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a medication for more information:
Acyclovir
Aldara
Condylox
Denavir
Famvir
Valrex
Zovirax
ACYCLOVIR
Drug Uses
Acyclovir is used to treat herpes infections of
the skin, lip, and genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and
chickenpox. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases
pain and itching and promotes healing. Topical Acyclovir does
not prevent the recurrence of sores but may decrease pain and
itching if applied when the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral
Acyclovir decreases the frequency and severity of recurrent
sores, but it is used only by people with severe herpes
infections because of possible adverse effects. This medication
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How Taken
Treatment with Acyclovir topical should be started as soon as
possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling,
burning, blisters). Wash your hands before and after applying
Acyclovir topical. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use an
applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying Acyclovir topical to
avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other
people. Apply enough ointment to cover the lesion(s) completely.
A one-half inch ribbon of ointment should cover approximately 4
square inches of surface area. Avoid getting this medication in
the eyes. Acyclovir topical is usually applied every 3 hours,
six times a day for seven days. Follow your doctor's
instructions. Use Acyclovir topical for the full amount of time
prescribed, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may
start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry
as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent
irritation of the lesions.
Warnings/Precautions
Before using Acyclovir topical, tell your doctor if you have any
other medical conditions or if you use any other medications.
Acyclovir topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C, which
means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby.
Do not use Acyclovir topical without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Acyclovir
topical passes into breast milk. Do not use Acyclovir topical
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a
baby.
Missed Dose
Apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your
regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
No serious side effects are expected during treatment with
Acyclovir topical. If you suspect an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling of your
lips, tongue, or face) seek emergency medical attention. Other
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to use Acyclovir topical and talk to your doctor if you
experience itching, stinging, burning, or a rash. These side
effects should resolve quickly. Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store below 25oC. Do not refrigerate.
Overdose
An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you
suspect an overdose or ingestion of Acyclovir topical, call an
emergency room or poison control left for advice.
More Information
Acyclovir Cream is contra-indicated in patients known to be
hypersensitive to acyclovir or propylene glycol. Acyclovir is
most effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash
first appears. Follow the directions for using Acyclovir
provided by your doctor.
back to to Acyclovir
ALDARA
Drug Uses
Aldara Cream is used to treat external
genital and perianal warts and is different from most other
treatments. It is a patient-applied cream that helps the body
fights the virus instead of just getting rid of the warts. So
Aldara Cream actually treats warts from the inside out.
How Taken
Aldara cream is easy to use at home. It's rubbed on the warts
and left on during sleeping hours. Then it's washed off after
waking. Use Aldara Cream exactly as prescribed by your
healthcare provider. Aldara Cream is for skin use only. Do not
take by mouth or use in or near your eyes, lips or nostrils. Do
not use Aldara Cream unless your healthcare provider has taught
you the right way to use it. Talk to your healthcare provider if
you have any questions. Aldara Cream is used for several skin
conditions. Use Aldara Cream only on the area of your body to be
treated. Your healthcare provider will tell you where to apply
Aldara cream and how often and for how long to apply it for your
condition. Do not use Aldara Cream longer than prescribed. Using
too much Aldara Cream, or using it too often, or for too long
can increase your chances for having a severe skin reaction or
other side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider if Aldara
Cream does not work for you. For external genital and perianal
warts Aldara Cream is usually used once a day for 3 days a week.
For these conditions, Aldara Cream is usually left on the skin
for 6 to 10 hours. Treatment should continue until the warts are
completely gone, or up to 16 weeks. For actinic keratosis,
Aldara Cream is usually used once a day for 2 days a week. For
this condition, Aldara Cream is usually left on the skin for
about 8 hours. Treatment should continue for the full 16 weeks
even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone, unless you are
told otherwise by your healthcare provider. The area you treat
with Aldara Cream should be no larger than approximately the
size of your forehead or one cheek (for example 2 inches).
