Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valacyclovir lessens the symptoms of these infections and shortens the length of time you are sick.

Valacyclovir is used in the treatment and suppression of genital herpes, shingles, and cold sores. Valacyclovir is not a cure for herpes virus infections.

Valacyclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How should I take Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Take valacyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. for cold sores-tingling, burning, blisters).

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food. Taking valacyclovir with food may decrease stomach upset.

Take all of the valacyclovir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

It is important to take valacyclovir regularly to get the most benefit.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store valacyclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What are the possible side effects of Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Stop taking valacyclovir and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take valacyclovir and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain
• headache
• dizziness; or
• tremors

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs affect Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Probenecid (Benemid) and cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) may increase the effects of valacyclovir and possibly lead to dangerous side effects. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking probenecid or cimetidine.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with valacyclovir. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What should I avoid while taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission.

Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoidance of sexual intercourse and use of latex condoms may prevent spreading the virus to others.

What happens if I overdose on Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.

The symptoms of an overdose of valacyclovir are not well known, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).

What happens if I miss a dose of Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What is the most important information I should know about Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Take all of the valacyclovir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission.

Valacyclovir is not a cure for herpes virus infections.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir)?

Do not take valacyclovir without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to acyclovir (Zovirax).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or immune system problems. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with valacyclovir.

Valacyclovir is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether valacyclovir passes into breast milk and how it may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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NEURONTIN is an FDA-approved oral medication for management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is the pain that lasts one to three months after shingles has healed. In studies of PHN, NEURONTIN greatly reduced patients’ pain.

NEURONTIN is also FDA approved for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children.

NEURONTIN may begin to work as early as 1 week after you start treatment. For some people, it may take longer to work. For others, the pain may not get better.

NEURONTIN offers a convenient and flexible way for you to manage your postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Convenience
NEURONTIN is available in three different dosage forms: scored tablets, capsules, and liquid. Your doctor will tell you how to take NEURONTIN. He or she will also tell you how much NEURONTIN you need to take.

Reliability
Available for more than a decade, NEURONTIN has helped millions of patients who suffer from epilepsy and more recently, the often severe and debilitating pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

NEURONTIN is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world by developing innovative medicines for conditions like epilepsy and PHN (nerve pain after shingles).

> Dosing

NEURONTIN is available in a variety of doses. Your dose is specific to your indication and will be set by your doctor. The available forms and dosages are shown below.

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Dosing:
NEURONTIN comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid. Your doctor will tell you how to take NEURONTIN. He or she will also tell you how much you need to take. Your doctor will probably start you at a lower dose. He or she may then increase to a higher dose. If you do not get enough relief, talk to your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems. Also tell your doctor if you may be or plan to become pregnant.

If you take antacids, wait 2 hours before you take NEURONTIN. You should also tell your doctor if you are taking morphine or any other medication.

Do not stop taking NEURONTIN before talking to your doctor.

Partial Seizures in Adults Dosing:
Take NEURONTIN as your health care provider tells you to. You should take the capsules, tablets, or oral solution:

• By mouth
• Three times a day
• With or without food
• With a full glass of water (about 8 ounces)

NEURONTIN^® (gabapentin) works best if you take it about every 8 hours. You should not go more than 12 hours between doses.

You should not take more NEURONTIN than your healthcare provider tells you to. You also should not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping NEURONTIN too fast can make you have seizures more often.

Partial Seizures in Children Dosing:

Give your child NEURONTIN as the doctor tells you to. You should give your child the oral solution:

• By mouth
• 3 times a day
• With or without food

NEURONTIN oral solution is easy to give. It has a cool, strawberry-licorice flavor. It has no sugar or alcohol. And it does not stain. You do not have to mix or shake it after it is refrigerated.

Your child’s doctor may prescribe NEURONTIN capsules or tablets instead of or along with the oral solution.

NEURONTIN works best if it is taken about every 8 hours. Your child should not go more than 12 hours between doses, unless told otherwise by the doctor.

You should not give your child more NEURONTIN than the doctor tells you to. You also should not stop giving it unless the doctor tells you to. Stopping NEURONTIN too fast can make your child have seizures more often.
> Side Effects

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Side Effects:
Like all medicines, NEURONTIN may cause side effects. Common ones are feeling drowsy, dizzy, or weak. Some patients may have swelling of the hands or feet. Some patients may have diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild to moderate. Patients should not drive or use complex machines until they know how NEURONTIN affects them.If you have other side effects, talk to your doctor.

Partial Seizures in Adults Side Effects:
Like most medicines, NEURONTIN can cause side effects. The most common are feeling drowsy, feeling dizzy, feeling tired, and unwanted eye movements. These side effects are most often mild to moderate. The side effects may go away over time.

