Virolex

Drug name: Virolex

Other names used:

• Avirax®

Active Ingredients: Acyclovir

Therapeutic actions: Shingles, genital herpes, and chickenpox are caused by viruses. Once a person has been infected with one of these viruses, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again. Zovirax is an antiviral medication that helps the body fight the infection. It does this by preventing the virus from multiplying.

Indications: Virolex is used to treat:

• Chickenpox (varicella zoster infection).
• Genital herpes (herpes simplex infection).
• Herpes simplex infections of the skin, eg cold sores.
• Preventing herpes simplex infections in people whose immune systems are impaired, eg due to disease or treatment.
• Preventing recurrence of herpes simplex infections, eg recurrent cold sores or genital herpes.
• Shingles (herpes zoster).

Contraindications and cautions:
You should not take Virolex if you are allergic to the following medications:

• Virolex, acyclovir, or any inactive components used to make Virolex. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
• Valtrex® (valacyclovir), a similar medication.

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Virolex® (acyclovir) if you have:

• Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
• You should use this medication with caution in elderly people.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Breastfeeding.

Warning!

• A serious condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) has occurred in certain people taking Virolex. This is a condition involving very low red blood cell and platelet counts. In TTP/HUS, the body forms many small blood clots. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you have signs of TTP/HUS, including unusual bruising and bleeding or unexplained fever.
• Virolex will not cure genital herpes. You should avoid sexual contact while having an outbreak (or if you think you are about to have an outbreak). You should always use condoms, as genital herpes can be spread at any time.
• The medication should be started as soon as possible after the first signs of shingles, genital herpes, or chickenpox, as it is most effective when taken early in the course of the infection.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Skin reactions such as rash and itch.
• Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity).
• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Shortness of breath.
• Alteration in results of liver function tests.
• Confusion.
• Agitation.
• Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia).
• Convulsions.
• Sleepiness.
• False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations).
• Disturbance in the components of the blood.
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
• Decreased kidney function.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:

• Phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) or fosphenytoin (Cerebyx®)
• Probenecid (Benuryl®, Benemid®, ColBenemid®)
• Tenofovir (Viread®).

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.