What is this medicine?
ACYCLOVIR (ay SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections include cold sores and herpes. This medicine will not cure herpes.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| Zovirax 5% Cream | BTA PHARMACEUTICALS | 2/$66.96 or 4/$126.34 |
| Zovirax 5% Cream | BTA PHARMACEUTICALS | 5/$147.47 or 15/$414.45 |
| Zovirax 5% Ointment | BTA PHARMACEUTICALS | 15/$165.27 or 45/$470.38 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is only for external use on the skin. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Use a finger cot or rubber gloves so that you do not spread the infection to another site. Apply a thin layer to cover all lesions. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Use this medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think you are better. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not apply other skin care products (cosmetics, lip balm, or sunscreens) to the sore unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredient in the formulations.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. This medicine works best when started very early in the course of an infection. Begin treatment at the first signs of infection.
Even though you are using this medicine, you can still pass herpes to another person. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Using this medicine will not stop your sexual partner from getting the infection. It is best to avoid having sex if you have an active herpes infection.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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