Valaciclovir versus aciclovir for herpes simplex virus infection in HIV-infected individuals: two randomized trials. (1st January 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conant, M A; Schacker, T W; Murphy, R L; Gold, J; Crutchfield, L T; Crooks, R J
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 13:Number 1(2002:Jan.)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2002-01-01
• Subjects: VALACICLOVIR -- RECURRENT -- GENITAL -- HERPES -- HERPES -- SIMPLEX -- VIRUS; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1258/0956462021924550
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

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+ ≥ 100 cells/mm 3 ) received suppressive valaciclovir or aciclovir for one year and were assessed monthly. In Study 2, 467 patients were treated episodically for ≥5 days 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 500 mg twice daily and 1000 mg 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 500 mg twice daily was superior to 1000 mg 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.