Virolex Ophthalmic

Drug name: Virolex ophthalmic

Active Ingredients: Acyclovir

Therapeutic actions: Virolex ophthalmic is an antiviral medicine. Aciclovir is used to treat infections with the herpes simplex virus. Aciclovir works by stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing and infecting more cells. Aciclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes simplex. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase. The herpes virus needs the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the virus to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes virus from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.

Indications: Virolex ophthalmic is used to treat:

Inflammation of the front of the eye (cornea) caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (herpes simplex keratitis)

Contraindications and cautions:
Do not use Virolex ophthalmic ointment if:

you have or have had an allergy to Virolex, aciclovir, valaciclovir or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Do not use Virolex ophthalmic ointment if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Do not use Virolex ophthalmic ointment if the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
Do not use Virolex ophthalmic ointment 28 days after first opening the tube.
If you are not sure whether you should start using Virolex ophthalmic ointment, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication:

if you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods,
preservatives or dyes.
if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Virolex ophthalmic ointment when pregnant.
if you are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using Virolex ophthalmic ointment when breast-feeding.
If you wear contact lenses.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Stinging on application
Eye irritation
Inflammation of the lining of the eye, causing pain and redness (conjunctivitis)
Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
If you are using other are using any other eye drops or ointments at the same time as this eye ointment, you should leave a five minute interval between the application of each product into the eye. Eye ointments should be applied into the eye last.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.