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The Confidential Counselor is brought to you by Biovail Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
and the publishers of MDNG.

This piece is meant to be used to educate your patients about HSV-2 and provide information for them to take home in a confidential manner. This method can be used by any person with a cellphone that has a camera. You keep the brochure, and they take the information away on their cellphones!



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The following information is identical to the information provided to your patients through the use of the JAGTAGs in the Confidential Counselor for your patients with HSV-2.

About Genital Herpes

WHAT IS GENITAL HERPES?
There are 2 forms of the herpes simplex virus (HSV)%u2014HSV-1 is the virus that generally causes cold sores, and HSV-2 is the virus that commonly causes genital herpes. While most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2, it can be caused by HSV-1. What you may not know is that when it comes to oral sex, HSV-1 can infect the genitals. So if you or your partner has a cold sore at any stage%u2014even the tingle%u2014be sure to avoid oral sex.

How Many People Have Genital Herpes?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the U.S., with a whopping 45 million people ages 12 being infected. Or to put it more simply, 1 in 5 Americans has genital herpes. To break it down even more, women are twice as likely as men to have it. In fact, 1 out of 4 women have genital herpes versus 1 out of 8 men.

Symptoms Of Genital Herpes
Genital herpes often appears as one or two tiny blisters on or around your genitals. The blisters can break, leaving tender ulcers (or sores). If you've just had your first outbreak, you know all too well that it took somewhere between 2 and 4 weeks to heal. There is a little light at the end of the tunnel; the first outbreak is usually the most severe. And for some people, one outbreak is all they ever experience. Others don't experience their second outbreak until years later.

Two Important Facts About Genital Herpes: It's A Virus And It's Contagious
It's very important to seek treatment by a health care professional at the first sign of an outbreak. So if you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

All viral infections are contagious, and so are all STDs if contact is made directly with the infected area. With genital herpes, you don't have to have visible symptoms such as lesions to spread the virus to others.

Keep in mind, there is no cure for genital herpes, but there are a variety of treatment options available.


ONLY YOUR DOCTOR CAN TELL YOU IF IT%u2019S GENITAL HERPES
If you're not sure if you have genital herpes, and haven't been to the doctor yet, make an appointment right away. Getting a proper diagnosis is the best way to take action against the lesions with an antiviral medicine, like a pill or ointment. So how will your doctor diagnose your genital herpes? Keep reading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there are a couple of ways that your doctor may test you to determine whether or not you have genital herpes (or HSV-2).

Your doctor needs to look at the lesions: Don't be shy. If you think you may have genital herpes, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Your doctor will want to look at the lesions and may be able to make a diagnosis by looking at your genital area.

Your doctor may take a sample of the lesion: He or she may take a sample and have it tested in a lab.

Your doctor may give you a blood test: He or she may also want to test your blood%u2014which can sometimes detect the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

It's very important to seek treatment by a health care professional at the first sign of an outbreak. So if you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Keep in mind, there is no cure for genital herpes, but there are a variety of treatment options available.


GENITAL HERPES IS SPREAD THROUGH SEXUAL CONTACT
It's that simple. The only way to get genital herpes is by having sexual contact with someone who has the virus already. So whether it's through oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex, if your partner has it, you can get it. And that's not all. It's also possible to get it from receiving oral sex from someone who has cold sores too.

Most People Don't Know They Have It
Genital herpes can go undetected for a long time, since many people are symptomless. HSV-2 is different from other common viral infections in that once you're infected with the virus you will have it for the rest of your life. The good news is you'll only have periodic symptoms or sometimes no symptoms at all. And those who develop symptoms might be tempted to brush them off. That's why early detection is very important. So call your doctor and ask him or her to do a test. In some cases he or she can tell if you have it just by looking at the genital area. But many times they'll just take a sample of the lesions and test it. Or your doctor may even give you a blood test. So if for any reason you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with a doctor immediately.

I Have Genital Herpes And Want To Make Sure That I Don't Spread It To Anyone Else
While having genital herpes is one of those things you'd like to keep to yourself, you should tell your partner about it. There are things you should do to make sure you don't spread it to someone else. Although ZOVIRAX Ointment helps you manage your initial outbreak of genital herpes, it does not prevent transmission of HSV infections.

