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Zovirax
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Zovirax Cream is indicated
for the treatment of Herpes Simplex virus infections of
the skin including initial and recurrent genital herpes
and herpes labialis.
Medication Information
Zovirax is used to treat
herpes infections of the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes
zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not cure
herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and
promotes healing.
Topical Zovirax does not prevent the recurrence of
sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied when
the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral Zovirax
decreases the frequency and severity of recurrent sores,
but it is used only by people with severe herpes
infections because of possible adverse effects.
Zovirax is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Zovirax comes
as an ointment for use on the skin and as a tablet,
capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask
your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Zovirax exactly as directed. Do not
take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor. Use Zovirax as soon as
possible after symptoms appear.
Clean and dry the skin area before applying the
ointment. Wear protective gloves when applying it to
prevent the spread of infection. Rub the ointment in
gently. Use enough ointment to cover all sores
completely. Do not apply Zovirax ointment to the eyes.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the
medication evenly.
Continue to take Zovirax even if you feel well. Do
not stop taking Zovirax without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking Zovirax,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are
allergic to Zovirax, valZovirax (Valtrex), or any
other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially probenecid (Benemid), zidovudine (Retrovir,
AZT), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had
kidney disease, problems with your immune system,
human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), or
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking Zovirax, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I
follow?
Zovirax may cause an upset stomach. Take
Zovirax with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you
are using tablets, capsules, or liquid, take the
missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any
remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced
intervals.
If you are using ointment, apply it as soon as you
remember and apply further doses at your regular
interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a double dose of either the
ointment or oral medication to make up for a missed
one.
What side effects can Zovirax cause?
Although side effects from Zovirax are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burning, stinging, itching, or rash when
ointment is applied
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea or loose stools
If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately: severe rash
- severe itching
- fever
- confusion
- yellowness of the skin or eyes
- blood in the urine
- stomach pain
What storage conditions are needed for this
medicine?
Keep Zovirax in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk
to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your
medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of
overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all
appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor will order certain lab tests to check your
response to Zovirax.
Do not have sexual intercourse when you can see the
genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be
spread even when there are no symptoms.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling
your prescription. If you still have symptoms of
infection after you finish topical Zovirax, call your
doctor.
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