What is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir injections are utilized to treat severe illnesses caused by herpes viruses, which include the most severe types of genital herpes shingles, herpes encephalitis (swelling on the surface of your brain), and herpes infections in people suffering from other illnesses that weaken the immune system.
Acyclovir cannot cure herpes however, it may help to lessen the symptoms of the disease. Acyclovir can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side Effects of Acyclovir Injection
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
- Mild Effects:
○ The confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and feeling more alert as usual;
○ Tremors, seizure;
○ The presence of blood in your urine.
○ Kidney problems: swelling, less frequent urination, feeling fatigued or sluggish,
○ Low blood cell count low blood cell counts: fever, chills, fatigue, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or exhausted.
- Adverse Side Effects:
○ Bruises or swelling around the IV needle.
○ Vomiting, vomiting, loss of appetite
○ Rashes, itching, hives or
○ Low levels of blood cell counts.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. If you experience any adverse reactions, inform to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Only use according to the directions. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medicines or suffer from allergies or medical conditions that are not covered by
Before You Take This Drug
Consult your doctor. This medication is used if your body is allergic to acyclovir or the drug valacyclovir (Valtrex).
Inform your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
○ Kidney disease (or if you're taking dialysis);
○ Liver disease
○ Breathing issues breathing problems
○ An electrical imbalance (such as low or high levels of sodium, calcium, and potassium levels in the blood).
Consult your physician if you are expecting. Herpes is a risk to pass to your child during birth in the event that you have genital lesions after the birth of your child. If you have genital herpes, it's essential to avoid the development of herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medication as directed to ensure that you are able to manage your infection. Consult your doctor to determine whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking acyclovir.
How To Take Acyclovir?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Make sure you use the medication precisely as directed.
The treatment with acyclovir must be started as quickly as possible following the initial signs of symptoms (such as burning, tingling, or blisters).
Acyclovir is administered as an injection into a vein, generally every 8 hours. Your doctor will administer the first dose and guide you on how to utilize the drug on your own. This medication should be administered slowly, and the infusion may take at least one hour to be completed. Acyclovir should be combined with liquid (diluent) prior to use. If you administer injections yourself, make sure you know how to prepare and maintain the medication. Only inject when you are prepared to administer it. Mixed medicines must be administered within 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids when you are taking acyclovir in order to ensure that your kidneys are functioning effectively.
You might need to take acyclovir injections for at least 21 days. Make sure to use this medication for the prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Not taking your doses regularly can make your virus intolerant to treatment. Lesions caused by the herpes virus must be treated as cleanly and dryly as they can be. Wearing loose clothes can assist in preventing irritation of the lesions. Keep acyclovir injections at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Don't reuse needles or syringes. Put them in an impervious to puncture "sharps" container and dispose of it according to local or state laws. Keep it out of the range of pets and children.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not miss any missed doses if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The signs of an overdose could be agitation, seizures, energy loss, or even coma.
What Should Be Avoided?
Herpes infections can be contagious and can spread to others, even if you are receiving treatment with acyclovir. Do not let infected areas touch others. Avoid touching an affected region and then touching your eyes. Cleanse your hands often to avoid spreading the infection to other people.
The use of acyclovir won't stop you from transmitting the genital herpes virus to your lover. Avoid sexual intercourse in the event that you have active lesions or are beginning to show signs that indicate an outbreak. Genital herpes can be transmitted via "viral shedding" from your skin, even if you do not have any signs.
Interaction With Other Drugs
Acyclovir could affect your kidneys, and this is especially true in conjunction with certain medications to treat osteoporosis, cancer, infections, organ transplant rejection, intestinal problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, or pain (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).
Inform your doctor about all other medicines you take particularly:
○ Probenecid.
This list isn't exhaustive. Other drugs can interact with Acyclovir, including medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
