Zovirax (Acyclovir Sodium) - Summary

ZOVIRAX SUMMARY

ZOVIRAX is the brand name for acyclovir, a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpesviruses. ZOVIRAX Cream 5% is a formulation for topical administration.

ZOVIRAX Cream is indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older).

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Valacyclovir therapy does not reverse herpes-associated alterations in cervical immunology: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial. [2014]
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is associated with a 3-fold increase in the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition, perhaps through alterations in mucosal HIV-susceptible target cells. We performed a clinical trial to assess the impact of herpes therapy on cervical immunology in HSV-2-infected, HIV-uninfected women from Africa or the Caribbean who were living in Toronto, Canada.

A pilot study examining the safety and tolerability of valacyclovir in veterans with hepatitis C virus/herpes simplex virus type 2 coinfection. [2014]
(HCV) coinfection... CONCLUSIONS: Valacyclovir 1 g twice daily showed no evidence of hepatotoxicity in

ASP2151 for the treatment of genital herpes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and valacyclovir-controlled, dose-finding study. [2012]
replication... CONCLUSIONS: Three-day or single-day courses of ASP2151 appear to be effective

Valacyclovir suppressive therapy reduces plasma and breast milk HIV-1 RNA levels during pregnancy and postpartum: a randomized trial. [2012]
mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) interventions is unknown... CONCLUSIONS: Valacyclovir significantly decreased early breast milk and plasma

Oral acyclovir suppression and neurodevelopment after neonatal herpes. [2011.10.06]
BACKGROUND: Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and recurrences of cutaneous lesions remain unacceptably frequent among survivors of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) disease... CONCLUSIONS: Infants surviving neonatal HSV disease with CNS involvement had improved neurodevelopmental outcomes when they received suppressive therapy with oral acyclovir for 6 months. (Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; CASG 103 and CASG 104 ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00031460 and NCT00031447, respectively.).

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Clinical Trials Related to Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Effectiveness of Acyclovir in Suppressing HIV Viral Load in Women Coinfected With HIV and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to determine whether acyclovir is effective in suppressing HIV viral load in women infected with both HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) who are starting HIV treatment for the first time.

Trial to Study the Effect of Dose of Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) Suppressive Therapy on HSV and HIV [Completed]
To compare the effect of high-dose valacyclovir (1 gram orally twice daily) versus standard-dose acyclovir (400 mg orally twice daily) on the frequency of genital HSV reactivation and on plasma HIV-1 levels among HSV-2/HIV-1 co-infected individuals. The investigators hypothesize that high-dose valacyclovir will result in greater reduction in plasma HIV-1 and genital HSV reactivation.

Efficacy of Antiviral Medications in Controlling Vertigo Attacks of Patients With Meniere's Disease [Recruiting]
Meniere's disease is a chronic illness that affects a substantial number of patients every year worldwide. The disease is characterized by intermittent episodes of vertigo lasting from minutes to hours, with fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural pressure. It has recently been suggested that viral etiologies specially Herpes virus might be the underlying reason. The investigators study is a randomized, double- blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial in Amiralam Hospital. In this study the primary objective is to assess efficacy of Acyclovir in control of symptoms in patients with Meniere's disease specially their vertigo attacks. Inclusion criteria would be patient's willingness to participate in the study and follow ups, being 18 years old or older, having at least 2 vertigos per month each at least 20 min, interfering with function, and not on medication for Meniere's disease for at least 3 months before the trial. They should not have any history of allergy to Acyclovir, renal insufficiency or Creatinine above 1. 5 mg/dl, hepatic enzymes more than three times normal, serious uncontrolled illness, be pregnant or nursing or have previous surgeries on Endolymphatic Sac. Participants will be randomly placed in 2 different arms getting either Acyclovir 400 mg or placebo (inert ingredient). They will take the medication for 10 days 5 times a day, then 3 times a day for next 10 days, and 2 times a day for the last 10 days. Patients will report changes in their symptoms 10 days after initiating the drug and in 1, 3, 6 month intervals.

HSV-2 Shedding Resolution After Acyclovir Treatment [Completed]
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the pattern of viral shedding after beginning treatment with acyclovir for a clinical recurrence of genital herpes and to compare it with the pattern of viral shedding during an untreated clinical recurrence of genital herpes.

Acyclovir Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Skin, Eye, and Mouth [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to test whether long-term treatment with oral acyclovir improves the outcome for infants with herpes simplex virus (HSV) disease of the skin, eyes, and mouth (SEM). Study participants will include infants in the United States and Canada who have HSV disease of the skin, eyes, and mouth, with no central nervous system disease present. Initially, all subjects will be treated with acyclovir administered through IV access (through the vein) for 14 days while hospitalized. Participants will then be placed in one of two groups, acyclovir given by mouth or a placebo (substance with no medication present). The participant and the study site will not know to which group the subject is assigned. All children will be followed at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months of age. During the follow up visits, physicals, hearing assessments, eye assessments, and neurological assessments will be completed.

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Reports of Suspected Zovirax (Acyclovir) Side Effects

Renal Failure Acute (28),  Dysarthria (11),  Pancytopenia (10),  Encephalopathy (10),  Rash (10),  Altered State of Consciousness (10),  Herpes Zoster (9),  Pneumonia (9),  Urinary Tract Infection (9),  Encephalitis (8), more >>

PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Zovirax review by 58 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		herpes
Dosage & duration:		3 capsules daily taken every day for the period of 3 years
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		outbreaks were reduced from one every few months to one every few years
Side effects:		none that I am aware of
Comments:		just swallow one capsule three times per day

Zovirax review by 37 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		fever blisters
Dosage & duration:		1600 mg taken twice daily for the period of 1 day
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		If I took the Zovirax at the first sign of tingling it would prevent an outbreak. If I waited I would still get blisters but they would only last 2-3 days.
Side effects:		no side effects
Comments:		I take 2 pills first thing and then another 2 before bed.

Zovirax review by 46 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Cold sores/ herpes I
Dosage & duration:		1600 Mg per day taken 4 times per day (400mg tablets) for the period of over one yar
Other conditions:		kidney scarring, chronic anemia
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		For awhile it did prevent cold sores. Then I started having frequent chest pains as well as fainting spells. Now I'm finding out from an ER Physician and the Pharmacist I 1. should never have been prescribed this dosage (twice what should be prescribed in per day) and NO-ONE should take Acyclovir for this length of time either. I've been told this is the reason for my fainting spells, chest pain, low blood pressure problems, increased kidney (renal) damage, yeast infections and most recently a series of fungal infections.
Side effects:		fainting spells, chest pain, low blood pressure, further kidney damage, infections followed up with fungal infections. I now am taking 1000 mg of L-Lysiene (natural food store or grocery store) per day. It's extrememly low cost and it's very effective.
Comments:		I hope this information will help someone not go through what I've gone through. I don't have chest pain since I've quit using it after one week. I was never even given one liver functioning test on this at all and that is reccommended by the way. Good Luck and take care.