While there is no cure for genital herpes, there are medications available that can reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent outbreaks. Prescription antiviral medications called nucleoside or nucleotide analogues work by preventing viral replication. These drugs include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). All of them can be taken at the first sign of a reurrent outbreak to prevent the outbreak or shorten its length and can also be taken daily by people who experience frequent outbreaks (more than six per year) to reduce their frequency. If taken daily, these medications may also reduce the chance of passing the herpes simplex virus to sexual partners. Acyclovir can also be taken during an initial outbreak of herpes.