Aciclovir 400mg Tablets (Pharmacia Limited)

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET (PIL)

ACICLOVIR 400 MG TABLETS

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ACICLOVIR 400 MG TABLETS

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets. It provides some information about your medicine and how to take it.

If you have any questions or are in any doubt about anything, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

YOUR MEDICINE

The name of your medicine is Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets. The carton contains 56 tablets.

WHAT IS IN YOUR MEDICINE?

Each tablet contains 400 mg Aciclovir Ph. Eur.

The tablet also contains Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Starch Glycollate, Magnesium Stearate and Colloidal Anhydrous Silica. If you are allergic to any of these ingredients you must tell your pharmacist or doctor.

MANUFACTURER AND PRODUCT LICENCE HOLDER:

WHAT IS YOUR MEDICINE FOR?

Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets belong to a group of medicines called antivirals.

The tablets are used for herpes zoster and to prevent severe herpes simplex infections.

BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR MEDICINE

• Have you ever had a bad reaction to this medicine or to any other medicines containing aciclovir?
• Are you pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast feeding?
• Do you suffer from any kidney disease?
• Are you taking Probenecid or any other medicines for gout?

If the answer to any or all of the above questions is YES, DO NOT TAKE Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets without asking your doctor's advice.

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR MEDICINE?

You must take your medicine as the doctor tells you. It is important to take Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets at the right time. The label on the box will tell you how much to take and how often. If it does not or you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• Your doctor will decide which is the best dose for you, depending on your illness. The usual doses for adults are one 400 mg tablet every six hours (taken 4 times a day) or two 400 mg tablets every 4 hours (taken 5 times a day leaving out the night time dose). But this may be changed by your doctor.
• You should take the tablets as soon as you notice the symptoms.
• You should take Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets after food.
• Dissolve the tablet in a quarter of a glass of water and stir before drinking.
• If preferred, the tablet can be swallowed whole with a drink of water.
• Providing you do not have a problem with your heart or kidneys, you should drink plenty of liquid whilst taking Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets.
• If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember. Then continue to take the tablets as before.
• If you, or anyone else, accidentally take more tablets than the recommended dose, contact a doctor immediately.
• Always take Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets and the carton with you so that the doctor knows what the product is.

AFTER YOU HAVE TAKEN YOUR MEDICINE

Normally this medicine is well tolerated but occasionally some people may get side effects.

• Some people may get a skin rash, feel sick, get diarrhoea, or dizziness and confusion, or similar effects after taking Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets.
• Since there have been occasional reports of neurological disorders i.e. confusion, hallucinacions and somnolence, aciclovir may alter patient's reactivity so that ability to drive, operate machinery or work without firm support is impaired. These effects may be enhanced by alcohol.
• Very occasionally, some people may get a headache or feel tired after using Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets.

If you are one of these people, and the reaction stays or becomes troublesome, stop using the medicine.

If you get any other unusual or unexpected symptom, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW YOU SHOULD LOOK AFTER YOUR MEDICINE

• Keep this and all medicines in a cool, safe place (below 25 °C) where children cannot get them. Your medicine could harm them.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is printed on the carton, If you have any Aciclovir 400 mg Tablets left after then, return them to your pharmacist.
• If your doctor decides to stop treatment, take any left over tablets to your pharmacist. Only keep them if your doctor tells you to.