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| |  Famvir Prevents Herpes Outbreaks During Laser Skin Resurfacing LOS ANGELES, CA -- May 4, 1998 -- Up to 10 percent of laser skin resurfacing patients experience an outbreak of herpes lesions on the face that can lead to severe and permanent scarring and disfiguration. According to a study presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, SmithKline Beecham’s Famvir(R) (famciclovir) almost completely eliminates reactivation of the herpes simplex virus during laser resurfacing of facial skin. Studies have shown that 60-80 percent of people harbour latent (dormant) herpes virus, although most people aren't even aware they have been infected with herpes. A single seven-day regimen of Famvir during laser skin resurfacing may be enough to prevent the herpes virus from reactivating during this procedure. More than 154,000 laser skin resurfacing procedures took place in 1997, making it one of the most common cosmetic procedures. Laser skin resurfacing, also referred to as laser peel, is a relatively new alternative to chemical peels and older dermabrasion procedures. It is used to eliminate small wrinkles and/or reduce the depth and prominence of larger ones, especially around the mouth and eyes and is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Often the surgery is performed in conjunction with another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. The procedure, however, can reactivate latent herpes simplex virus, causing an infection that may be severe and cover large areas of the face. Patients often experience an unusually severe burning pain, accompanied by the blistering lesions typical of herpes. The infection may ultimately spread to all areas of the face and can result in permanent scarring and disfiguration. "An outbreak of herpes on the face has long been a serious complication associated with laser resurfacing. This procedure involves the stimulation of highly sensitive nerves that can trigger a herpes recurrence, even if a person hasn't had an outbreak for several years or has never had a recognisable outbreak," said Simeon Wall, M.D., the study's lead author. "The results from our study indicate that the risk of herpes reactivation is almost entirely eliminated if patients are given Famvir a few days before and after the surgery is performed. “In the same way that prophylactic [preventive] antibiotics are administered during other cosmetic surgeries, physicians should consider Famvir during laser skin resurfacing for all patients." A retrospective study compared rates of herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation in 121 patients treated with Famvir to those in 127 other patients who received no antiviral treatment. Patients received Famvir twice a day, beginning one or two days before resurfacing and continuing for five days afterward. Famvir-treated patients who reported having had a recent herpes outbreak (either oral or genital) received 250 mg twice daily and patients who did not report any recent outbreaks received 125 mg twice daily. Of the patients who received no antiviral therapy, 12 (9.4 percent) experienced a herpes outbreak within one week of surgery. In comparison, only one patient treated with Famvir experienced reactivation -- this patient had received the lower dose of medication. Interestingly, none of the patients who received the higher dose of the medication and had reported a prior history of herpes outbreaks experienced a recurrence. "Laser skin resurfacing is a relatively new procedure that is becoming more and more popular, but many physicians and patients don't know about the potential for herpes reactivation. It is important that physicians who conduct this procedure recognise the benefit of preventive treatment with antivirals such as Famvir," Dr. Wall said. "In addition to laser resurfacing patients, preventive treatment with Famvir may also prove to be useful for patients undergoing other surgical procedures on the face or mouth." Famvir is currently indicated for the treatment or suppression of recurrent genital herpes and for the treatment of acute herpes zoster (shingles) in immunocompetent individuals. It is also being studied for treatment of a number of other infections caused by the human herpes virus in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. More information on: Famvir, SmithKline Beecham.
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