Acyclovir Side Effects
Major Warning
In addition to the Acyclovir side effects discussed below, treatment with Acyclovir has also been observed to cause kidney failure in some patients which eventually resulted in death. Also, in some immunocompromised people who used Acyclovir, deaths have occurred as a result of them developing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS).
Side effects observed when taken for short-term treatment of herpes simplex infections:Side effects observed when taken for long-term treatment of herpes simplex infections: Side effects observed when taken for long-term treatment of shingles: - Malaise translation, a general feeling of discomfort and "not feeling well"
Side effects observed when taken for long-term treatment of chickenpox:
The following Acyclovir side effects were reported after Acyclovir was approved and being used by the general population. You should note though that they were reported voluntarily by folks in the general population so there is therefore no way to determine how often they occur or if there is even really a true connection between them and Acyclovir. The medical literature does not give any indication as to the frequency with which these occur so I cannot break it down for you based on frequency. - Aggressive behavior
- Agitation
- Anaphylaxis translation major allergic reaction
- Anemia
- Angioedema translation severe swelling, usually around the eyes and lips, along with hives
- Ataxia translation lack of coordination, inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements
- Blood in the urine
- Coma
- Confusion (sometimes "brain fog")
- Decreased consciousness
- Delirium Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Dysarthria translatioin difficulty articulating words; slurring of speech
- Elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
- Elevated creatinine
- Elevated liver enzyme levels
- Encephalopathy
- Erythema multiforme loose translation red rash
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Hepatitis
- Hyperbilirubinemia translation high levels of bilirubin, too much bilirubin ...what is bilirubin? Contact Us
- Itching
- Jaundice
- Kidney failure
- Kidney pain
- Leukoclastic vasculitis
- Leukopenia translation abnormally low white blood cell count
- Lymphadenopathy translation swollen lymph nodes, swollen glands
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Pain
- Paresthesia translation numbness, tingling, "pins and needles" sensation
- Peripheral edema
- Photosensitive rash
- Pruritus translation rash
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Somnolence translation drowsiness, sleepiness
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Stomach discomfort
- Thrombocytopenia translation low platelet count
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Tremors
- Urticaria translation hives
- Visual abnormalities
When we are sick our virtues and our vices are in abeyance.
- Vauvenargues
Drug Manufacturer Information
Though this medication is now available in generic form and is produced by a wide variety of manufacturers, I am only including the information for the original brand manufacturer for the drug. The original brand of Acyclovir is Zovirax.
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
1-888-825-5249
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May 1, 2009
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