Can acyclovir (Zovirax) cause flu like symptoms?

I think that is very unlikely. It is more likely that the cold sores were triggered by you being generally run down as a result of already having something else that was causing those flu like symptoms. However, fever is listed as a rare side effect.

I quote the following: . “… An Introduction to Acyclovir Side Effects As with any medicine, side effects are possible with acyclovir (Zovirax®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with acyclovir. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of acyclovir side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects of Acyclovir Acyclovir has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, the most common side effects of acyclovir included:

A general ill feeling – in up to 11.5 percent of people Nausea or vomiting – up to 4.8 percent Diarrhea – up to 2.7 percent Headaches – up to 2.2 percent.

Serious Acyclovir Side Effects Some side effects with acyclovir, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:

Aggressiveness or agitation Hallucinations Unusual bruising or bleeding Seizures Unusual decrease in urine production Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, and unexplained swelling.

Rare Side Effects There are other, less common acyclovir side effects that can occur. Because these side effects are so rare, it is difficult to tell whether they are caused by acyclovir or something else.

These side effects include, but are not limited to:

Fever Water retention Shakiness (tremors) Muscle pain Hair loss (see Zovirax Hair Loss) Sensitivity to the sun Vision changes.

Final Thoughts You may experience some or none of the acyclovir side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a side effect of acyclovir, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. …” . from the eMedTV site at: http://funadvice.com/r/14sn93kmm62 .

– Best wishes - Majikthise. .

Oral

Flu like symptoms are listed as a ‘minor’ side effect.

REF: Sanford’s Guide

Thanks. Another question. What would happen if I stopped the course. I cannot handle the sinus anymore.

As you know Zorivax alone does not cure herpes. It helps your body to fight the virus. Perhaps your doc could recommend a different dosing schedule?

SEe the thing is it isn’t worth going to my doctor again as I only have 2 days left and I don’t want to use up my medical by going again. I get these sores every year around february and usually I’m on famvir, but due to it being so expensive I asked my doctor to give me something cheaper which will still work. These are working, but I really feel quite sick so I was wondering if they work like anti biotics where I have to complete the full course.

nope cnt catch flew like that:l

I bet you don’t have any sort of actual fever though, do you? You’re correct in your thinking that these are side effects. Take too much at once and you’ll trip. It will be very bad if it happens so be careful!