So far, all these drugs which are also useful for herpes simplex infections, including genital herpes, are variations on the same theme:  Acyclovir, Famcyclovir, and Valacyclovir are chemically related products which shorten the pain and symptoms of initial herpes simplex infection, speed up the healing process and reduce discomfort when those infections come back.  These drugs don't permanently cure genital or oral herpes infections, but if taken early enough when symptoms of a recurrence begin, they can dramatically impact the course of those recurrences, in some cases, virtually aborting the infection, so that, for all practical purposes, it's a non-event.  People who get recurrences frequently, such as once a month, can eve take these products in low dose on a daily basis to prevent recurrences.

For the names of some of these prescription products and a copy of this script, you can access our site on the worldwide web, that's speakingofhealth.com.  Speaking of Health, I'm Dr. Steven Andrew Davis for CBS News.

Ref:  The Medical Letter. Vol. 41, No. 1062.  September 24, 1999.
Oral medications for herpes simplex--Acyclovir (Zovirax) and others); Famciclovir (Famvir); Valacyclovir (Valtrex)