What Zovirax 800 is used for
- Zovirax 800 is used for the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster).
How does Zovirax 800 work
- Aciclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax 800) belongs to a group of medicines called ""anti-virals"". Zovirax 800 works by stopping the production of the herpes virus. This reduces the length and severity of an outbreak of herpes. Zovirax 800 does not get rid of the virus from your body.
- Your doctor may, however, have prescribed Zovirax 800 for a different use to that described above.
- If you have any questions about why you are taking Zovirax 800 ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide you with more information.
Before you take Zovirax 800
- Zovirax 800 is not suitable for everyone.
- Be sure that your doctor knows about the following before you take Zovirax 800:
If you are allergic to:
- Aciclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax 800) or valaciclovir.
- Any other ingredient listed at the end of this leaflet.
- If you are pregnant, or become pregnant while using Zovirax 800, or are breastfeeding.
If you suffer from:
- A kidney or liver condition, or
- A blood condition, or
- Any condition affecting your brain.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including any that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket, or health food shop.
Some medicines and ZOVIRAX 800 may interfere with each other. These include:
medicines used to prevent gout or gouty arthritis such as probenecid.
fluid tablets (diuretics).
medicines used to treat gastric ulcers or reflux such as cimetidine.
medicines used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs such as mycophenolate mofetil.
These medicines may be affected by ZOVIRAX or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.
When you must not take Zovirax 800
- Do not take Zovirax 800 after the expiry date printed on the pack.
- Do not take Zovirax 800 if the packaging shows signs of tampering.
- Do not take Zovirax 800 to treat any other conditions unless advised by your doctor.
- Do not give Zovirax 800 to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
Taking Zovirax 800
- Take Zovirax 800 as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Never change the dose yourself.
- Your doctor and pharmacist will be able to tell you:
- how many tablets to take at each dose?
- how many doses to take each day?
when to take each of your doses.
- The label on the pack that the tablets were supplied in will give the same information. If there is something that you do not understand ask either your doctor or pharmacist.
- The usual dose of Zovirax 800 is two 800 mg tablets every four hours while awake (a total of ten tablets daily) for 7 days.
- The shingles compliance pack will help you remember to take the tablets at the correct times.
- Your doctor may also vary the Zovirax 800 dosage for other medical reasons.
- If you have any questions about the dose that you have been prescribed you should ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How to take Zovirax 800
- Your Zovirax 800 tablets may be swallowed whole with a glass of water, or dispersed in a quarter of a glass of water (about 50 mL) and then swallowed.
- If you forget to take your dose
- If you have just missed your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue as before.
- If you have forgotten to take one dose of Zovirax 800 and it is almost time to take your next scheduled dose, then skip the dose you have missed, and continue taking your Zovirax 800 as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- If you have forgotten to take more than one dose contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you have missed.
- If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, as your pharmacist for some hints.
