Zovirax

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• a brain or nervous system disorder such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, or tardive dyskinesia;

• breathing problems; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low calium , sodium, or potassium blood levels).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use acyclovir, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Acyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Drink plenty of water while you are taking acyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly.

This medication is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 1 hour to complete.

You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and other items used in giving the medicine.

Use each needle and syringe only one time. With your medicine you will receive a puncture-proof container for used needles and syringes. If you do not receive a container, ask your pharmacist for one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Acyclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store acyclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using acyclovir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• a red, blistering, peeling skin rash;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• swelling, pain, tenderness, or skin changes where the injection was given;

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness; or

• confusion, tremors, agitation, tiredness, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions).

Continue using acyclovir and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• muscle pain, numbness or tingling;

• lack of coordination;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• headache, feeling light-headed; or

• swelling in your hands or feet.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Acyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use acyclovir, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs that can affect acyclovir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of an acyclovir overdose may include agitation, seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.