AVIRAX (ZOVIRAX) INDICATIONS
Avirax is used for treating chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (herpes zoster) and treating or suppressing genital herpes infections. Avirax is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Avirax does not eliminate the virus, is not a cure, and does not prevent transmission to others.
AVIRAX (ZOVIRAX) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Avirax as directed by your doctor!
- Take Avirax by mouth with or without food.
- Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Avirax is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
- Start therapy with Avirax at the earliest sign or symptom of shingles or genital herpes (pain, burning, blisters).
- If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Avirax for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
- For suppressive therapy, Avirax works best if it is taken at the same times each day.
- If you miss a dose of Avirax, take 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 take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Avirax.
AVIRAX (ZOVIRAX) STORAGE
Store Avirax at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Avirax out of the reach of children and away from pets.
AVIRAX (ZOVIRAX) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient: Acyclovir
Do NOT use Avirax if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Avirax or to valacyclovir
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Avirax. 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 have kidney problems or a weakened immune system.
Some medicines may interact with Avirax. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, aminoglycoside antibiotics [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [eg, ibuprofen], tacrolimus, vancomycin) because the risk of kidney side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Avirax 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.
Important safety information:
- Avirax may cause drowsiness, dizziness, vision changes, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Avirax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Avirax 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.
- Avirax may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Avirax. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Avirax is not a cure for genital herpes and will not prevent the virus from spreading. Avoid sexual intercourse when sores are present to prevent infecting your partner. You can also be contagious and spread the herpes virus but not have any signs or symptoms at all. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding.
- Lab tests, including kidney function and serum urea nitrogen (BUN), may be performed while you use Avirax. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Avirax with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, drowsiness, or hallucinations.
- Avirax is not recommended for use in children younger 2 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Avirax while you are pregnant. Avirax is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Avirax, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
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:
Diarrhea; general body discomfort; headache; nausea/vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; blood in the urine; confusion; decreased consciousness; decreased urination; hallucinations; lower back pain; mental or mood changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; unusual bruising or bleeding.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.