Zimivir 1000 Tablet (Valacyclovir 1000mg)

INTRODUCTION

ZIMIVIR contains valaciclovir which belongs to the group of medicines called antiviral agents. It is used in the treatment of cold sores (small, fluid-filled, painful blisters around the oral cavity) in adults and in children over 12 years of age. It can also be used to treat initial and recurrent episodes of HSV infections of the eye, skin and genital herpes in adult patients and also prevents its recurrence or transmission. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus which is characterized by genital pain, sores, ulcers and scabs.

ZIMIVIR can also be used in the treatment of Herpes zoster infection (shingles) in adults and chickenpox in children (aged between 2-18 years). Chicken pox usually causes an itchy, blister-like rash on the face, chest and back, whereas shingles appears as a single stripe of blisters on the left or right side of your body. It can also prevent infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) after organ transplants in adults and children above 12 years.

Valacyclovir works by killing or stopping the growth and multiplication of virus in human cells. During the treatment, your doctor will regularly monitor the functions of your brain and kidney especially in aged patients (>65 years) to avoid unwanted side effects. It is important to drink plenty of water regularly during the day to reduce the risk of side effects of the brain and kidneys.

This medicine can be taken with or without food. Patients taking ZIMIVIR either for the treatment or for the prevention of recurrence of genital herpes should always practice safe sex methods (including the use of condoms). Patients having genital sores or blisters should not have sex, as a precaution to avoid sexual transmission of the infection. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and headache. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms bothers you. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. It is not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating women and in children (aged less than 12 years). Consult your doctor before taking.

USES OF ZIMIVIR

Treats cold sores in adults and in children (aged above 12 years)
Treats and prevents HSV infections of the eye, skin and genital herpes in adult patients
Treats shingles in adult patients
Treats chickenpox in children (aged above 2 years)
Prevents cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after any organ transplants in adults and children above 12 years

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HOW ZIMIVIR WORKS

Valacyclovir works by killing or stopping the growth and multiplication of virus in human cells. It gets incorporated into the viral DNA and competitively inhibits the viral DNA polymerase enzyme which stops lengthening of viral DNA strand, prevents further multiplication of new viral cells and clears up your infection.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take ZIMIVIR as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without meals. Swallow the medicine as whole with a plenty of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Drink plenty of water regularly during the day while taking this medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and health condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ZIMIVIR

SERIOUS
Severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face, neck and throat, difficulty in breathing and a fall in blood pressure leading to collapse)
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS; symptoms includes extended skin rash with fever, increased levels of liver enzymes, eosinophilia and enlarged lymph nodes)
COMMON
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Photosensitivity (skin reaction after exposure to sunlight)
Skin rash or itching
RARE
Ataxia (lack of coordination)
Dysarthria (slow or slurred speech)
Fits (seizures)
Encephalopathy (altered brain function)
Coma (loss of consciousness)
Delirium (confused or disturbed thoughts)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Skin rash or itching:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better, contact your doctor.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid traveling, driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. If the symptom still persists, contact your doctor for advice.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
ZIMIVIR should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING
ZIMIVIR should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

KIDNEY
ZIMIVIR should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
ZIMIVIR should be taken with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to valaciclovir or acyclovir.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Aminoglycosides (used to treat bacterial infections) e.g. streptomycin, neomycin, kanamycin
Methotrexate (used to treat psoriasis, arthritis and other autoimmune disease)
Pentamidine (used to treat pneumonia)
Foscarnet (used to treat an eye infection called cytomegalovirus retinitis)
Ciclosporin or tacrolimus (used to prevent graft rejection)
Probenecid (a medicine used to treat gout)
Cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers)