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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Zovirax, the following should be consi
dered:
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Zovirax. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such
s preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy¡XTopical Zovirax has not been studied in pregnant women. However, this medicine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studie
using mice, rats, or rabbits, except when given in very high doses in a study using rats.
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Why is this drug prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Zovirax or similar drugs, you should not take this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have
experienced.
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Possible Side Effect
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zovirax.
More common side effects may include:
- Diarrhea, general feeling of bodily discomfort, nausea, vomiting
Other reported side effects include:
- Aggressive behavior, agitation,
allergic reactions, blood in the urine, coma, confusion, decreased consciousness, delirium, dizziness, fever, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, hives, itching, kidney failure, lack of coordination
, pain, psychosis, rash, seizures, skin peeling, sleepiness, swelling, swollen face and throat, swollen lymph nodes, tingling, upset stomach, vision problems,
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How should you take this medication?
Zovirax comes as an ointment for use on the skin and as a tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to
explain any part you do not understand. Take Zovirax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible
after symptoms appear.
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What special precautions should I follow?
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
The areas affected by herpes, chickenpox, or shingles should be kept as clean and dry as po
ssible. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the sores (blisters).
It is important to remember that Zovirax will not keep you from spreading herpes to others.
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Possible food and drug interactions
It is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Carmustine (e.g., BiCNU) or
- Cisplatin (e.g., Platinol) or
- Combination pa
in medicine containing acetaminophen and aspirin (e.g., Excedrin) or other salicylates or
- Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune) or
- Deferoxamine (e.g., Desferal) (with long-term use) or
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Gold salts (medicine for arthritis) or
- Inflammation or pain medicine, except narcotics, or
- Lithium (e.g., Lithane) or
- Methotrexate (Mexate) or
- Other medicine for infection
or
- Penicillamine (e.g., Cuprimine) or
- Plicamycin (e.g., Mithracin) or
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