Reduce The Spread Of Genital Herpes By:

%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDBeing in a long-term, monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have genital herpes
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDWearing latex condoms all the time%u2014even for oral sex
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDAvoiding sexual relations when you or your partner has an outbreak, especially visible lesions
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDBeing informed and having an open conversation with your partner about prevention
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDWashing your hands often. You can spread the virus by touching the lesions in your genital area and then touching another part of the body

Abstaining from sexual contact is the surest way to prevent yourself from getting HSV-2 or genital herpes.

It's very important to seek treatment by a health care professional at the first sign of an outbreak. So if you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with you doctor right away.

Keep in mind, there is no cure for genital herpes, but there are a variety of treatment options available.


WHY DOES MY GENITAL AREA ITCH AND FEEL PAINFUL?
The first time you notice signs of genital herpes, it's pretty scary. You aren't sure what's causing lesions on your genital or rectal area. And you may not know what they really are. The first time you have an outbreak is commonly referred to as the initial outbreak.

If you've been diagnosed with genital herpes and have been treating it for a while, you may remember that your first outbreak was the most severe. And it may have even lasted anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks.

The Initial Outbreak: What You Need To Know
During the initial outbreak, you may experience the following signs and symptoms: a second crop of lesions or flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. Keep in mind, most people with HSV-2 don't have noticeable lesions, or they may only have mild symptoms. For those people, it's possible that they don't even notice the lesions, or that they mistake them for insect bites or another skin condition.

Your First Year With Genital Herpes
During the first year of living with genital herpes, there is some bad news: you may experience 4 to 5 outbreaks (also referred to as symptomatic recurrences). But over time and with proper treatment, the outbreaks usually occur less often.

The Signs And Symptoms Of An Outbreak
Everyone is different and symptoms of an outbreak vary too. For many people, first there's pain and itching, and eventually a lesion develops on the skin. Lesions may look like a blister or appear as a red spot, small pimple or ingrown hair. Once the lesion breaks open, it becomes an ulcer. The ulcer oozes or bleeds and then scabs, until it finally heals. The lesions usually appear on the buttocks, thighs, or vaginal area.

I'm A Guy. I Don't Need To Worry About Genital Herpes%u2014Do I?
Yes, you do. While it's true there are fewer men than women in the U.S. who are infected with genital herpes, it doesn't mean you're off the hook. In fact, 1 out of 8 men has genital herpes. For men, the lesions usually appear on the penis, scrotum, buttocks, anus, and/or thighs.

It's very important to seek treatment by a health care professional at the first sign of an outbreak. So if you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Keep in mind, there is no cure for genital herpes, but there are a variety of treatment options available.

DON%u2019T STRESS. THAT MIGHT CAUSE AN OUTBREAK
There are a number of things that may set off your genital herpes. Some are big. Some are small. Some may lead to an outbreak, while others may not seem to affect you at all. But everyone is different. And all that means is that you should pay attention to your body when it's telling you something.

Here Are A Few Of The Common Triggers That Are Known To Cause A Genital Herpes Outbreak:

%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDStress
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDMedications that strain your immune system (like steroids, chemotherapy, or infections due to HIV/AIDS)
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDMenstruation (sorry ladies, hormonal changes can trigger an outbreak)
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDSurgery
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDFriction to the genital area, possibly caused by sex
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDFatigue

If you notice that lesions appear after any of these triggers (or others that aren't listed here), be sure to tell your doctor about it right away. You and your doctor can talk about your treatment options and decide on a plan that works for you.
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THERE IS NO CURE. BUT THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO MANAGE THIS CONDITION
There is no cure for genital herpes. HSV-2 is different from other common viral infections in that once you're infected with the virus you will have it for the rest of your life. The good news is you'll only have periodic symptoms or sometimes no symptoms at all.

While there is no cure for genital herpes, there are many antiviral treatment options available to make the disease more manageable. These include oral medicines and prescription ZOVIRAX%uFFFD (acyclovir) Ointment 5%%u2014the only prescription ointment indicated for the management of initial genital herpes.

