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|Zovirax

Zovirax

Zovirax is used for:

Treating herpes and shingles infections.

Zovirax is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Zovirax does not eliminate the virus, it is not a cure, and it does not prevent transmission to others.

Do NOT use Zovirax if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zovirax or valacyclovir

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Zovirax :

Some medical conditions may interact with Zovirax . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are dehydrated or have a low blood volume, kidney disease, or liver disease

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zovirax . However, no specific interactions with Zovirax are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Zovirax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Zovirax :

Use Zovirax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Zovirax is usually given as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Zovirax at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Zovirax . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use Zovirax if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zovirax is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Start treatment as early as possible following the onset of signs and symptoms of herpes infections.
• To clear up your infection completely, use Zovirax for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal. Always use for injections.
• If you miss a dose of Zovirax , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zovirax .

Important safety information:

• Zovirax may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or changes in vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zovirax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Zovirax may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Zovirax may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zovirax . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Zovirax does not eliminate the virus and is not a cure. It does not prevent transmission of the virus to others.
• Zovirax is not a cure for herpes simplex infections. Avoid sexual intercourse when visible lesions are present to prevent infecting your partner.
• Use Zovirax with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zovirax while you are pregnant. Zovirax is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zovirax , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Zovirax :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in vision; dizziness; drowsiness; nausea; sensitivity to sunlight.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; agitation; blood in the urine; confusion; dark urine; decreased consciousness; fever; fatigue; hallucinations; pain or redness at the injection site; painful urination; rash; seizures; stomach pain; tremors; unusual bleeding or bruising; urination problems; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Zovirax is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Zovirax at home, store Zovirax as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Zovirax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Zovirax , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Zovirax is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Zovirax . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.