Aciclovir

Aciclovir is an active ingredient used to treat genital herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus HSVII. Aciclovir is a prescription only medication, which can be taken to suppress an acute herpes outbreak or prevent genital herpes episodes recurring. Dosage and duration of the treatment depend on whether you are taking aciclovir as a preventative measure or to treat acute symptoms. Once you have been infected with herpes, the virus will remain in your body for the rest of your life. However, aciclovir can help you live with the condition without having to suffer symptoms, as it renders the virus inactive.

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication. It inhibits a particular enzyme involved in the virus’s reproduction, thus preventing it from multiplying. As a result, your immune system is able to contain the virus and fight the infection. Aciclovir is also used to treat cold sores (caused by herpes simplex HSVI), chicken pox and shingles (also known as herpes zoster). Zava only prescribes aciclovir as a genital herpes medication.

Prior to beginning a course of aciclovir, you should take the time to read the patient leaflet carefully. During treatment it is important to drink plenty of water, as aciclovir increases your risk of dehydration. The higher the dosage, the more important it is that you watch out for symptoms of dehydration.

Aciclovir can cause drowsiness in some patients. Make sure you do not operate any machinery or drive a car while feeling sleepy under the influence of aciclovir.

There is little information on how aciclovir affects babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are suffering from genital herpes during pregnancy or after birth, please consult your GP. Please note, that Zava is not able to treat pregnant women.

Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections can be impossible to eradicate entirely. Once you carry the herpes simplex virus you may suffer recurring outbreaks, especially if your immune system is weakened. This does not mean that you will forever be dealing with herpes symptoms, it just means that the condition may return. If you repeatedly encounter recurrent bouts, you may need to take aciclovir to prevent them. This is the case if you suffer more than 6 outbreaks in 12 months or if your outbreaks are less frequent but very severe. You should also try to live as healthily as possible to maintain a healthy immune system.

If you are suffering from kidney disease, you must consult your GP prior to taking aciclovir tablets. Patients with a reduced kidney function require a lower dosage for treating herpes outbreaks. Your doctor will be able to tell whether the benefits of taking aciclovir outweigh the risks in your case and which dosage to take.

You should always follow your doctor’s instructions with regards to the treatment duration. It is important that you finish your course, especially if you are treating an acute outbreak (otherwise the symptoms are likely to return). If you experience any side effects or would like to stop an ongoing preventative course, please consult your doctor before doing so. Your doctor will be able to advise you on whether it is wise to take a break or whether you should continue taking aciclovir tablets.

The active ingredient in aciclovir tablets is aciclovir. Zava normally prescribes tablets with a dosage of 400mg aciclovir. Other ingredients may include lactose, magnesium stearate, polyvidone, E132, E460, sodium starch glycollate, E172 and colloidal anhydrous silica.

These side effects affect less than 1 in 100 users

• hives
• hair loss
• red patches on arms and hands
• blisters and ulcers

These side effects affect less than 1 in 1000 users

• increase of particular liver enzymes
• increase in the blood levels of urea and creatinine
• impaired kidney function
• drowsiness and confusion
• hallucinations
• convulsions
• coma
• anxiety and agitation
• involuntary shaking
• coordination difficulties
• difficulty speaking

Very rare side effects include hepatitis, anaemia and other disorders affecting your blood. Please read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and consult a doctor if you have any questions.

Speak to your GP before taking aciclovir if you are taking or have recently taken:

• mycophenolate mofetil
• cimetidine (used to treat gout)
• ciclosporin (part of immunosuppressant treatment)
• theophylline
• zidovudine