Although effective at preventing outbreaks of herpes, once an attack of genital herpes is established acyclovir often provides minimal benefit. Acyclovir has very few side-effects. Acyclovir cannot eliminate HSV virus in nerve cells, so herpes attacks may recur after an attack has been treated. Frequent use of acyclovir, for treatment or prevention, can lead to drug resistance. Resistance occurs when the virus is no longer sensitive to the treatment.
Drug resistance is uncommon except among people with very damaged immune systems.
If you have been taking long-term maintenance therapy it is unwise to stop it abruptly, as this may result in a serious herpes outbreak. Some people believe that diet plays an important part in triggering or suppressing attacks of herpes, although there is no conclusive evidence to support these assertions. Salt baths are good for relieving the pain of genital herpes lesions. ON NAM also publishes a free monthly newsletter, AIDS Treatment Update .