Warnings/Precautions
If you notice severe skin irritation or flu-like symptoms
(diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, or muscle pain), check with
your doctor. It may be necessary for you to reduce the number of
times a day that you use the medicine or to stop using the
medicine for a short time until your skin is less irritated or
your flu-like symptoms disappear. Avoid having genital, oral, or
anal sex while the medicine is on your skin. Make sure you wash
the cream off your skin before you engage in any sexual
activity. Also, the medicine contains oils that can weaken latex
(rubber) condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps causing them not
to work properly to prevent pregnancy. Do not use any other skin
product on the same skin area on which you use this medicine,
unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not share your
medicine with others, even if you think that they have the same
condition you have. If you are pregnant, check with your health
care provider.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose of cream as soon as you remember and then
continue on the regular schedule.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects with Aldara Cream are skin
reactions at the treatment site including: - redness, -
swelling, - a sore, blister, or ulcer, - skin that becomes hard
or thickened, - skin peeling, - scabbing and crusting, -
itching, - burning, - changes in skin color that do not always
go away.
Storage
Store below 25oC (77oF). Avoid freezing. Safely throw away
Aldara Cream that is out of date or that you do not need. Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children.
Overdose
Persistent topical overdosing of Aldara Cream could result in an
increased incidence of severe local skin reactions and may
increase the risk for systemic reactions.
More Information
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not
mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use Aldara
Cream for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not
give Aldara Cream to other people, even if they have the same
symptoms you have. If you would like more information, talk with
your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or
healthcare provider for information about Aldara Cream that is
written for the healthcare provider.
back to to Aldara
CONDYLOX (gel and solution)
Drug Uses
Condylox is the first ever FDA approved product that treats
genital warts. The active ingredients in Condylox get right to
the problem and start treating your genital warts immediately.
Condylox is indicated for the topical treatment of anogenital
warts (external genital warts and perianal warts).
How Taken
Use it exactly as the doctor prescribed it. Condylox is to be
applied twice each day for 3 consecutive days, followed by 4
days without treatment. It is recommended that no more than 10
cm of wart tissue and no more than 0.5 ml of the solution should
be used in a day. This cycle is repeated at weekly intervals for
a maximum of 4 weeks.
Warnings/Precautions
Talk to your doctor before using Condylox topical if you have
allergies to medications, other medical conditions or if you
take or use other medications. You may not be able to use
Condylox topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment. Condylox topical is in the
FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use
Condylox topical without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Use of
effective birth control is recommended during treatment with
Condylox topical. It is not known whether Condylox topical
passes into breast milk and if it will be harmful to a nursing
baby. Do not use Condylox topical without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you realize it. If it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a
double dose to catch up.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop using Condylox topical and seek emergency medical attention
of contact your doctor immediately an allergic reaction
(shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the
lips, face, or tongue; or hives); or excessive burning,
stinging, or pain or bleeding or swelling of treated skin. Other
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to use Condylox topical and talk your doctor if you experience
mild to moderate itching, burning, pain, or inflammation at the
treated site; unpleasant odor; or pain during intercourse. Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to
your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
Storage
Store Condylox at room temperature away from moisture. Keep away
from children and throw away any unused drug after the
expiration date.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a Condylox topical overdose may include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, fever, numbness and tingling, confusion,
unconsciousness, seizures, and others.
More Information
Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty
breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips,
swelling of your tongue, swelling of your face, rash, an
irregular heartbeat, or seizures. Only use this product
externally. Do not give your medication to others. Wash hands
before and after application of medication.
back to to Condylox
DENAVIR
Drug Uses
Denavir is a topical antiviral medication used for recurrent
cold sores (herpes labialis) on the lips and face in otherwise
healthy adult patients. Denavir topical may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How Taken
Apply Denavir every two hours during waking hours for four days
to your cold sore with your finger or a cotton swab. Wash hands
with soap and water to prevent it from coming into contact with
your eyes or other areas; to prevent irritation and to prevent
spread of the herpes virus.
