Zovirax is used for the treatment of Herpes Simplex. Aciclovir (the active ingredient of Zovirax) belongs to a group of medicines called 'anti-virals'. Zovirax works by stopping the production of the herpes virus. This reduces the length and severity of an outbreak of herpes. Zovirax can also be taken long term to reduce the number of herpes outbreaks in people who experience this condition often. Zovirax does not get rid of the virus from your body.

Recent studies found that anti-herpes drug Zovirax lowers HIV viral load in the blood and genital secretions of men with underlying herpes simplex vius-2 (HSV-2). The study confirms earlier research and further suggests that herpes treatment, in the absence of HIV therapy, may have health benefits and help prevent ongoing transmission of HIV.

The study was made of Zovirax treatment in 20 men infected with both HIV and HSV-2. The men were randomized to receive either 500mg of Zovirax (acyclovir) twice a day or a placebo for eight weeks. Then after a two-week pause, the dosing groups were switched so that those who’d received placebo now received Zovirax and those who’d received Zovirax now received placebo for an additional eight weeks.

Treatment with Zovirax was associated with a 31 percent decrease in HIV viral load from rectal samples compared with placebo, and a 53 percent decrease in HIV in the blood. The study’s authors conclude that suppressing HSV-2 production in people coinfected with HIV results in significant reductions in both HSV-2 and HIV.