Acyclovir (Systemic) Overview

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Created: 2009-06-01 10:12:10.0

Modified: 2010-03-09 08:31:22.0

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Apo-Acyclovir®; Gen-Acyclovir; Mylan-Acyclovir; Novo-Acyclovir; Nu-Acyclovir; ratio-Acyclovir; Zovirax®

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Acyclovir works to injure the virus and fight the infection.

Oral:

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• If you are taking this medicine for a recurring infection, start medicine as soon as possible.

• If you are taking this medicine for herpes zoster, start as soon as possible; no later than 3 days after rash appears.

• If you are taking this medicine for chickenpox, start as soon as possible; no later than 24 hours after rash appears.

Injection (I.V.):

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Follow directions for storage of injection. Talk with healthcare provider.

Antiviral Agent

• If you have an allergy to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Zovirax®

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.