Acyclovir Sodium

This medication is used in certain people to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex infection of the skin (e.g., genitals), mucous membrane areas (e.g., mouth, nose), or brain. It is also used in certain people to treat shingles infection. The viruses that cause these infections live in the body quietly until an outbreak occurs. Acyclovir does not cure these infections, but can speed healing of the sores, decrease pain/itching/formation of new sores, and lower the risk of other problems from the virus (e.g., infection spreading to other parts of the body/organs, persistent pain after sores heal).

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

This medication is given by slow injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. It is usually given every 8 hours. It should be injected slowly over 1 hour. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instruction from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. This medication works best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the outbreak. Drink plenty of fluids while receiving this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: tizanidine, probenecid, drugs affecting the kidneys (e.g., amphotericin B, cisplatin, aminoglycosides such as gentamicin).

To reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to others, stop all sexual activity during an outbreak until it is completely healed. At all other times, use effective barrier protections (e.g., latex or polyurethane condoms, dental dams) during all sexual activity. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function test) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, seizures, extreme tiredness, loss of consciousness, agitation.

Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to valacyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, immune system problems. This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition that could be worsened by an increase in salt intake (e.g., congestive heart failure). Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion) while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pain/swelling at the injection site, shaking, dizziness, drowsiness, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, easy bruising/bleeding, new signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), bloody/dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, hallucinations), loss of consciousness, vision changes, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.