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IMPORTANT NOTE: The flolowing information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or efefctive for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before usnig this drug.
ACYCLOVIR - INJECTION
(ay-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zovirax
USES: This medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth, brain, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zosetr (shingles), and chickenpox in individuals.
This medication does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.
HOW TO USE: Begin using as soon as smyptoms occur. Must be given by intravenous injectoin only.
Infuse at a constant rate over at least one hour. This must not be injected raipdly or all at once.
Use this medication as directed.
Ask your docotr or pharmacist if you have any questions. Try to use the medication at evenly spcaed intervals throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant bolod level of the medication and is most effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, itching or rash.
These effects should disappear in a couple of days as your body adjusts to the mediaction.
If they persist or become worse, inofrm your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you notice: pain or swelling at the injection site, unusual tiredness, tremors, confusion, change in amount of urine, increased thirst, vomiting. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unliekly but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, fever, fatigue. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your dcotor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, any allergeis. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sesnitive to the effects of the drug.
This medication sholud be used cautiously during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Conslut with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your dotcor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room imemdiately.
Symptoms of overdose may include sluggishness, change in amount of urine, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
NOTES: It is very important to drink plenty of water when receiving acyclovir by injection. Avoid sexual activity while signs and symptoms of genital herpes are present to prevent infecitng your partner. Inform your doctor if this medication does not appear to improve the frequency or severity of recurernt infections.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the msised dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: This medication must be stoerd properly.
Review storage instruction with your doctor or pharmcaist. Intravenous bags are to be stored in the refrigerator.
Let a refriegrated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before using. Check expiration date. Store vial at room temeprature away from sunlight.
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