It's very important to seek treatment by a health care professional at the first sign of an outbreak. So if you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with your doctor right away.


GENITAL HERPES CHANGES YOUR LIFE
If you have genital herpes, you may be scared, worried, or feel alone. These feelings are normal and should get better with time. In the meantime, consider the tips below. They may help you cope with having genital herpes.

%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDBe open and honest with your partner: tell him or her that you have genital herpes
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDProtect yourself and your partner: abstain when you have lesions, or any signs of an outbreak
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDWear latex condoms every time you have sex (including oral sex)
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDBe on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of an outbreak; check your body
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDKnow your triggers

Remember, knowing all you can about genital herpes can help you be aware of your signs and symptoms. You and your doctor can talk about your treatment options and decide on a plan that works for you.

Do Your Homework. Read Everything You Can
There are a number of credible, health-related Web sites that have a wealth of information about genital herpes. So aside from asking your doctor questions, consider the following Web sites to learn more about genital herpes and how to protect yourself and your partner.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)


THE MYTHS AND FACTS OF GENITAL HERPES
If you've been diagnosed with genital herpes, you've probably done a lot of reading and research. While there may be a lot of information out there, some of it may be conflicting and confusing. Here are some of the common myths about genital herpes. And here is where you'll learn the straight-up facts.

Common Myths:
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDIf I don't get symptoms, then I don't have genital herpes. This is not true. Actually, most people never have any visible lesions or their signs will be very small.
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDThere is a cure for genital herpes. Not true. There is currently no cure for genital herpes, but there are antiviral treatments available to help control and manage your symptoms.
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDI can get genital herpes from a public restroom. False. Genital herpes can be transmitted or spread through sexual contact or some other direct contact with the virus.
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDCold sores aren't associated with genital herpes. False. You can still get genital herpes from having oral sex with someone who has cold sores.

The Facts:
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDMost genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Yes. However, it is also possible to get it from receiving oral sex from someone who has cold sores (HSV-1).
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDGenital herpes can spread from one part of the body to another. Yes. You can spread the virus by touching your genital herpes and then touching another part of the body.
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDGenital herpes is a common condition. This is true. Over 45 million people in the U.S. alone have the herpes virus. Genital herpes is one of the most common STDs in the U.S.
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDThere are a number of treatments available. This is true. There are antiviral pills (like the pill form of acyclovir) as well as prescription ZOVIRAX (acyclovir) Ointment 5%.

PREGNANT WITH GENITAL HERPES?
If you've been diagnosed with genital herpes, and become pregnant, be sure that your obstetrician/doctor knows about it. There are precautions that should be taken in order to keep your baby from getting HSV-2. If you're having an outbreak during the delivery, your doctor may advise you to have a caesarean delivery instead of a vaginal one.

Can I Pass Genital Herpes To My Baby?
A mother with genital herpes can deliver a healthy baby. While it's rare for a baby to become infected during childbirth, there is a risk of neonatal herpes, which is about 1 in 5,500 babies.

If you have been diagnosed with HSV-2 and have plans to become pregnant, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. He or she will discuss ways to minimize the risk of passing HSV-2 to your baby.




About Zovirax Ointment

ZOVIRAX OINTMENT: ONE-OF-A-KIND TOPICAL TREATMENT OF GENITAL HERPES
For over 25 years now, prescription ZOVIRAX%uFFFD (acyclovir) Ointment 5% has been the only ointment indicated to help people manage their initial genital herpes outbreaks. And while ZOVIRAX Ointment does not prevent the spreading of genital herpes, it does attack the herpes virus and stop it from copying itself.

This prescription-strength ointment contains acyclovir, which was one of the first antivirals approved by the FDA. In fact, prescription ZOVIRAX Ointment contains 5% acyclovir. This active ingredient was a medical breakthrough in the 1970s and is still used today. When it comes to genital herpes, ZOVIRAX Ointment is the only ointment that helps manage the itching and pain associated with an initial outbreak.


