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Common uses
This medicine is an
antiviral used to treat shingles, chickenpox, or genital herpes. It
may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
Before using
Inform your doctor or
pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you
are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions,
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Directions
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine
with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Store this medicine at
room temperature, away from light and moisture. To clear up your
infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full
course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take 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. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
If your symptoms do
not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with
your doctor. If you are using this medicine for genital herpes, begin
using it as soon as you notice symptoms (pain, burning, blisters) of
an infection. Use a condom during sexual intercourse. If you plan on
becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of
using this medicine during pregnancy.
If you are or may be
pregnant, check with your doctor for instructions on using this
medicine during pregnancy. Before you begin taking any new medicine,
either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or
will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with
your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side
effects
Side effects, that may
go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or
headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take
too much
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately.
Additional
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. If using this medicine for an extended period of
time, obtain refills before your supply runs out. |