Acyclovir, Topical

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is used on the skin to treat symptoms caused by the herpes virus. Use it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiviral

Generic and brand names: acyclovir, topical; Zovirax Cream; Zovirax Ointment

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat symptoms caused by the herpes virus. It does not cure herpes, but it relieves pain and discomfort and promotes healing of sores. This medicine is also used to treat cold sores.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if your symptoms improve. Do not use it longer than prescribed.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under age 12 (cream) or 18 (ointment).

For best results, use the medicine as soon as symptoms appear. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. To avoid spreading the infection, use disposable gloves to apply the medicine.

Gently rub a thin layer of the medicine on the sores until the medicine disappears. Try not to touch the sore and then touch uninfected skin. Sores are very contagious.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes, and from the inside of your mouth or vagina. If you do get medicine in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

Do not share this medicine with others or use it for other infections unless your healthcare provider approves.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Use of this medicine alone will not keep the infection from spreading. Genital herpes is spread by sexual intercourse. Use a latex condom or avoid having sex to prevent spreading the virus to others. Check with your healthcare provider about what precautions to take.

Keep the affected area clean and dry. Wear loose clothing to allow ventilation and prevent further irritation.

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they get worse.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe irritation, burning, or pain when you use the medicine.

Other: Dry or cracked lips; peeling, flaking or dryness of the skin; itching; rash; mild pain, burning, or stinging when you use the medicine.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.