Aciclovir 3% Ophthalmic Ointment
Zovirax Ophthalmic Ointment/ Aciclovir 3% Ophthalmic Ointment
(aciclovir)
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
• If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet, see section 4.
This product is available using either of the above names but will be referred to as Zovirax throughout the following:
Patient Information Leaflet
In this leaflet:
1) What Zovirax is and what it is used for
2) What you need to know before you use Zovirax
3) How to use Zovirax
4) Possible side effects
5) How to store Zovirax
6) Contents of the pack and other information
1) What Zovirax is and what it is used for
Zovirax contains a medicine called aciclovir. This belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. It is used to treat eye infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus. It works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses on the front of your eyeball (cornea).
2) What you need to know before you use Zovirax Do not use Zovirax if:
• you are allergic (hypersensitive) to aciclovir or valaciclovir or any of the other ingredients (listed in Section 6).
If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zovirax.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zovirax if:
• you wear contact lenses. Stop wearing them while using Zovirax.
If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zovirax. Other medicines and Zovirax
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without prescription, including herbal medicines.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medicine.
Driving and Using Machines
You may experience blurred vision after using Zovirax. Do not drive or use any machines unless your vision is clear.
3) How to use Zovirax
Always use Zovirax exactly as your doctor has told you.
You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Adults and children
• The usual dose is 1cm (about 1/2 an inch) of Zovirax applied to the infected eye five times a day.
You should space each application of Zovirax by four hours. Suggested times are: 7am, 11am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm.
• You should carry on using Zovirax for at least 3 days after your eye has got better.
• Your vision may be blurred for 5 to 10 minutes after applying Zovirax. Wait until you can see clearly again before driving or using any tools or machines.
How to apply Zovirax to your eye
1 Wash your hands.
2 Use your finger to gently pull down the lower eyelid of your infected eye.
3 Tilt your head slightly backwards and look up.
4 Apply 1cm (about 1/2 an inch) of Zovirax to the inside of your lower eyelid. Try to avoid the tip of the tube touching any part of your eye.
5 Close your eye for 30 seconds.
6 Wash your hands after applying Zovirax.
If you use more Zovirax than you should
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you use too much Zovirax. Zovirax is for use in the eye, if you swallow any talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to use Zovirax
• If you forget to use Zovirax, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next application, skip the missed application.
• Do not use a double application to make up for a forgotten application.
4) Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Zovirax can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine:
Allergic reactions (affects less than 1 in 10,000 people)
If you have an allergic reaction, stop using Zovirax and see a doctor straight away. The signs may include:
• rash, itching or hives on your skin
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue or other parts of your body
• shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
• unexplained fever (high temperature) and feeling faint, especially when standing up.
Other side effects include:
Very common (affects more than 1 in 10 people)
• irritation or feeling as if there is something in your eye.
Common (affects less than 1 in 100 people)
• mild stinging in your eye straight after using Zovirax
• swollen, runny eyes (conjunctivitis).
Rare (affects less than 1 in 1,000 people)
• swollen eyelids.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5) How to store Zovirax
• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
• Zovirax should be stored below 25°C.
• The tube should be tightly closed. Do not use Zovirax for longer than one month after once opening the tube.
• Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
6) Further Information What Zovirax contains
Each 1g of ointment contains 30mg of the active ingredient aciclovir. Zovirax also contain the following inactive ingredient: white soft paraffin.
What Zovirax looks like and contents of the pack
Zovirax is a white ointment base.
Zovirax is available in a tube of 4.5g.
PL 10383/0485 POM
Who makes and repackages your medicine?
Your medicine is manufactured by Wellcome Foundation Ltd, Dartford, Kent, UK and is procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Product Licence holder: Primecrown Ltd, 4/5 Northolt Trading Estate, Belvue Road, Northolt, Middlesex, UB5 5QS.