IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of
Zovirax is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using Zovirax.
Zovirax - ACYCLOVIR
- ORAL
(ay-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zovirax
USES:
Zovirax is used to treat herpes infections of the skin,
mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster
(shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. Zovirax
does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may
make the infection clear faster.
HOW TO USE:
Begin taking Zovirax as soon as symptoms appear. Take
Zovirax as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions. Try to take the med at evenly
spaced intervals throughout the day and night. This
will ensure a constant blood level of the med and is
most effective.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Zovirax may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness or weakness.
These effects should disappear in a few days as your
body adjusts to the med. If they persist or become
worse, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you experience: numbness or tingling
of the hands or feet, leg pain, sore throat, skin rash,
change in the amount of urine.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of
an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Zovirax should be used cautiously during pregnancy only
if clearly needed. It is not known if Zovirax appears
in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both
prescription and nonprescription).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine,
loss of consciousness, or seizures.
NOTES:
Avoid sexual activity while signs and symptoms of genital
herpes are present to prevent infecting your partner.
Inform your doctor if Zovirax does not appear to decrease
the frequency or severity of recurrent infections.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not
take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
