Zovirax

Zovirax

     * Generic Name: acyclovir
     * Brand Name: Zovirax


     * What is acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * What are the possible side effects of acyclovir (Sitavig,
       Zovirax)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * How should I take acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * What should I avoid while taking acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * What other drugs will affect acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?
     * Where can I get more information (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

What is acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread
   of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir will not cure herpes,
   but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

   Acyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses,
   such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and
   chicken pox.

   Acyclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

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

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your
       skin; or
     * signs of a kidney problem--little or no urinating; painful or
       difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling
       tired or short of breath.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, vomiting;
     * diarrhea;
     * general ill feeling;
     * headache; or
     * mouth pain while using an acyclovir buccal tablet.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir
(Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Zovirax Patient Information including How Should I Take
   STD Diagnosis, Images, Symptoms, Treatment

   Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Image Collection: Picture of Genital Warts (HPV)
   RxList

   Take the Genital Herpes Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acyclovir
(Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or
   valacyclovir (Valtrex). You should not take acyclovir buccal
   tablets (Sitavig) if you are allergic to milk proteins.

   To make sure acyclovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * kidney disease; or
     * a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain
       medicine).

   Acyclovir is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if
   you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

   Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a
   genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes,
   it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take
   your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

   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.

   Do not give an acyclovir buccal tablet to a young child or choking
   could occur.

How should I take acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
   Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
   special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   To take the buccal tablet (Sitavig):
     * Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it.
       Use a dry finger to remove the tablet.
     * Do not chew or swallow a buccal tablet. Place the flat side of the
       tablet against your upper gum, behind your lip and above your
       canine tooth. Place the tablet on the same side of the mouth as
       your cold sore.
     * Close your mouth and gently press on the outside of your lip over
       the tablet, holding it in place for 30 seconds. Avoid touching or
       pressing on the tablet once it is in place.
     * Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth throughout the day. You
       may eat and drink normally while the buccal tablet is in place.
     * During the first 6 hours of wearing time: If the tablet falls off
       or does not stick well, you may replace it with a new tablet. If
       you accidentally swallow the tablet, drink a glass of water and put
       a new tablet in place.

   Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Acyclovir doses are
   based on weight (especially in children and teenagers), and any changes
   may affect the dose.

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

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
   may improve before the infection is completely treated. Acyclovir will
   not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

   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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Zovirax Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   STD Diagnosis, Images, Symptoms, Treatment

   Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Image Collection: Picture of Genital Warts (HPV)
   RxList

   Take the Genital Herpes Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include agitation, seizure (convulsions), or
   loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while taking acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or wearing an upper denture
   while you have a buccal tablet in your mouth. You may rinse your mouth
   gently. Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dry mouth.

   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.

   Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing genital herpes
   to your sexual partner. Avoid sexual intercourse while you have active
   lesions or the first symptoms of an outbreak. Genital herpes may still
   be contagious through "viral shedding" from your skin, even if you have
   no symptoms.

What other drugs will affect acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Acyclovir can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also
   use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy,
   injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent
   organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and
   some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol,
   Advil, and Aleve).

   Other drugs may interact with acyclovir, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Sitavig, Zovirax)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about acyclovir.
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