| Why
is Zovirax prescribed?
Zovirax is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and
genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not
cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and promotes
healing. Topical Acyclovir does not prevent the recurrence of sores
but may decrease pain and itching if applied when the earliest symptoms
first appear. Oral Acyclovir decreases the frequency and severity
of recurrent sores, but it is used only by people with severe herpes
infections because of possible adverse effects.
Acyclovir
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Zovirax be used?
Zovirax comes as an ointment for use on
the skin and as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Acyclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use Acyclovir
as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Clean and dry the skin
area before applying the ointment. Wear protective gloves when applying
it to prevent the spread of infection. Rub the ointment in gently.
Use enough ointment to cover all sores completely. Do not apply
Acyclovir ointment to the eyes.
Shake
the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Continue
to take Acyclovir even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Acyclovir without talking
to your doctor.
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What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Zovirax,
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Acyclovir,
valZovirax (Valtrex), or any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially probenecid (Benemid), zidovudine
(Retrovir, AZT), and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, problems
with your immune system, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV),
or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Acyclovir,
call your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you are using tablets, capsules, or liquid, take the missed dose
as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day
at evenly spaced intervals.If you are using ointment, apply it as
soon as you remember and apply further doses at your regular interval
(e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose
of either the ointment or oral medication to make up for a missed
one.
What
side effects can Zovirax cause?
Although side effects from Acyclovir are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
- burning,
stinging, itching, or rash when ointment is applied
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea or loose stools
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe
rash
- severe itching
- fever
- confusion
- yellowness of the skin or eyes
- blood in the urine
- stomach pain
What
storage conditions are needed for Zovirax?
Keep Acyclovir
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your Acyclovir.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Zovirax.
Do
not have sexual intercourse when you can see the genital herpes
lesions. However, genital herpes can be spread even when there are
no symptoms.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still
have symptoms of infection after you finish topical Zovirax, call
your doctor.
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