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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Zovirax, the following should be consi
dered:
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Zovirax. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such
s preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy¡XTopical Zovirax has not been studied in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studie
using mice, rats, or rabbits, except when given in very high doses in a study using rats.
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Overdose
Zovirax is generally safe. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Zovirax overdose
may include:
- Agitation, kidney failure, lethargy, coma, seizures
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
The areas affected by herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as po
ssible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores (blisters).
It is important to remember that Zovirax will not keep you from spreading herpes to others.
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Other Medicines
It is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Carmustine (e.g., BiCNU) or
- Cisplatin (e.g., Platinol) or
- Combination pa
in medicine containing acetaminophen and aspirin (e.g., Excedrin) or other salicylates or
- Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or
- Deferoxamine (e.g., Desferal) (with long-term use) or
-
Gold salts (medicine for arthritis) or
- Inflammation or pain medicine, except narcotics, or
- Lithium (e.g., Lithane) or
- Methotrexate (Mexate) or
- Other medicine for infection
or
- Penicillamine (e.g., Cuprimine) or
- Plicamycin (e.g., Mithracin) or
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How should you take this medication?
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.
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What is this Drug
Zovirax (ay-SYE-kloe-veer) belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals. Antivirals are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Usually they work for only one kind or group of virus infect
ions.
Topical Zovirax is used to treat the symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and genitals (sex organs). Although topical Zovirax will not cure herpes
simplex, it may help relieve the pain and discomfort and may help the sores (if any) heal faster. Topical Zovirax may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Zovirax
is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Topical
Cream (Canada)
Ointment (U.S. and Canada)
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