If you are diagnosed with herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) during your prenatal checkups, or if you have a history of recurrent genital herpes, your doctor may recommend antiviral medicines such as Acyclovir during pregnancy. Herpes simplex, sometimes known as herpes, is a common viral infection. The baby is at risk of acquiring neonatal herpes if the mother has this illness. While herpes is unlikely to be transferred in the uterus, it can be passed on to the newborn during vaginal delivery. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment are critical. This post discusses whether Acyclovir is safe to take during pregnancy, the risks involved, and some frequently asked concerns.
What Is Acyclovir?
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication useful for treating and preventing recurrence of cold thrush, genital herpes (caused by herpes simplex virus 2) and chicken pox and shingles (caused by the varicella-zoster virus). It is also approved for those with a weak immune system such as HIV. Doctors prescribe antiviral drugs such as acyclovir to suppress the outbreak of genital lesion. Though it does not eliminate the viruses, it reduces the intensity and severity of the symptoms, and shorten the duration of the outbreaks. Acyclovir is sold under the brand name Zovirax and is available in the form of oral tablets, intravenous injections, and topical ointments (1).
Can You Take Acyclovir (Zovirax) During Pregnancy?
You may take acyclovir if your doctor prescribes it. But do not take it without prescription or proper consultation. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified acyclovir as pregnancy category B drug, which means the studies conducted on animals demonstrated low risk, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women (1). The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) says that the FDA has not approved any drug for treatment of herpes during pregnancy. However, many physicians prescribe this acyclovir at the end of pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks (2). The American Academy of Family Physicians has observed that the use of acyclovir in the first trimester did not increase birth defects. It recommends acyclovir as the “antiviral drug of choice” in early pregnancy (3). Studies on the effects of acyclovir during second and third trimesters are limited (4).
How Much Acyclovir Is Safe To Take During Pregnancy?
Your doctor will decide the dosage depending on the severity of the condition and other parameters (5). Doctors usually prescribe the medicine when you experience the first episode of herpes during pregnancy. They might ask you to take the medicine everyday in the last four weeks of pregnancy to reduce the risk of outbreak, and prevent transmission to the newborn. There is theoretical risk of teratogenicity when used in the first trimester. When the patient presents within 24 hours of the onset of rash and gestation is more than 20 weeks, it can be used safely.
What If You Have Already Taken Acyclovir (Zovirax) During Pregnancy?
If you have been on acyclovir even before your pregnancy, or have taken it without prescription, then let your doctor know about it. They can decide whether or not you should continue with the drug, or cut it down to the lowest possible dosage. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly.
What Could Be The Side Effects Of Acyclovir During Pregnancy?
The potential side effects of taking acyclovir include diarrhea, nausea, headache, fever, hair loss, and changes in vision. These symptoms resolve in a few days, and might not require a doctor’s attention. However, you might have to see the doctor in the case of some serious side effects, such as (6)
Allergic reactions including itching, skin rash, swollen lips, tongue or faceConfusion, hallucinations, and tremors Increased sensitivity to sunlight Difficulty in passing urine Chest pain Seizures Yellowing of skin or eyes Difficulty in sleeping Bloody diarrhea Stomach pain or cramps Numbness or tingling sensation in the arms or legs
General Precautions To Follow While Taking Acyclovir
Here are some precautions you may take to stay safe.
Tell your doctor if you have nerve, liver, kidney or electrolyte abnormalities. Avoid taking the medication if you experience any symptoms of allergy. Drink a lot of water when you are on medication.
Do not exceed the suggested dosage of the medication.
Next, we answer a few queries commonly asked by our readers. Did you take acyclovir during pregnancy? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below. This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor.
