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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 the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
ACYCLOVIR - ORAL (ay-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zovirax
USES: This medication
is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth,
mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles),
and chickenpox in some individuals. This medication
does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may
make the infection clear faster.
HOW TO USE: Begin
taking this medication as soon as symptoms appear.
Take this medication as directed. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions. Try to take
the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout
the day and night. This will ensure a constant blood
level of the medication and is most effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication 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
medication. 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: This
medication should be used cautiously during pregnancy
only if clearly needed. It is not known if this medication
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 this medication 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.
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