What is the most important information I should know about acyclovir?
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of
symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are
being treated with acyclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people.
Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to
prevent passing the infection to others.
What is acyclovir?
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that
the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the
symptoms of the infection.
Acyclovir injection is used to treat severe infections caused by herpes viruses, including
severe forms of genital herpes, shingles, herpes encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and herpes
infections in people with other diseases that weaken the immune system.
Acyclovir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using acyclovir?
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to acyclovir or
valacyclovir (
Valtrex).
Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use acyclovir injection.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during
childbirth. If you have
genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do
not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.
Acyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take acyclovir?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
This medication is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor,
nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. The medicine must be given
slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 1 hour to complete.
You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if
you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing,
and other items used in giving the medicine.
Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of
symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this
container out of the reach of children and pets.
Drink plenty of
water while you are taking acyclovir to keep your kidneys working
properly.
Use this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Acyclovir will not treat a
viral infection such as the
common cold or flu.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing
loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.
Store acyclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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