Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using Aciclovir Accord?
Aciclovir Accord contains the active ingredient aciclovir. Aciclovir belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. It works by preventing the reproduction of the virus which is causing the condition.
Aciclovir Accord is used for the management of several different infections caused by viruses, such as herpes and shingles.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Aciclovir Accord? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use Aciclovir Accord?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aciclovir, valaciclovir or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Aciclovir Accord? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Aciclovir Accord and affect how it works.
See Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I use Aciclovir Accord?
Aciclovir Accord is an injection and will be given to you by your doctor or nurse.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Aciclovir Accord? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using Aciclovir Accord?
| Things you should do | You should drink plenty of fluids as instructed by your doctor or nurse. If you are unable to drink, due to your condition, your doctor will ensure that you receive plenty of fluids. |
| Driving or using machines | Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Aciclovir Accord affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous. |
For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Aciclovir Accord? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
Some of the common and serious side effects are included in full below in the CMI. Speak to your doctor if you have any of these serious side effects.
The serious side effects are:
- sudden pain at the injection site
- symptoms of an allergic reaction such as shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin
- seizures (fits), confusion, tremor, hallucinations, agitation, dizziness or changes in thinking
- pain or problems in passing urine or blood in the urine
- severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth and genitals
- abnormal bleeding or bruising
- yellowing of the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell, fever, itching, and dark coloured urine (these may be symptoms of liver disease)
- tiredness, headaches, being short of breath when exercising, dizziness and looking pale
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
ACICLOVIR ACCORD
Active ingredient: aciclovir
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Aciclovir Accord. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Aciclovir Accord.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Aciclovir Accord?
2. What should I know before I use Aciclovir Accord?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Aciclovir Accord?
5. What should I know while using Aciclovir Accord?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details
1. Why am I using Aciclovir Accord?
Aciclovir Accord contains the active ingredient aciclovir. Aciclovir belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals. It works by preventing the reproduction of the virus which is causing the condition.
Aciclovir Accord is used for the management of several different infections caused by viruses, such as herpes and shingles.
2. What should I know before I use Aciclovir Accord?
Warnings
Do not use Aciclovir Accord if:
- you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
- always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine
Check with your doctor if you have or have had:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- any condition affecting your nervous system
- irregular electrolyte levels
- hypoxia (inadequate oxygen supply to the cells of the body)
- allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Aciclovir Accord may interfere with each other, these include:
- probenecid, a medicine used to treat gout
- cimetidine, a medicine used for stomach ulcers or heartburn
- diuretics, that is, medicines to prevent fluid retention
- zidovudine, a medicine used for HIV infection or AIDS
- cyclosporin, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, or interferon, medicines used to control the immune system
- methotrexate, a medicine used for cancer and conditions of the immune system
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Aciclovir Accord.
4. How do I use Aciclovir Accord?
How much to use
Aciclovir Accord will be given to you by a doctor or a nurse by slow infusion directly into the bloodstream.
Your doctor will decide what dose of Aciclovir Accord, the dose will depend on your general condition and other factors, such as your weight.
When to use Aciclovir Accord
It is important that you continue to receive Aciclovir Accord for as long as your doctor prescribes it.
If you use too much Aciclovir Accord
It is very unlikely that you will receive an overdose of Aciclovir Accord because a trained nurse or doctor will give it. However, if you experience severe side effects tell your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include the side effects listed below in section 6. Are there any side effects? but are usually of a more severe nature.
5. What should I know while using Aciclovir Accord?
Things you should do
You should drink plenty of fluids as instructed by your doctor or nurse. If you are unable to drink, due to your condition, your doctor will ensure that you receive plenty of fluids.
Driving or using machines
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Aciclovir Accord affects you.
This medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, or drowsiness in some people. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Looking after your medicine
The hospital will store Aciclovir Accord under the correct conditions.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
Your doctor or pharmacist will dispose of any Aciclovir Accord that may be left over.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
If you are over 65 years of age you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
Common side effects
| Common side effects | What to do |
|
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these common side effects and they worry you |
Serious side effects
| Serious side effects | What to do |
|
Call your doctor straight away or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital |
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
This medicine is not addictive.
What Aciclovir Accord contains
| Active ingredient (main ingredient) |
aciclovir |
| Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) |
sodium hydroxide hydrochloric acid water for injections |
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
What Aciclovir Accord looks like
Aciclovir Accord is a clear, colourless to almost colourless solution supplied in a glass vial in packs of 1.
(250 mg/10 mL Aust R 313546, 500 mg/20 mL AUST R 313549, 1000 mg/40 mL AUST R 313547).
Who distributes Aciclovir Accord
Accord Healthcare Pty Ltd
Level 24, 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Australia
This leaflet was prepared in January 2022.
Published by MIMS January 2024