Acyclovir injection

What is this medicine?

ACYCLOVIR (ay SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections include herpes and shingles. This medicine will not cure herpes.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is infused into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you receive this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborn for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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

• chest pain

• confusion, hallucinations, tremor

• dark urine

• increased sensitivity to the sun

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• fever

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cidofovir

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• adefovir

• amphotericin B

• certain antibiotics like amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin

• cimetidine

• cisplatin

• colistin

• cyclosporine

• foscarnet

• lithium

• methotrexate

• probenecid

• tacrolimus

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• immune system problems

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, valacyclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms.

You can still pass chickenpox, shingles, or herpes to another person even while you are taking this medicine. Avoid contact with others as directed. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of infection.