INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
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The information provided in this leaflet applies to usage of the 35 tablet packs.
Please read all of the information in this leaflet carefully before you take your medicine
This leaflet answers some common questions about Zovirax 800mg. It does not contain all of the available information.
Reading this leaflet does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking any medicine involves some risk. It is possible that all risks associated with this medicine might not have been detected, despite proper testing. Only your doctor or pharmacist is able to weigh up all of the relevant facts, and you should consult them if you have any queries.
If you have any concerns about taking Zovirax 800mg ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this information. You may want to read it again.
This leaflet provides information about Zovirax 800mg.
The statements that are made in this leaflet cannot be applied to any other medicine, even those that are similar or appear to contain the same ingredients.
Zovirax 800mg is used for the treatment of shingles, which is also known as herpes zoster.
Shingles is caused by the same virus which causes chicken pox. It usually involves nerve pain and a blistery rash, limited to one area of the body.
Aciclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax 800mg) belongs to a group of medicines called "anti-virals".
Zovirax 800mg works by stopping the production of the shingles virus. This reduces the length and severity of an outbreak of shingles. Zovirax 800mg does not get rid of the virus from your body.
Your doctor may, however, have prescribed Zovirax 800mg for a different use to that described above.
If you have any questions about why you are taking Zovirax 800mg ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide you with more information.
Zovirax 800mg is not suitable for everyone. Be sure that your doctor knows about the following before you take Zovirax 800mg:
Take Zovirax 800mg as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Never change the dose yourself. Your doctor and pharmacist will be able to tell you:
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 800mg in the treatment of shingles is one 800mg tablet every four hours while awake (equivalent to five tablets daily) for seven days. Your doctor may vary your Zovirax 800mg dosage if you also suffer from other medical conditions.
If you have any questions about the dose that you have been prescribed, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Your Zovirax 800mg 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 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 800mg and it is almost time to take your next scheduled dose, then skip the dose you have missed, and continue taking your Zovirax 800mg 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.
Immediately contact your doctor or Poisons Information Centre for advice (0800 POISON or 0800 764 766) or go to the Accident and Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, if you think that you may have taken too much, or if anyone else has taken any Zovirax 800mg tablets. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.
Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.
Do not stop taking Zovirax 800mg just because you feel better.
It is important that you complete your course of tablets to effectively treat the shingles.
Your doctor will advise you when to stop taking Zovirax 800mg.
If you are unsure whether you should stop taking Zovirax 800mg, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you whether there are any special instructions while you are taking Zovirax 800mg.
See your doctor if you feel that your condition is not improving or getting worse.
All medicines can have some side effects. Sometimes they are serious. Most of the time they are not.
Zovirax 800mg helps most people with shingles. In a few people, it may have some unwanted side effects.
Be sure that your doctor or pharmacist knows as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Zovirax 800mg. Often it is difficult to tell the difference between side effects of medication and symptoms of the underlying illness.
If you think you are having an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction to Zovirax 800mg, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. Symptoms include:
This is not a complete list of side effects. A small number of patients have had other unwanted effects after taking Zovirax 800mg.
There is no evidence that Zovirax 800mg is addictive.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
If your doctor advises you to stop taking Zovirax 800mg, ask your pharmacist what to do with any remaining tablets.
Keep your tablets in the pack that they were supplied in.
Keep Zovirax 800mg in a cool, dark and dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
Do not store Zovirax 800mg in the bathroom or near a sink.
Heat and dampness may affect Zovirax 800mg.
Keep Zovirax 800mg, and all other medicines, where children cannot reach them.
Do not leave Zovirax 800mg in the car on hot days.
Zovirax 800mg tablets are white and elongated, marked "ZOVIRAX 800" on one face and scored on the other. They are available in packs of 35 tablets tablets.
Zovirax 800mg contains 800mg of the active ingredient aciclovir.
Zovirax 800mg also contains: cellulose-microcrystalline, povidone, sodium starch glycollate, aluminium magnesium silicate, magnesium stearate, macrogol 8000, and coating opadry Y-1-7000 concentrate.
Zovirax 800mg tablets are supplied by:
Glaxo Wellcome New Zealand Limited
Quay Tower
Cnr Albert and Customs St.
Private Bag 106600
Downtown Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: (09) 367 2900
Fax (09) 367 2910
™ZOVIRAX is a trademark owned by the Glaxo Wellcome Group of Companies.
This leaflet is copyrighted to Glaxo Wellcome and may be reproduced but not altered in any way.
Issue 2, September 2000