Preventing The Spread Of Genital Herpes

Q. I am in my fifties, and have herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2). I am interested in having a sexual relationship with a new partner. I don’t want to transmit the herpes virus to him. If my partner wears a condom and I’m on suppressive therapy (Famvir), how safe will it be? I hope you will answer this question for many in my predicament.
A. Antiviral medications like Famvir and Valtrex diminish herpes outbreaks and decrease viral shedding by 85 percent to 95 percent. As a result, the chance of transmitting the herpes virus is reduced but not eliminated.
Regular use of a condom can further lessen the likelihood of passing the virus to your partner. Even this combination, however, is not perfect.
Q. I’m responding to the issue of using Vicks VapoRub or Mentholatum to keep the inside of the nose lubricated. I’m a flight attendant who flies long international flights (often 10 hours or more). Given the lack of humidity on the airplane, my nose was often uncomfortably dry, sometimes bleeding slightly.
An Ear, Nose and Throat specialist recommended a product designed to be used inside the nose, without the petrolatum base of Vicks or Mentholatum. I have found two: “Nose Better” and “Ayr Gel.”
These are not saline spray products (which seem to work well, but evaporate quickly), but gel that stays inside the nose and helps maintain appropriate moisture. They are both over-the-counter products, but often not regularly stocked. I’ve had good luck at many pharmacies just asking them to order the product for me. It makes a huge difference in my poor nose’s ability to tolerate the dryness of the airplane.
A. Thank you for this practical suggestion. We found both products online. Directions say they may be used in the nostrils to relieve discomfort. Neither Vicks VapoRub nor Mentholatum should be used inside the nose.
Q. I was just prescribed lovastatin and was disappointed to learn of the ban of grapefruit or its juice while taking this medication. Why is this? Is there any other cholesterol-lowering drug that doesn’t exclude grapefruit?
A. Grapefruit can raise blood levels of lovastatin and many other medicines. This could increase the risk of side effects. Zocor and Lipitor are affected by grapefruit but Pravachol and Crestor are not.
Readers who would like to know about other drugs that are affected may request our Guides to Grapefruit Interactions and Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs. Please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. JL-97, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. Not long ago a waitress wrote to suggest Angostura Bitters for flatulence. No pharmacist I have asked has ever heard of Angostura Bitters. So, where do I find it?
A. Angostura Bitters is a bartender’s staple, used for making mixed drinks like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. It’s in the grocery store near the soft drink aisle, next to the cocktail onions, margarita mix and Grenadine syrup.
Angostura Bitters has been around for more than 100 years and has also been used as a digestive aid. The label suggests one to four teaspoons after meals to treat flatulence. The waitress who wrote to us suggested a teaspoon in a glass of 7-Up or club soda.