You should not drive a car or operate complex machinery until you know how NEURONTIN affects you.

Partial Seizures in Children Side Effects:
Like most medicines, NEURONTIN can cause side effects. Children taking NEURONTIN may have

• Behavior problems
• Hostility
• A hard time concentrating and changes in schoolwork

Other side effects include

• Viral infection
• Fever
• Nausea (feeling sick to the stomach) and/or vomiting
• Sleepiness

These side effects are usually mild to moderate. The side effects may go away over time.

Your child should be careful about activities that could cause injury if NEURONTIN makes your child less alert or clumsy. For example, A child who is less alert should not ride a bicycle on a busy road.

> What to Expert From Therapy

NEURONTIN is used to treat Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN). NEURONTIN may begin to work as early as 1 week. For some people it may take longer to work. For others, the pain may not get better.

Doctors have been prescribing NEURONTIN for 10 years. In fact, NEURONTIN has been prescribed more than 75 million times. In studies of PHN, NEURONTIN greatly reduced patients’ pain.

Your doctor will tell you about how to take NEURONTIN. He or she will also tell you how much you need to take. Your doctor will probably start your NEURONTIN at a low dose. He or she may then increase it to a higher dose. If you do not get relief talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking NEURONTIN unless your doctor tells you to.

Continue to track your pain and talk with your doctor. A personal pain diary can be a helpful tool to track your pain and symptoms.

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Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

What is Zovirax?

Zovirax is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Zovirax will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Zovirax is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Zovirax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zovirax?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Zovirax or valacyclovir (Valtrex). Before taking Zovirax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Zovirax passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Zovirax?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Treatment with Zovirax should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking Zovirax to keep your kidneys working properly.Zovirax can be taken with or without food. Taking Zovirax with food may decrease stomach upset.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zovirax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store Zovirax at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include seizure (convulsions), hallucinations, and urinating less than usual or not at all.

What should I avoid while taking Zovirax?

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Zovirax. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Zovirax will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

What are the possible side effects of Zovirax?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• easy bruising or bleeding; or
• unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;
• headache, feeling light-headed; or
• swelling in your hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Zovirax?

Before taking Zovirax, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use Zovirax, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs that can affect Zovirax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about Zovirax written for health professionals that you may read.

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What is the most important information I should know about Famvir?

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famvir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

What is Famvir?

Famvir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famvir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infections.

Famvir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Famvir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Famvir?

Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;
• galactose intolerance;
• severe lactase deficiency; or
• glucose-galactose malabsorption.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Famvir, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Famvir passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take Famvir without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Famvir?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking Famvir to keep your kidneys working properly.Famvir can be taken with or without food. Taking Famvir with food may decrease stomach upset.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Famvir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store Famvir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of Famvir?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose with Famvir?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Famvir overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Famvir?

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famvir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Famvir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

What are the possible side effects of Famvir?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Continue taking Famvir and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• headache;
• diarrhea,
• dizziness, sleepiness;
• mild itching or skin rash; or
• confusion.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Famvir?

Before taking Famvir, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use Famvir, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs that can affect Famvir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information on Famvir?

Your pharmacist has additional information about Famvir written for health professionals that you may read.

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Bactroban is used for the treatment of impetigo due to Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, for the treatment of infected eczema, or folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles). Bactroban is not recommended for use on the skin in serious burns, because more of the vehicle (the inactive ingredient) used for the ointment, polyethylene glycol, may be absorbed and can cause kidney damage. A nasal ointment of bactroban also is used for the elimination of nasal Staphylococcus aureus that have become resistant to other antibiotics.

How Taken

For the treatment of impetigo, a small amount of the ointment is applied to the affected area, usually three times daily. The area may be covered with a sterile gauze dressing. If there is no improvement in 3-5 days, the physician should be contacted. A specialized use of bactroban is the intranasal application for patients who harbor intranasal Staphylococcus aureus that are resistant to many other antibiotics. Treatment requires the application of about half of the ointment from a single-use tube of nasal ointment into one nostril and the other half into the other nostril. This treatment is repeated twice daily for 5 days. Children may need less ointment.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Bactroban should be kept at room temperature, 15-30C (59-86F)

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon and mild with bactroban. The most frequent side effects are burning, stinging, pain, and itching at the area of application. The intranasal use of bactroban can cause headache (1 of every 11 patients), runny nose (1 in 17), congestion (1 in 20), sore throat (1 in 22), changes in taste perception (1 in 30), nasal irritation (1 in 50) and cough (1 in 50).

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Bactroban

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