What is this medication?

ACYCLOVIR (ay SYE kloe veer) helps manage infections, such as cold sores, caused by viruses. This medication does not kill the virus and it may still be possible to spread the virus to others. This medication will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sitavig

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Immune system problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, milk, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Leave the tablet in the sealed blister pack until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, open the blister and gently remove the tablet. If the tablet breaks or crumbles, throw it away and take a new tablet out of the blister pack. Place the tablet to the upper gum of the mouth on the same side as cold sore symptoms and allow it to dissolve. Do not crush, chew, suck or swallow the tablet. You do not need water to take this medication. If adhesion does not occur or tablet falls off within the first 6 hours, immediately reposition the same tablet. If the tablet cannot be repositioned, a new tablet should be applied. If tablet is swallowed, within the first 6 hours, drink a glass of water and apply a new tablet. If tablet falls or is swallowed after the first 6 hours, reapplication is not needed. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Adefovir
• Amphotericin B
• Certain antibiotics like amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin
• Cimetidine
• Cisplatin
• Colistin
• Cyclosporine
• Foscarnet
• Lithium
• Methotrexate
• Probenecid
• Tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve. This medication works best when started very early in the course of an infection. Begin treatment at the first signs of infection.

Avoid activities that may prevent medication from sticking to your gum such as touching or pressing the medication, wearing upper dentures, chewing gum, or brushing your teeth during the treatment day.

You can still pass herpes to another person even while you are taking this medication. Avoid contact with others as directed. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of infection.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Irritation at application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.