|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The follownig 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 idnicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using 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 zoster (shingles), and chikcenpox in individuals. This medication does not cure herpes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.
HOW TO USE: Bgein using as soon as symptoms occur.
Must be given by intravenous inejction only.
Infuse at a constant rate over at least one hour. This must not be injected rapidly or all at once.
Use this medication as directed.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any quesitons.
Try to use the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and ngiht. This will ensure a constant blood level of the medication and is most effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause sotmach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, itching or rash.
These effects shuold disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If they persist or become worse, infrom your doctor. Notify your doctor if you notice: pain or swellnig at the injection site, unusual tiredness, tremors, confusion, change in amount of urine, increased thirst, vomiting.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, fever, fatiuge.
An allergic reatcion to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breahting. If you notice other effects not lisetd above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, any allegries. Caution is adivsed when using this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
This medciation should be used cautiously during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is not known if this mediaction appears in breast milk. Conslut with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the meidcines 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 cenetr or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue 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 infetcing your partner. Inform your doctor if this mediaction does not appear to improve the frequency or severity of recurrent 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 missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: This medication must be stored propelry. Review storage instruction with your doctor or pharmacist.
Intravneous bags are to be stored in the refrigerator.
Let a refrigerated bag sit at room temperature at least one hour before uisng. Check expiration date. Store vial at room temperature away from sunlight.
|