Warnings/Precautions
Denavir is a topical cream that is applied externally on the
lips and face. Do not apply Denavir on mucous membranes inside
the mouth, nose, genital or rectal areas. Denavir topical is in
the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to
harm an unborn baby. Do not use Denavir topical during pregnancy
without first talking to your doctor. It is not known whether
Denavir topical passes into breast milk. Do not use Denavir
topical if you are breast-feeding a baby without first talking
to your doctor.
Missed Dose
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use
only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Possible Side Effects
Serious side effects have not been reported with the use of
Denavir topical. Other less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Continue to use Denavir topical and talk to
your doctor if you experience: headache; local numbness or
tingling where the cream is applied; changes in taste; rash;
irritation at the application site. Side effects other than
those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 20�-25�C (68�-77�) away
from moisture and heat.
Overdose
An overdose of Denavir topical is unlikely to threaten life. If
an excessive amount of the cream has been used, or if the cream
has been ingested, contact a poison control left or an emergency
room for advice.
More Information
Do not use other topical medications to treat the same area at
them same time as Denavir topical, unless otherwise directed by
your doctor. No other medicines have been reported to interact
with Denavir topical. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before
taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications during
treatment with Denavir topical.
back to to Denavir
FAMVIR
Drug Uses
Famvir is an oral antiviral prescription medication that is
prescribed for: treatment of recurrent genital herpes in
otherwise healthy patients; suppression of recurrent genital
herpes in otherwise healthy patients; treatment of recurrent
herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores)
in HIV-infected patients.
How Taken
Famvir can be prescribed in one of three ways: -Episodic
treatment: your doctor treats an outbreak of genital herpes as
it occurs. The usual dose of Famvir is one 125-mg pill, twice a
day, for 5 days. -Suppressive treatment: if you have frequent or
severe outbreaks, you take one 250-mg pill, twice a day, for up
to 1 year to suppress the genital herpes virus and help to
prevent outbreaks. -Patients with HIV: Famvir is the only
prescription oral antiviral therapy indicated for treating
genital. In patients with herpes simplex and HIV, the dose of
Famvir is 500 mg, twice a day, for 7 days. Famvir can be taken
with or without food.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir)
without first talking to your doctor. Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may
need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
with Famvir. Famvir (Pregnancy Category B) should be used during
pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the
risk to the fetus.
Missed Dose
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT
take 2 doses at once.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Famvir and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or
hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Continue to take Famvir and talk to your doctor if you
experience nausea or vomiting, a headache, diarrhea, dizziness,
tingling in your hands or feet, or itching.
Storage
Store between 15C and 30C (59F and 86F) and out of reach of
children.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. A Famvir overdose has no known
symptoms, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a
similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney
damage (decreased urine production).
More Information
Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible
after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning,
blisters). Take all of the Famvir that has been prescribed for
you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to
improve before the infection is completely treated. Herpes
infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even
during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact
with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent
transmission. For more information, talk to your doctor,
pharmacist or health care provider.
back to to Famvir
VALTREX
Drug Uses
Valtrex is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster
(shingles), for the treatment or suppression of genital herpes
in immunocompetent individuals and for the suppression of
recurrent genital herpes in HIV-infected individuals and is also
indicated for the treatment of cold sores (herpes labialis).
How Taken
Valtrex comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken
every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles.
To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5
days. For cold sores, Valtrex is usually taken for one day only.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as
possible after symptoms appear. Continue to take Valtrex even if
you feel well. Do not stop taking Valtrex without talking to
your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Valtrex without first talking to your doctor if you
are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax). Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or
immune system problems. You may need a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment with Valtrex. Valtrex is in
the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected
to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or
could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether
Valtrex passes into breast milk and how it may affect a nursing
baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Valtrex, take it as soon as you remember
and then take your next dose at its regular time. However, if it
is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose.
Wait and take the next dose at the regular time.
