any lainak's List: Anti Viral

What is the most important information I should know about Combivir?
* Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a pancreas disorder, or problems with your muscles.
* Combivir can lower the blood cells in your body that help you fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
* Call your doctor at once if you have liver problems while you are using Combivir. Symptoms to watch for include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, low fever, lost appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
* If you have hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms after you stop taking Combivir, even months after stopping. Your doctor may want to check your liver at regular visits for several months after you stop using this medication. Do not miss any scheduled visits.
* Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis) may occur during treatment, especially in children using Combivir. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms of pancreatitis: sudden and severe pain in the upper middle or left side of your stomach, nausea and/ or vomiting, fever, chills, rapid pulse, or stomach pain that gets worse after eating or when lying down flat.
* Call your doctor at once if you have muscle pain or weakness, numbness or tingling in any part of your body, and nausea with vomiting. These could be signs of lactic acidosis.

What is Combivir?
* Combivir are antiviral medications. They are in a group of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This medication helps keep the HIV virus from reproducing in the body.
* Combivir are used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medication is not a c

Ditropan is used for:
Relieving symptoms of bladder problems (urinary urgency, frequency, or leakage; loss of bladder control; and painful urination) in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Ditropan is an anticholinergic. It works by relaxing muscles in the bladder.

How to use Ditropan:
Use Ditropan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Ditropan by mouth with or without food.
* Take Ditropan on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Ditropan at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
* Continue to take Ditropan event if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of Ditropan , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ditropan.

Possible side effects of Ditropan:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry eyes, nose, skin, or mouth; headache; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; taste changes; trouble sleeping.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; difficult or painful urination; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; seizures; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; vision problems.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Ditropan:
Store Ditropan at room temperature, betwee

Famvir is used for:
Treating herpes zoster infection (shingles). It is also used to treat recurring herpes skin infections in patients who also have HIV infection. Famvir is used in patients who have a weakened immune system to treat recurring cold sores and to treat or suppress recurring genital herpes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Famvir is an antiviral. It works by blocking reproduction of the virus.

How to use Famvir:
Use Famvir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Famvir by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
* If you are treating genital herpes or cold sores, start using Famvir at the first sign of an outbreak or cold sore as directed by your doctor.
* If you are treating shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, or herpes skin infection, take Famvir for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
* If you are using Famvir to suppress genital herpes, continue to take Famvir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of Famvir , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use this medicine.

Possible side effects of Famvir:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Diarrhea; gas; headache; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; delirium; disorientation; hallucinations; red, swollen, b

Rebetol is used for:
Treating hepatitis C infection in certain patients when used in combination with interferon. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Rebetol is an antiviral medicine. How Rebetol works to treat hepatitis C is not completely understood.

How to use Rebetol:
Use Rebetol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Rebetol comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Rebetol refilled.
* Take Rebetol by mouth with food.
* Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Rebetol is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
* Taking Rebetol at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
* Take Rebetol on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
* Continue to use Rebetol even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of Rebetol , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Rebetol.

Possible side effects of Rebetol:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; loss of appetite; mild headache, nausea, or vomiting; mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; tiredness; upset stomach; weakness or fatigue.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; itching; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in hearing, taste, or vision; chest pain; dark urine; decrease in the amount of urine; fever, chills, or sore throa

Retrovir is used for:
Treating HIV infection when used along with other medicines. It is also used with other medicines to help prevent women from passing the HIV virus to the fetus during pregnancy.Retrovir is an antiviral. It works by blocking the reproduction of the HIV virus.

How to use Retrovir:
Use Retrovir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Retrovir is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Retrovir at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
* If Retrovir contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
* Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
* Use Retrovir on a regular schedule around the clock, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
* Continue to use Retrovir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* It is important not to miss doses of Retrovir. If you miss a dose of Retrovir , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Retrovir.

Possible side effects of Retrovir:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Headache; loss of appetite; nausea; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chills; dark urine

What is the most important information I should know about Sustiva?
* Treatment with Sustiva has been associated with the development of serious psychiatric side effects including severe depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior, paranoid reactions, manic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms.
* Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sustiva may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
* Avoid alcohol or use it with caution while taking Sustiva. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness while taking this medication.
* Sustiva is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, and you can still transmit the virus to others during therapy with the medication. Follow your doctor"s instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles.

What is Sustiva?
* Sustiva is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Sustiva inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body.
* Sustiva is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Sustiva is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
* Sustiva may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Sustiva?
* Sustiva may cause serious and/ or life-threatening side effects if taken with certain other medications including the following: cisapride (Propulsid), astemizole (Hismanal), terfenadine (Seldane), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion), ergotamine (Ergostat, Ergomar, and others), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45), and others. Do not take any other medicines during treatment with Sustiva without first talking to your doctor.
* Before taking Sustiva, tell your doctor if you have
o liver disease;
o a histo

Symmetrel is used for:
Preventing and treating certain types of flu. It is used to treat Parkinson disease and uncontrolled muscle movements caused by some medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Symmetrel is an antiparkinson and antiviral agent. How Symmetrel works against the flu is not known. It may block reproduction of the virus and decrease the ability of the virus to get into the cells. How Symmetrel works against Parkinson disease is not known. It may increase a certain chemical in the brain.