HOW DOES ZOVIRAX OINTMENT WORK ON GENITAL HERPES?
ZOVIRAX Ointment is used to shorten the initial outbreak of genital herpes because the acyclovir in ZOVIRAX Ointment specifically targets the cells that have been infected by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2).

How Does ZOVIRAX Ointment Work On Genital Herpes?
ZOVIRAX Ointment is a prescription ointment that is applied directly on your lesion(s). It works because the acyclovir in ZOVIRAX Ointment specifically targets cells that have been infected by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2). Once it gets into these cells, it stops the virus from copying itself. While ZOVIRAX Ointment will not prevent the spreading of genital herpes, it may lessen the duration of symptoms associated with your initial outbreak.

My Doctor Gave Me A Pill For My Genital Herpes. Is That OK?
Of course it is. But it's important that you know that there are other options available. Acyclovir comes in oral pill form as well as in an ointment. So whether you'd prefer to apply an ointment directly on the lesion or to take a pill, you and your doctor will determine what treatment is best for you.


WHERE DO YOU APPLY ZOVIRAX OINTMENT? DIRECTLY ON YOUR LESION
Prescription ZOVIRAX%uFFFD (acyclovir) Ointment 5% is used to treat your first outbreak of genital herpes. Once you fill your prescription, just apply a small dab on your finger or cotton swab and put it on the affected area the first time you feel symptoms. Be sure to use ZOVIRAX Ointment as directed, which is every 3 hours (6 times a day) for 7 days.

Protect Yourself And Your Partner
Prescription ZOVIRAX Ointment is only indicated for the management of the initial genital herpes outbreak. So when you have lesions, you should abstain from sex. ZOVIRAX Ointment only helps you manage the duration of your symptoms of your first outbreak but doesn't protect against transmission. Even when you don't have symptoms, you should always wear a condom, including when having oral sex. This is a great way to ensure that you don't infect anyone else.


HOW DO I GET ZOVIRAX OINTMENT?
Any medical doctor can prescribe ZOVIRAX Ointment for an initial outbreak of genital herpes %u2014 from family practitioners to gynecologists and dermatologists.

It's very important to seek treatment by a health care professional at the first sign of an outbreak. So if you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Keep in mind, there is no cure for genital herpes, but there are a variety of treatment options available.


ZOVIRAX OINTMENT: ONE-OF-A-KIND TOPICAL TREATMENT OF GENITAL HERPES
For over 25 years now, prescription ZOVIRAX%uFFFD (acyclovir) Ointment 5% has been the only ointment indicated to help people manage their initial genital herpes outbreaks. While ZOVIRAX Ointment does not prevent the spreading of genital herpes, it does attack the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) and stop it from copying itself at the site of the lesion.

Acyclovir: One Of The First Antiviral Medicines Ever Discovered
This prescription-strength ointment contains acyclovir, which was among one of the first antivirals approved by the FDA. In fact, prescription ZOVIRAX Ointment contains 5% acyclovir. This active ingredient was a medical breakthrough in the 1970s and is still used today. When it comes to genital herpes, ZOVIRAX Ointment is the only prescription ointment that helps manage the duration of the itching and pain associated with an initial outbreak.





FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who Can Get Genital Herpes?
Anyone can get genital herpes. While more women have it than men (1 in 4 women versus 1 in 8 men), it is highly contagious and easily spread.

How Many People Have Genital Herpes?
While there isn't an exact way to count the number of people who have genital herpes, approximately 45 million Americans aged 12 or older have HSV-2 (genital herpes).

How Is Genital Herpes Spread?
The only way to get genital herpes is by having sexual contact with someone who has the virus already. So whether it's through oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex, if your partner has it, you can get it. And that's not all. It's also possible to get it from having oral sex with someone who has cold sores. Although ZOVIRAX Ointment helps you manage your initial outbreak of genital herpes, it does not prevent the transmission of HSV infections.

What Triggers Genital Herpes?


