The recommendations for treatment of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are listed in tables 1 and 2. Vaccination against VZV was reviewed in a previous issue.1
ACYCLOVIR — Acyclovir (Zovirax, and generics) is available in topical, oral, and IV formulations. Unlike famciclovir and valacyclovir, acyclovir has poor oral bioavailability; frequent high doses are needed for adequate antiviral activity.
VZV Infection – Oral acyclovir started within 24 hours of rash onset decreases the severity of primary varicella infection (chicken pox).2
In patients with localized herpes zoster (latent VZV reactivation), oral acyclovir started within 72 hours of rash onset reduces viral shedding, shortens the duration of rash, and reduces pain severity and duration
- Roxybond - An Abuse-Deterrent Formulation of Immediate-Release Oxycodone
- Imvexxy - Another Estradiol Vaginal Insert for Dyspareunia
- Osmolex ER - Another Extended-Release Amantadine for Parkinson's Disease
- Obiltoxaximab (Anthim) for Inhalational Anthrax
- A Mometasone-Eluting Sinus Implant (Sinuva) for Nasal Polyps
- Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate (Lutathera) for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (online only)
The FDA has approved hydrogen peroxide 40% topical solution (Eskata – Aclaris Therapeutics) for treatment of raised seborrheic keratoses (SKs) in adults. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication. (Hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter for topical use as a 3% solution.)
STANDARD TREATMENT — SKs are benign, usually pigmented skin growths with a wart-like appearance that occur in about 83 million people in the US, primarily middle-aged and older adults.1 They generally do not require treatment, but patients may want them removed for cosmetic reasons or because they have become irritated.2 Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is the most common method for removing SKs. It can cause mild pain, scarring, and hyper- or hypopigmentation (pigmentary ...
