Aciclovir
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of
talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you being
given aciclovir against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet.
You may need to read it again.
What DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion is used for
This medicine is used for the management of a number of different infections caused
by viruses, such as herpes and shingles.
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals.
It works by preventing the reproduction of the virus which is causing the condition.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
This medicine is not addictive.
This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Before you are given DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion
When you must not be given it
You should not be given DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion if you have an allergy
to:
any medicine containing aciclovir
valaciclovir.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing
or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the
body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
If you are not sure whether you should be given this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you are given it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives
or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
kidney disease
liver disease
any condition affecting your nervous system
irregular electrolyte levels
hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply to the cells of the body).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you are
given aciclovir.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
that you get without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food
shop.
Some medicines and DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion may interfere with each other.
These include:
probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
cimetidine, a medicine used for stomach ulcers or heartburn
diuretics, that is, medicines to prevent fluid retention
zidovudine, a medicine used for HIV infection or AIDS
cyclosporin, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, or interferon, medicines used to control the
immune system
methotrexate, a medicine used for cancer and conditions of the immune system.
These medicines may be affected by aciclovir, or may affect how well it works. You
may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or
avoid while you are being given this medicine.
How DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion is given
DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion is given by slow infusion directly into the bloodstream.
It is administered by a doctor or nurse.
How much is given
Your doctor will decide what dose you will receive. This depends on your condition
and other factors, such as your weight.
Overdose
As DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion is most likely to be given to you in hospital
under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive an
overdose. However, if you experience severe side effects tell your doctor immediately.
Symptoms of an overdose may include the side effects listed below in the ‘Side Effects’
section, but are usually of a more severe nature.
In case of overdose, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre for advice
(telephone 13 11 26)
While you are being given DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion
Things to be careful of
You should drink plenty of fluids as instructed by your doctor or nurse. If you are
unable to drink, due to your condition, your doctor will ensure that you receive plenty
of fluids.
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how aciclovir affects you.
This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some
people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything
else that could be dangerous.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are being given aciclovir.
This medicine helps most people with viral infections, but it may have unwanted side
effects in a few people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time
they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any
of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they
worry you:
nausea and/or vomiting
discomfort, swelling, redness or heat at the injection site.
The above list includes the more common side effects of your medicine. They are usually
mild and short-lived.
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
sudden pain at the injection site
symptoms of an allergic reaction such as shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty
breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching
or hives on the skin
seizures (fits), confusion, tremor, hallucinations, agitation, dizziness or changes
in thinking
pain or problems in passing urine or blood in the urine
severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth and genitals
abnormal bleeding or bruising
yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally
unwell, fever, itching, and dark coloured urine (these may be symptoms of liver disease)
tiredness, headaches, being short of breath when exercising, dizziness and looking
pale.
The above list includes serious side effects which may require urgent medical attention.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you notice anything that is making you feel
unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people.
After being given DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion
Storage
DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward.
The injection is kept in a cool dry place (but not in a refrigerator), where the temperature
stays below 25°C.
Product description
What it looks like
DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion is a clear, colourless or almost colourless solution.
It is supplied in glass vials in packs of 5.
Ingredients
DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion contains 25 mg/mL of aciclovir as the active ingredient.
It also contains:
sodium hydroxide
water for injection
This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo
dyes.
Sponsor
Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Sydney, NSW
Toll Free number: 1800 675 229
DBL Aciclovir Intravenous Infusion is available in the following strengths:
250 mg /10 mL
AUST R 56809
500 mg /20 mL
AUST R 56810
This leaflet was updated in March 2021