Zostiva 1000mg Tablet

Composition Valacyclovir (1000mg)
Rx Prescription Required
Pack strip of 3 tablets
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical Class Nucleoside analog
Action Class Antiviral Agents (Non-HIV)
Habbit Forming
Manufacturer Oriental Pharma
Manufacturer address A-294, Okhla Phase-1, New Delhi-110 020

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet is an antiviral medicine used in the treatment of herpes labialis, genital herpes infection, and herpes zoster infections. It prevents the multiplication of viruses in human cells and clears up the infection.

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. You should drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine as it helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.

It may lead to a few common side effects like headache, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea,  itching (pruritus), and abdominal pain. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Herpes labialis

Genital herpes infection

Herpes zoster

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Zostiva 1000mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Q: What if you forget to take Zostiva Tablet?
A: If you miss a dose of Zostiva 1000mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.

If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Q. For how long do I need to take Zostiva 1000mg Tablet?

The duration of Zostiva 1000mg Tablet treatment depends on the disease you are being treated for and whether your immune system is capable of fighting infections or not. For example, if you are taking it for shingles and your immune system works effectively, then you may need to take it for 7 days only. But, if your immunity is compromised, then you may need to take Zostiva 1000mg Tablet for 7 days and 2 days more after the lesions have dried and healed. Follow your doctor’s recommendations strictly.

Q. Does Zostiva 1000mg Tablet cure herpes infection?

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet reduces the pain and itching caused due to the herpes infection but does not cure it. It helps to heal the sores and prevents the formation of new ones.

Q. Is Zostiva 1000mg Tablet an antibiotic or a steroid? What is it used for?

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet is neither an antibiotic nor a corticosteroid. It is an antiviral medicine and acts against viruses. It is effective against herpes simplex virus (chickenpox, cold sores, and genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (shingles), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Zostiva 1000mg Tablet prevents the occurrence of CMV infection and disease after organ transplant.

Q. If I have genital herpes, can Zostiva 1000mg Tablet prevent transmission of infection to others?

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet reduces the chances of passing the infection to your partner, but the possibility of transmission still exists. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. However, you should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.

Q. Can Zostiva 1000mg Tablet be given to children for chicken pox?

Yes, Zostiva 1000mg Tablet can be given for chickenpox to children aged between 2 years to 18 years. Treatment should be started within 24 hours of the appearance of the rash for best results. Zostiva 1000mg Tablet should be given for 5 days and as directed by the doctor.

Q. Can I take Zostiva 1000mg Tablet if I have HIV infection?

Taking Zostiva 1000mg Tablet if you have advanced HIV infection can increase the risk of developing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura/Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (TTP/HUS). In TTP/HUS, small blood clots form suddenly throughout the body, which can lead to death. If you experience bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in urine, fits, and bleeding from the nose or mouth, you should stop Zostiva 1000mg Tablet and seek emergency medical support and advice.

Q. What if I accidentally take excess of Zostiva 1000mg Tablet?

You should immediately contact your doctor or go to a nearby hospital. The symptoms which can be seen if Zostiva 1000mg Tablet is taken in excess include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, decreased consciousness, and coma.

Q. My age is 70 years and I have some kidney problem, can I take Zostiva 1000mg Tablet for shingles?

Since you are elderly and have a kidney problem, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of Zostiva 1000mg Tablet. You must drink plenty of water regularly during the day while taking Zostiva 1000mg Tablet. This will help to reduce the side effects that can affect the kidney or nervous system. Your doctor will closely monitor you for signs of any side effects which may include feeling confused, agitated or unusually sleepy, or drowsy. If you develop any of these effects contact your doctor immediately.

In Herpes labialis

Herpes labialis, commonly known as cold sores, is a viral infection that primarily affects the lip. Symptoms typically include a burning pain followed by small blisters or sores. The first attack may also be accompanied by fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes. Zostiva 1000mg Tablet can speed up the healing of herpes labialis and also prevent recurrence of the sores.

Headache

Nausea

Abdominal pain

Dizziness

Vomiting

Itching

Diarrhea

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Zostiva 1000mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney:CAUTION

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Zostiva 1000mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine to lower the side effects on the kidney.

Liver:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Zostiva 1000mg Tablet is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Zostiva 1000mg Tablet is recommended.

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