What is Lovir (Aciclovir) used for?

Lovir tablets contain the active ingredient Aciclovir. Aciclovir belongs to a group of medicines called 'anti-virals'. Lovir works by stopping the herpes virus being able to reproduce. The length and severity of an outbreak of herpes is therefore reduced. Long term use of Lovir can reduce the number of herpes outbreaks in people who experience this condition often. Lovir does not get rid of the herpes virus from your body.

How should I use Lovir (Aciclovir)?

For the treatment of an outbreak of herpes, the usual dose of Lovir is either one 200mg tablet every 4 hours while awake (a total of 5 tablets daily) or one 400mg tablet twice a day for five or ten days. This dose may be varied by your physician depending on the response.

For the treatment of shingles, the dose of Lovir is one 800mg tablet every 4 hours while you are awake (a total of 5 tablets daily) for seven days.

However, your physician will decide at what dose and for how long you will need Lovir tablets. If you have any questions about the dose that you have been prescribed you should ask your physician or pharmacist.

What are the side effects of Lovir (Aciclovir)?

• severe skin rash, itching or hives
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat
• difficulty breathing and swallowing
• fever
• low blood pressure
• abdominal cramps
• any skin reactions
• bruising easily
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• unsteadiness
• feeling sick
• nausea
• fluid retention
• leg and joint pain
• hair loss
• hallucinations
• headache
• liver and kidney problems
• sensitivity to light
• shakiness
• tiredness or weakness
• trouble sleeping

Please Note

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to aciclovir or any other ingredient, also if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, any blood condition, or conditions affecting your brain.

Tell your physician or pharmist if you are taking any other medications, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Tell your physician if you feel that your condition is not improving or getting worse.