Brand: Sitavig
Generic: Acyclovir (Buccal Mucosa Route)
Sitavig is an antiviral which is used for the treatment of symptoms caused by infection of herpes simplex infection of lips or around the mouth (cold sores). It is a prescription drug which is available in the form of tablet only.
Before using Sitavig, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
The patient is the authoritative figure when it comes to any medical procedure or any drug therapy. It is important for the patient to know all the details about the drug and then start using it.
Doctor also has a duty to bring out answers from the patient which play important role in treatment like history, any allergy or any medical condition the patient has. For this purpose, it is important to have a detailed session between patient and the physician before starting this drug to sort out all the details.
Detailed history of a patient is extremely important prior to any medical therapy and in this case it is more likely that a drug be started after it. Allergies or any history of allergy to any drug, food, preservatives, dyes or animal products; history of drug usage, past medical or surgical procedure should also be kept in record to predict any drug interaction.
Physical examination should be done before starting this drug so that any physiological or pathological condition by which this drug may interfere may be ruled out.
Age specific analysis is vital to have information about side effects of different age groups. Studies in children and geriatric population are not enough to limit its use in these age groups. Studies have shown that it poses minimal risk to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Drug interactions are the effects on the therapy or the condition for which the drug is used by other drugs used concomitantly. It is necessary that no drug be started without consulting a physician as other drug may cause alteration in the effect of drug or its removal from the body. The use of certain drugs results in increase in the interactions and hence their usage with this drug is either avoided or used in low dosage if necessary at all.
The drugs like foscarnet, fosphenytoin, mycophenolate, mofetil, mycophenolic acid, phenytoin and valproic acid cause increase in side effects and should be used with great caution. Patient should also be counselled about effects of alcohol and tobacco on the patient as these may cause severe interactions.
Medical conditions, other than the condition for which this drug is used, may also affect working of the drug and cause harm. It is important for the patient to give detailed history, and important for the doctor to derive such details from the patient to avoid such circumstances. The conditions which may interact with this drug include allergy to milk protein concentrate and weak immune system.
To use Sitavig properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.
Acyclovir is a prescription drug which has an information leaflet which should be read in detail before starting this drug.
To maximize its effects, it is necessary to use this drug for the whole duration as indicated by the physician and do not over or under use it.
Drinking plenty of water is recommended with this drug to avoid dehydration. Tablet comes in a blister which should be peeled off to remove it.
To optimize its effects, use this drug within one hour of eruption of sores. Put the tablet on the upper gum and allow it to dissolve slowly.
Before using Sitavig, there are some precautions you must take.
Precautions are the part and parcel of any treatment and patient must adhere to these to improve the outcome. It is the duty of the doctor or any medical care provider to make the patient aware about these tips as an aid to the therapy.
Regular checkup is necessary to look for the progress of the treatment.
Do not start any other drug, prescription or non-prescription, without consulting your physician.
Store it in a dry place at room temperature. Keep it away from the reach of children.
If you notice any side effects of Sitavig, immediately make an appointment with your doctor.
There is no drug in the world which is without its unwanted effects. Some drugs are relatively safe for use while for some drug, the patient should be cautious as these drugs may cause more harm than good.
Patient should always get medical help in case of any adverse effect, no matter how much trivial it is.