Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: acyclovir, injection
This medicine is used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus, such as:
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have received a recent varicella zoster virus (shingles) vaccine.
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.
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip into a vein) by your healthcare provider. Each infusion will last at least 1 hour. The number of infusions each day and the length of your treatment depend on your condition and age (in children). If you are not staying in the hospital, keep all your appointments for these treatments.
Ask your healthcare provider how much water you should drink each day while receiving this medicine.
While you are receiving this medicine, you will have blood and urine tests that will detect serious side effects. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Your skin may be irritated at the spot where infusions are given. If the irritation becomes severe, contact your healthcare provider.
If you are receiving this medicine for genital herpes, do not have sexual intercourse when the sores are present. This is when the disease is contagious.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
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; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Skin sores, hallucinations, seizures, tremors, agitation, confusion, decreased or no urination, unexplained swelling, severe weakness or tiredness, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, tiredness, headache, redness or pain at injection site.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
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.
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.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