Possible Side Effects
Kidney failure and nervous system problems are not common, but
can be serious in some patients taking Valtrex. Nervous system
problems include aggressive behavior, unsteady movement, shaky
movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations (seeing or
hearing things that are really not there), seizures, and coma.
Kidney failure and nervous system problems have happened in
patients who already have kidney disease and in elderly patients
whose kidneys do not work well due to age. Always tell your
healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking
Valtrex. Call your doctor right away if you get a nervous system
problem while you are taking Valtrex. Common side effects of
Valtrex include headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and
dizziness. Side effects in HIV-infected adults include headache,
tiredness, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and
usually do not cause patients to stop taking Valtrex. Other less
common side effects include painful periods in women, joint
pain, depression, low blood cell counts, and changes in tests
that measure how well the liver and kidneys work.
Storage
Store at 15� to 25�C (59� to 77�F).Keep Valtrex a tightly closed
container. Do not keep medicine that is out of date or that you
no longer need. Keep Valtrex and all medicines out of the reach
of children.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
The symptoms of an overdose of Valtrex are not well known, but
an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may
cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased
urine production).
More Information
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other
people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come
into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to
prevent transmission. Valtrex will not prevent the spread of
genital herpes. Avoidance of sexual intercourse and use of latex
condoms may prevent spreading the virus to others.
back to to Valtrex
ZOVIRAX
Drug Uses
Zovirax is used to treat herpes infections of the skin, lip, and
genitals; herpes zoster (shingles); and chickenpox. It does not
cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching and
promotes healing. Topical Zovirax does not prevent the
recurrence of sores but may decrease pain and itching if applied
when the earliest symptoms first appear. Oral Zovirax decreases
the frequency and severity of recurrent sores, but it is used
only by people with severe herpes infections because of possible
adverse effects. This medication is sometimes prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How Taken
Treatment with Zovirax topical should be started as soon as
possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling,
burning, blisters). Wash your hands before and after applying
Zovirax topical. Wear a glove or a finger cot or use an
applicator (e.g. cotton swab) when applying Zovirax topical to
avoid spreading the virus to other body parts and to other
people. Apply enough ointment to cover the lesion(s) completely.
A one-half inch ribbon of ointment should cover approximately 4
square inches of surface area. Avoid getting this medication in
the eyes. Zovirax topical is usually applied every 3 hours, six
times a day for seven days. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Use Zovirax topical for the full amount of time prescribed, even
if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve
before the infection is completely treated. Lesions caused by
herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible.
Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the
lesions.
Warnings/Precautions
Before using Zovirax topical, tell your doctor if you have any
other medical conditions or if you use any other medications.
Zovirax topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C, which means
that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not
use Zovirax topical without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant. It is not known whether Zovirax topical passes
into breast milk. Do not use Zovirax topical without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
Apply it as soon as you remember and apply further doses at your
regular interval (e.g., every 3 hours) until you go to bed.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
No serious side effects are expected during treatment with
Zovirax topical. If you suspect an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; rash; hives; itching; swelling of your lips, tongue,
or face) seek emergency medical attention. Other less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
Zovirax topical and talk to your doctor if you experience
itching, stinging, burning, or a rash. These side effects should
resolve quickly. Side effects other than those listed here may
also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store below 25oC. Do not refrigerate.
Overdose
An overdose of this medication is not likely to occur. If you
suspect an overdose or ingestion of Zovirax topical, call an
emergency room or poison control left for advice.
More Information
Zovirax Cream is contra-indicated in patients known to be
hypersensitive to acyclovir or propylene glycol. Zovirax is most
effective if it is started within 48 hours of when the rash
first appears. Follow the directions for using Zovirax provided
by your doctor.
back to to Zovirax
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it
is not intended that this information covers all uses,
directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects
of your medication. This is only general information, and should
not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as
containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of
this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use
of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to
persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise.
No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to
this information.
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