg twice daily was comparable to aciclovir on herpes episode duration (hazard ratio 0.92 [0.75, 1.14]). Adverse events were similar among treatments. In conclusion, valaciclovir is a safe, effective, convenient alternative to aciclovir for HSV infection in HIV-infected individuals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12-21
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of STD and AIDS
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Recurrent genital herpes
  • Valaciclovir

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Pharmacology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Dermatology

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