Acyclovir, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiviral

Generic and brand names: acyclovir, injection; Zovirax

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat viral infections of the skin and mucous membranes, shingles, chickenpox, herpes simplex encephalitis, and herpes infections of the genitals (sex organs). This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any medicines
• a weakened immune system from diseases such as HIV/AIDS or from cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or steroid medicine.
• kidney or liver problems
• seizures

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip into a vein) by your healthcare provider. Each infusion will last at least 1 hour. The number of infusions each day and the length of your treatment depend on your condition and age (in children). If you are not staying in the hospital, keep all your appointments for these treatments.

What should I watch out for?

While you are receiving this medicine, you will have blood and urine tests that will detect serious side effects. Keep all appointments for these tests.

Your skin may be irritated at the spot where infusions are given. If the irritation becomes severe, contact your healthcare provider.

If you are receiving this medicine for genital herpes, do not have sexual intercourse when the sores are present. This is when the disease is contagious.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Skin sores, hallucinations, seizures confusion, decreased or no urination, unexplained swelling.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, tiredness, headache, tremors, agitation, redness or pain at injection site.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• probenecid
• zidovudine (Retrovir, Retrovir Injection, AZT, ZDV)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.