Gabapentin, Valacyclovir Reduce Postherpetic Neuralgia in Herpes Zoster

Major Finding: Of 133 consecutive patients who started the dual therapy within 72 hours after developing their first vesicle, only 9.8% had postherpetic neuralgia as defined by any zoster pain 6 months after rash onset. In terms of historical controls, a recent review of eight clinical trials of antiviral therapy for herpes zoster showed a postherpetic neuralgia rate of 11%-33% at 6 months, with an average of about 19%.

Data Source: An open-label study of 133 consecutive patients with acute herpes zoster.

Disclosures: Dr. Lapolla’s study was funded by the Foundation for Advances in Therapeutics and Prevention. The valacyclovir was provided by GlaxoSmithKline. Dr. Lapolla disclosed serving as a subinvestigator for NeurogesX and Inhibitex.