2-day versus 5-day famciclovir as treatment of recurrences of genital herpes: results of the FaST study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The brief period of viral replication in recurrent genital herpes lesions suggests shorter therapeutic regimens may be as effective as standard 5-day courses. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that a 2-day course of famciclovir 500 mg statim, then 250 mg twice daily was non-inferior to the standard 5-day course of 125 mg twice daily. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned either the 2-day or 5-day famciclovir course and initiated therapy within 12 h of onset of prodromal symptoms. They were instructed to complete daily questionnaires on herpes-related symptoms and functioning and to attend the clinic for assessment of healing 5.5 days after initiating therapy. RESULTS: A total of 873 p..