How to use Symmetrel:
Use Symmetrel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Symmetrel by mouth with or without food.
* If you are using Symmetrel for the flu, take it for the full course of treatment. Keep using Symmetrel even if you feel better in a few days. This will help clear up your infection completely.
* If you miss a dose of Symmetrel , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Symmetrel.
Possible side effects of Symmetrel:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Appetite loss; blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth or nose; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; strange dreams; tiredness; trouble sleeping.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggression; agitation; confusion; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; memory loss; mental or mood changes; muscle problems (eg, spasms, uncontrolled movements); parano

Tamiflu Indications
Tamiflu is recommended in the case of flu viruses (it can treat influenza A and influenza B.) Tamiflu also eases the ailments that accompany flu (like weakness, cough, headache, fever, sore throat). Tamiflu could prevent the flu onset even if the patient has been exposed to someone who suffers from it.

Tamiflu Intake Guidelines
Follow the instructions that your doctor has given you regarding your treatment with Tamiflu. Tamiflu is not a stomach irritant, so you can take it without eating first (although it is recommended that it should not be taken on an empty stomach.) A Tamiflu treatment lasts at least 5 days (it must not be stopped even if the patient feels better) and should be continued for as long as the doctor says. If you are using Tamiflu?s oral suspension you must accurately measure your doses of the drug in order to prevent overdosage. The bottle that contains Tamiflu suspension should be well shaken before use. Check the expiration date of the drug before taking Tamiflu.

Tamiflu Dosage
In the case of the influenza treatment, the correct dosage of Tamiflu is:

* 75 mg of the drug for adults (twice a day from 1 to 5 days)
* 30-75 mg of the drug for children (twice a day from 1 to 5 days).
* The correct dose of Tamiflu depends on the patient?s body weight. The correct dose of the drug for children should be set by a pediatrician.

In the case of influenza"s prophylactic treatment, the dosage is:

* 75 mg of Tamiflu for adults (once a day, from 1 to 7 days
* The correct dose of the drug for children should be set by a pediatrician.


Tamiflu Overdose
If you suspect Tamiflu overdose you should seek medical attention.

Tamiflu Missed Dose
It is recommended that the patient should not miss any of his Tamiflu doses. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, provided that it is not about time for the next Tamiflu dose. You must not take a double dose of Tamiflu, or two doses of the drug separated by less than 2 hours from one another.

Tamiflu Drug R

"Urispas is used for:
Relieving pain, frequency, and urgency of urination as well as nighttime urination associated with certain medical conditions. It may be used in combination with other medicines to treat ulcers. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Urispas is an anticholinergic. It works by decreasing muscle spasms of the bladder.

How to use Urispas:
Use Urispas as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Urispas may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
* If you miss a dose of Urispas , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Urispas.

Possible side effects of Urispas:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Blurred vision; constipation; decreased sweating; difficulty sleeping; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; loss of taste; nausea; nervousness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; difficulty focusing your eyes; difficulty urinating; rapid heart rate; unusual weakness; vomiting. "

Valtrex is used for:
Treating shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (fever blisters or herpes labialis), and treating or suppressing genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. It is also used to suppress genital herpes in patients with HIV infection.Valtrex is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Valtrex does not eliminate the virus, it is not a cure. When used as a suppressive therapy in patients with normal immune systems with genital herpes using safer sex practices, the risk of spreading the infections to others is reduced.

How to use Valtrex:
Use Valtrex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Valtrex by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
* Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Valtrex is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
* To treat cold sores, shingles, or genital herpes, start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start.
* If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Valtrex for the full course of treatment, even if you feel better in a few days.
* For suppressive therapy, Valtrex works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
* If you miss a dose of Valtrex , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Valtrex.

Possible side effects of Valtrex:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth

Zerit is used for:
Treating HIV infection when used in combination with other medicines.Zerit is a nucleoside analogue antiviral. It blocks the growth of HIV.

How to use Zerit:
Use Zerit as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* An extra patient leaflet is available with Zerit . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
* Take Zerit by mouth with or without food.
* Continue to take Zerit even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
* If you miss a dose of Zerit , take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use this medicine.

Possible side effects of Zerit:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Changes in body fat; constipation; diarrhea; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chills; dark urine; fever; lactic acid imbalance (general body discomfort, cold feeling, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow or irregular heartbeat); muscle aches or weakness; numbness, tingling, or pain in hands or feet; prolonged nausea and vomiting; rapid breathing; shortness of breath; sore throat; stomach pain; sudden weight loss; unusual tiredness or weakness; weakness in the arms or legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Zovirax is used for:
Treating chickenpox (varicella) or shingles (herpes zoster) and treating or suppressing genital herpes infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Zovirax is an antiviral. It works by stopping viral replication. However, Zovirax does not eliminate the virus, is not a cure, and does not prevent transmission to others.

How to use Zovirax:
Use Zovirax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Take Zovirax by mouth with or without food.
* Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Zovirax is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
* Start therapy with Zovirax at the earliest sign or symptom of shingles or genital herpes (pain, burning, blisters).
* If treating an acute outbreak, continue using Zovirax for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
* For suppressive therapy, Zovirax works best if it is taken at the same times each day.
* If you miss a dose of Zovirax , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zovirax.

Possible side effects of Zovirax:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

* Diarrhea; general body discomfort; headache; nausea/vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

* Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; blood in the urine; confusion; decreased consciousness; decreased urination; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; unusual bruising or bleeding.