ZOVIRAX

[vixen]

I saw a tube of Zovirax that dropped out of my roommates bag as she was leaving...I didn't noticed it until after she left...but anyways, should I be worried? I heard that you can only spread herpes by skin to skin contact, but I'm starting to freak a little, while studying for finals . I know she doesn't have to tell me because its a private thing, but I feel a little weird finding that out...I'm not jumping to conclusions right? I am pretty sure that Zovirax is for genital herpes, nothing else...any advice? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

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[khristich00]

Yes you are correct in the fact that Zovirax (Acyclovir) is used for gential herpes. It is nothing to worry about, herpes CANNOT be spread through normal skin contact. I feel sorry for her boyfriend though (I wonder if he knows)

Acyclovir is used for genital herpes and some mucocutaneous infections in people with compromised immune systems, off label uses include: treatment of infectious mononucleosis, varicella pneumonia, chickenpox, and other HSV infections.

 

[tidy_kiwi]

I think it is also used for cold sores (like on the corner of your mouth)? So I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[ckent]

Originally posted by tidy_kiwi:
•I think it is also used for cold sores (like on the corner of your mouth)? So I wouldn't worry too much.•••

That's Herpes, HSV-1.

 

[tidy_kiwi]

That's Herpes, HSV-1 ••

I am aware of that - the OP had queried whether it was used only for genital herpes.....and I am pretty sure that your mouth isn't usually considered part of your genital area .

I am pretty sure that Zovirax is for genital herpes, nothing else...any advice? ••

I think it is sometimes used before a cold-sore starts to show - the tv ad goes something like "the tingle tells you it's time for Zovirax", so even if she doesn't appear to have a cold-sore I wouldn't jump to any conclusions.

 

[khristich00]

Is your roommate skanky? If so, then that probably tells what the acyclovir is being used for.

 

[Scooby Doo]

Are you a lesbian?
If not..then get out of her business...

 

[tidy_kiwi]

Originally posted by Scooby Doo:
•Are you a lesbian?
If not..then get out of her business...•••

She would have gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for those pesky kids!!

 

[Mystique]

Um, my dad uses the tablet form of Zovirax for an eye condition. So, yes it's main purpose is for treatment of genital herpes, but it's also prescribed by opthamologists for some eye conditions (relating to glaucoma).

 

[vixen]

Are you a lesbian?
If not..then get out of her business... ••

No I'm not a lesbian...and no I'm not in her business...if the tube was laying in the hallway and I picked it up to see what it was, can't I be curious?

My roommate is an airline stewardess...so she's never here...I don't know what she does when she's away...

 

[Billie]

Zovirax is an anti-viral used for other things too besides genital herpes.

 

[drdrtoledo]

I couldn't help but notice where this thread is heading... Maybe I can add a little spice to this. This is an ethical question posed to pharmacists all the time. Someone wants to know what Drug X does because they found it in (insert relationship here)'s belongings. Is this a breach of patient confidentiality??? One can argue that the information is readily available. Others argue that as a health care professional we cannot disclose any patient specific information including purposes for medication. I work in Poison Control, and people are always calling trying to identify others' medications. Just wanted to see what you guys think...
-puffolicious

 

[WMN]

As a pharmacist, my answer to drug questions of this sort is to inform the person that certain drugs can be used for many different conditions. Without knowing some specifics about the patient it is often difficult to guess. For me, the right thing to do is advise the curious person posing the question to ask the party involved. As to the tube of acyclovir, it is highly unlikely that genital herpes would be treated topically, in fact topical treatment is not the standard of care and I would go so far as to say oral therapy would always be used. Ophthalmologists do prescribe it to treat conditions such as uveitis and keratitis I believe and ofcourse it is used to treat good old fashioned cold sores.

 

[mikeaparker]

Zovirax ointment is used more for HSV-1 infection of the oral area. It is also not very effective. The oral capsules, with the usual regimen of 200mg 5 times a day (every 4 hours while awake) for 5 days, is much more effective.
The ointment only contains 50mg of acyclovir per gram of ointment.

The pharmacy I work at reccommends the oral form where ever possible. It is thought by many, that the only good the ointment does, is to soothe the affected area, because of the petroleum base.

For genital herpes, the use of Valtrex or Famvir is much more effective.

Antivirals are also used to treat shingles, Herpes Zoster(Varicella zoster), which is a viral infection which can occur, usually in mature adults, especially, when the immune system is compromised or when the individual has been recently ill. This virus is related to common chicken pox. In fact, one who has had chicken pox as a child can get Shingles as an adult, esp. during one of these trying times..

Once you have chicken pox or HSV-1 herpes simplex, you always have it.. Just because you are a carrier, does not mean you have an active case. The virus tends to lie dormant in nerve cells, and then shows itself during stressful times, like exam time!

The virus is not contagious when you do not have an active case...

For herpes, there is HSV-1 and HSV-2, usually, HSV-1 is associated with the oral area, and HSV-2 , is associated with the genital area. It is possible, however, to have genital herpes caused by HSV-1.

I hope that helps, it is very important to get educated before you jump to any conclusions!!!

So, you really don't have anyting to worry about..

Oral herpes is usually transient, and I believe the marjority of the adult population is a carrier, it is very common.... You can get it by sharing a drink with someone..... but this is not life threatening. It only is more serious, if you have a compromised immune system..

Here is a good link for more info....

<a href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/sti-safesex/herpes.htm" target="_blank">http://www.plannedparenthood.org/sti-safesex/herpes.htm</a>

Mike

 

[vixen]

thanks for the responses guys...now I'm worry free...except for finals of course

 

[Brian20]

zovirax is used for both types of herpes break outs. it inhibits mRNA synthesis (i think). i worked in a hospital and very sick individuals (usually near death) usually break out with cold sores (or genital if they had in previously). anyway, they can get zovirax IV or in the creme form. so it might just be a cold sore, but don't worry anyway, it usually takes a compromised immune system and pretty intense contact to contract it. you would be suprised how many people have oral herpes....and genital for that matter.

dont worry....just think about how well they wash dishes in your college mess hall??? herpes is everywhere.

 

[Medic171]

I use topical zovirax for cold-sores. I get them about 1 or 2 times a year, as does 88% of the population. For me, it is effective for the cold sores, but I hear it's effectiveness on the mouth simplex virus are not always as good for all people. Usually, those few times I feel a cold sore developing, I use it before it shows and usually I never develop a full blown cold sore, usually a blemish for a few days at worst, So I would not worry. The ointment is usually prescribed for oral, and systemic PO meds are usually for genital, so chances are that your friend just has cold sores, and like I said, so does 88% of the U.S. population!!

 

[The Fly]

From the Physicians' Desk Reference 2001:

ZOVIRAX (acyclovir) Ointment 5% is indicated in the management of initial herpes genitalis and in limited nonlife-threatening mucocutaneous Herpes simplex virus infections in
immunocompromised patients. In clinical trials of initial herpes genitalis, ZOVIRAX Ointment 5% has shown a decrease in healing time and, in some cases, a decrease in duration of viral shedding
and duration of pain. In studies in immunocompromised patients with mainly herpes labialis, there was a decrease in duration of viral shedding and a slight decrease in duration of pain.

By contrast, in studies of recurrent herpes genitalis and of herpes labialis in nonimmunocompromised patients, there was no evidence of clinical benefit; there was some decrease in duration of viral
shedding.
••

 

[lord999]

I'm beginning to see a lot of drug related questions being posted up. I strongly suggest to the meds that they get access to (if not have) a copy of the Lexi Drug Information Handbook. It's pretty comprehensive for the normal stuff.