A randomized, double-blind trial of famciclovir versus acyclovir for the treatment of localized dermatomal herpes zoster in immunocompromised patients

In this randomized, double-blind, multicenter; acyclovir -controlled study the efficacy and safety of famciclovir were evaluated for the treatment of herpes zoster in patients who were immunocompromised following bone marrow or solid organ transplantation or oncology treatment. A total of 148 patien ts, 12 years or older with clinical evidence of localized herpes zoster rec eived either oral famciclovir; 500 mg three times daily or acyclovir 800 mg five times daily, for 10 days. Famciclovir was equivalent to acyclovir wit h respect to the numbers of patients reporting new lesion formation while o n therapy (77% vs. 73%, respectively). There were no significant difference s between the groups in rite rime to cessation of new lesion formation, ful l crusting, complete healing of lesions, or loss of acute phase pain. Treat ment with famciclovir was well tolerated with a safety profile comparable t o that of acyclovir Thus oral famciclovir is a convenient, effective, and w ell-tolerated regimen for immunocompromised patients with herpes zoster.