What is in this guide?

This leaflet answers some common questions about Zovirax™ 400 mg tablets (Zovirax 400). 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 your have any queries. If you have any concerns about taking Zovirax 400 ask your doctor or pharmacist. This leaflet provides information about Zovirax 400. 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.

What is Zovirax 400 used for?

Zovirax 400 is used for suppression of recurrent genital herpes.

How does Zovirax 400 work?

Aciclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax 400) belongs to a group of medicines called "anti-virals". Zovirax 400 works by stopping the production of the herpes virus. This reduces the length and severity of an outbreak of herpes. Zovirax 400 does not get rid of the virus from your body. Your doctor may, however, have prescribed Zovirax 400 for a different use to that described above. If you have any questions about why you are taking Zovirax 400 ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide you with more information.

What must I know before I take Zovirax 400?

Zovirax 400 is not suitable for everyone. Be sure that your doctor knows about the following before you take Zovirax 400:

• If you are allergic to:
  • Aciclovir (the active ingredient in Zovirax 400).
  • Any other ingredient listed at the end of this leaflet.
• If you are pregnant, or become pregnant while using Zovirax 400, or are breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from:
  • A kidney or liver condition
  • A blood condition
  • Any condition affecting your brain
• If you are taking any other medication such as probenecid (a treatment for gout) or diuretics (fluid tablets), including medicines that you buy with a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. Your doctor or pharmacist will have a complete list of the medicines that may cause problems when taken with Zovirax 400.

When you must NOT use Zovirax 400

Do not use Zovirax 400 after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Do not use Zovirax 400 if the packaging shows signs of tampering.

Do not use Zovirax 400 to treat any other conditions unless advised by your doctor.

Do not give Zovirax 400 to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

Using Zovirax 400

Take Zovirax 400 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 400 is one 400mg tablet twice a day for the suppression of recurrent herpes simplex infection.

Your doctor may also vary the Zovirax 400 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 do I take Zovirax 400?

Your Zovirax 400 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 or 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 400 and it is almost time to take your next scheduled dose, then skip the dose you have missed, and continue taking your Zovirax 400 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, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

In case of overdose

Immediately contact your doctor or National Poisons Information Centre (not available in all countries)for advice or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, if you think that you may have taken too much, or if anyone else has taken any Zovirax 400. 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.

When to stop taking Zovirax 400

Do not stop taking Zovirax 400 just because you feel better. Your doctor will advise you when to stop taking Zovirax 400. If you are unsure whether you should stop taking Zovirax 400 talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

While you are using Zovirax 400

Drink plenty of plain fluids. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you whether there are any special instructions while you are taking Zovirax 400. See your doctor if you feel that your condition is not improving or getting worse.

What are the side effects of Zovirax 400?

All medicines can have some side effects. Sometimes they are serious. Most of the time they are not. Zovirax 400 helps most people with herpes simplex infection. 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 400. Often it is difficult to tell the difference between side effects of medication and symptoms of the underlying illness. Tell your doctor if you notice nausea, vomiting or a headache.

Less common side effects include:

• Diarrhoea
• dizziness
• tiredness
• confusion
• sleep disturbances
• abdominal cramps
• fluid retention
• leg and joint pain
• shakiness
• hallucinations
• skin rash
• hair loss
• liver and kidney problems

A small number of patients have had other unwanted effects after taking Zovirax 400. There is no evidence that Zovirax 400 is addictive. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand anything in this list. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side-effects. You may not experience any of them. After using Zovirax 400 If your doctor advises you to stop taking Zovirax 400 ask your pharmacist what to do with any remaining tablets.

How do I care for my Zovirax 400?

Keep your tablets in the pack that they were supplied in. Keep Zovirax 400 in a cool, dark and dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store Zovirax 400 in the bathroom or near a sink. Heat and dampness may effect Zovirax 400. Keep Zovirax 400, and all other medicines, where children cannot reach them. Do not leave Zovirax 400 in the car on hot days.

What does Zovirax 400 look like and what is in the tablet?

What Zovirax 400 looks like

Zovirax 400 tablets are pale pink and shield-shaped, marked "ZOVIRAX 400" on one side and with a triangle on the other. They are available in packs of 56 tablets.

Ingredients

Zovirax 400 contains 400 mg of the active ingredient aciclovir. Zovirax 400 also contains: cellulose-microcrystalline, povidone, sodium starch glycollate, aluminium magnesium silicate, magnesium stearate, macrogol 8000, iron oxide red CI77491, and coating concentrate opadry OY-7240 clear.