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Zovirax (Acyclovir Sodium) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

 



ADVERSE REACTIONS

Herpes Simplex: Short-Term Administration:   The most frequent adverse events reported during clinical trials of treatment of genital herpes with ZOVIRAX 200 mg administered orally 5 times daily every 4 hours for 10 days were nausea and/or vomiting in 8 of 298 patient treatments (2.7%). Nausea and/or vomiting occurred in 2 of 287 (0.7%) patients who received placebo.

Long-Term Administration:    The most frequent adverse events reported in a clinical trial for the prevention of recurrences with continuous administration of 400 mg (two 200-mg capsules) 2 times daily for 1 year in 586 patients treated with ZOVIRAX were nausea (4.8%) and diarrhea (2.4%). The 589 control patients receiving intermittent treatment of recurrences with ZOVIRAX for 1 year reported diarrhea (2.7%), nausea (2.4%), and headache (2.2%).

Herpes Zoster:   The most frequent adverse event reported during 3 clinical trials of treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) with 800 mg of oral ZOVIRAX 5 times daily for 7 to 10 days in 323 patients was malaise (11.5%). The 323 placebo recipients reported malaise (11.1%).

Chickenpox:   The most frequent adverse event reported during 3 clinical trials of treatment of chickenpox with oral ZOVIRAX at doses of 10 to 20 mg/kg 4 times daily for 5 to 7 days or 800 mg 4 times daily for 5 days in 495 patients was diarrhea (3.2%). The 498 patients receiving placebo reported diarrhea (2.2%).

Observed During Clinical Practice:   In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during post-approval use of ZOVIRAX. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, potential causal connection to ZOVIRAX, or a combination of these factors.

General:    Anaphylaxis, angioedema, fever, headache, pain, peripheral edema.

Nervous:    Aggressive behavior, agitation, ataxia, coma, confusion, decreased consciousness, delirium, dizziness, dysarthria, encephalopathy, hallucinations, paresthesia, psychosis, seizure, somnolence, tremors and dysarthria. These symptoms may be marked, particularly in older adults or in patients with renal impairment (see PRECAUTIONS).

Digestive:   Diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, nausea.

Hematologic and Lymphatic:    Anemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia.

Hepatobiliary Tract and Pancreas:    Elevated liver function tests, hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice.

Musculoskeletal:   Myalgia.

Skin:   Alopecia, erythema multiforme, photosensitive rash, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria.

Special Senses:   Visual abnormalities.

Urogenital:   Renal failure, elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated creatinine, hematuria (see WARNINGS).



REPORTS OF SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS RELATED TO ZOVIRAX

Below is a sample of reports where side effects / adverse reactions may be related to Zovirax. The information is not vetted and should not be cosidered as verified clinical evidence.

Possible Zovirax side effects / adverse reactions in 55 year old female

Reported by a consumer/non-health professional from Brazil on 2007-01-03

Patient: 55 year old female weighing 57.8 kg (127.2 pounds)

Reactions: Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage

Suspect drug(s):
Zovirax

Other drugs received by patient: Prednisolone; Fluoxetine



Possible Zovirax side effects / adverse reactions in 56 year old female

Reported by a physician from Japan on 2007-01-11

Patient: 56 year old female

Reactions: Drug Eruption, Rash, Toxic Skin Eruption

Adverse event resulted in: hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Valtrex
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Herpes Zoster
    Start date: 2006-09-19

Zovirax
    Dosage: 20mg per day
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Drug USE FOR Unknown Indication
    Start date: 2006-12-13
    End date: 2006-12-13



Possible Zovirax side effects / adverse reactions in 89 year old female

Reported by a physician from Japan on 2007-01-17

Patient: 89 year old female weighing 35.0 kg (77.0 pounds)

Reactions: Encephalitis Herpes, Depressed Level of Consciousness, Coma, Meningitis

Adverse event resulted in: disablity

Suspect drug(s):
Zovirax

Other drugs received by patient: Hemodialysis



See index of all Zovirax side effect reports >>

Drug label data at the top of this Page last updated: 2006-08-12

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