%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDStress
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDMedications that strain your immune system (like steroids, chemotherapy, or infections due to HIV/AIDS)
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDMenstruation (sorry ladies, hormonal changes can trigger an outbreak)
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDSurgery
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDFriction to the genital area, possibly caused by sex
%u2022%uFFFD%uFFFD %uFFFDFatigue

How Long Has ZOVIRAX Ointment Been Around?
The active ingredient acyclovir was discovered in the 1970s. ZOVIRAX%uFFFD (acyclovir) Ointment 5% has been treating HSV-2 (genital herpes) for over 25 years.

How Do I Get ZOVIRAX Ointment?
Should you suspect that you have genital herpes, getting a tube of ZOVIRAX Ointment may be easier than you think. Any medical professional can prescribe ZOVIRAX Ointment%u2014from family practitioners to gynecologists and dermatologists. It's very important to seek treatment by a health care professional at the first sign of an outbreak. So if you think you might have genital herpes, make an appointment with your doctor right away.




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Important Safety Information About ZOVIRAX Ointment
ZOVIRAX%uFFFD (acyclovir) Ointment 5% is indicated in the management of initial genital herpes and in limited non-life-threatening mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus infections in immunocompromised patients.

Mild pain (including transient burning, stinging, and itching) has been reported with no significant difference between ZOVIRAX Ointment and placebo. ZOVIRAX Ointment does not prevent the transmission of HSV infections.

ZOVIRAX Ointment is available by prescription only. Please see accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact BTA Pharmaceuticals directly at 1-866-246-8245 (opt. 3).
This site is intended for U.S. residents only.

ZOVIRAX is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline.

%uFFFD 2010 BTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.%uFFFD%uFFFD%uFFFD%uFFFD%uFFFD ZOV119B0610%uFFFD%uFFFD%uFFFD%uFFFD June 2010

Full Prescribing Info

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To visit the Zovirax Healthcare Professional website, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions About JAGTAG

What is a JAGTAG?
A JAGTAG is a 2D matrix code similar to a bar code. It looks like this:

What do JAGTAGs do?
JAGTAGs offer consumers a service that allows people to request information by taking a picture of a JAGTAG with their cell phone and sending it to 524824 to receive MMS content.

How much does JAGTAG cost?
The JAGTAG service is free. Standard carrier messaging rates apply.
Does JAGTAG include Internet access data charges?
No. JAGTAG only uses messaging and you will not incur data charges.

Do I need to sign up to use JAGTAG?
No. You do not need to subscribe to JAGTAG to request and receive MMS content. Just take a picture of a JAGTAG and send it to 524824 to receive your MMS content.

Do I need to have a camera phone to use JAGTAG?
Yes. You must be able to take a picture and send it via MMS to use the JAGTAG service.

Do I need to install anything on my phone?
No. As long as you have a camera phone that can send pictures via MMS you will not need to install anything on your phone.

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USING THE%uFFFD SERVICE
How do I send a JAGTAG to 524824?

  1. Take a picture of a JAGTAG, ensuring that the JAGTAG fills the phone's screen.
  2. Send the picture via MMS to 524824 just like you would send any other picture message.
  3. Once you send the picture message, you will receive the content MMS response within one minute.
  4. Open the message to view and/or hear your content.
What if I don't want to use JAGTAG anymore?
Since JAGTAG is not a subscription service, you will not need to do anything. JAGTAG will not send you any content other than what you have asked for. We are not a subscription, so simply do not send any more pictures to 524824. However, if you desire you can send STOP to 524824.
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TROUBLESHOOTING

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You can get help anytime by sending the word%uFFFDHELP to 524824.

Who can I email for help?
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I didn't get a response, what should I do?
If you didn't get a response, try sending the JAGTAG again. Please ensure that you are sending the JAGTAG to 524824.

When I did send a JAGTAG, I got an MMS saying "Load Failed, Can't Access Message."
Some mobile devices may not support the content type you requested. We are working diligently to make sure EVERY camera phone is supported.

When I send a message to JAGTAG, I got an MMS saying "Nothing Found."
Try sending the message again. If that does not work, take another picture of the JAGTAG and send it to 524824. Otherwise please contact us at support@JAGTAG.com.

What carriers do you support?
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