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How to Use
Patient information about the treatment of herpes, chickenpox, or shingles is available with this medicine. Read it carefully before using this medicine.
Zovirax is best used as soon as possi
ble after the symptoms of herpes infection or shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear.
If you are taking Zovirax for the treatment of chickenpox , it is best to start
taking Zovirax as soon as possible after the first sign of the chickenpox rash, usually within one day.
Zovirax capsules, tablets, and oral suspension may be taken with meals or on an empty s
tomach.
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What special precautions should I follow?
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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What special precautions should I follow?
Herpes infection of the genitals can be caught from or spread to your partner during any sexual activity. Even though you may get herpes if your partner has no symptoms, the infection is more likely t
o be spread if sores are present. This is true until the sores are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. Therefore, it is best to avoid any sexual activity if either you or your sexual part
ner has any symptoms of herpes. The use of a latex condom (¡§rubber¡¨') may help prevent the spread of herpes. However, spermicidal (sperm-killing) jelly or a diaphragm will probably not help.
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What is this Drug
This medication is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, mouth, mucous membranes, genital herpes, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox in some individuals. This medication does not cure her
pes, but relieves the pain and may make the infection clear faster.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Zovirax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zovirax with the fo
llowing:
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
- Interferon (Roferon-A)
- Probenecid (Benemid)
- Zidovudine (Retrovir)
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Symptoms of overdose
Zovirax is generally safe. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Zovirax overdose
may include:
- Agitation, kidney failure, lethargy, coma, seizures
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