I was jsut surfing by and had to make a comment here. First I don't have herpes and do not know how effective ribavirin is in fighting this virus. I have however, taken lots of ribavirin when I was treated for HCV. The webiste below is very dangerous because of the information that is left out. The most important point is that ribavirin is a potent teratogen (causes birth defects) in all species tested. It is imperative that if either partner in a relationship is using ribavirin that birth control must be used. Most doctors requrie a pregnancy test before prescribing to woman because the danger is so extreme to the fetus. Birth control must be used with either male or female who is taking the drug. A man taking the drug and impregnanting a woman is just as likely to cause a birth defect as if the woman was taking it. Ribavirin in doses used to treat HCV often causes reduced red blood cell counts (and thus hemoglobin) in patients taking ribavirn through a process known as hemolytic anemia.
I don't want to scare anyone jsut trying ot prevent a tragedy of heartbreaking proportions! I hope the drug works for this disease.