When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or similar medicines (such as valacyclovir).

How to Use This Medicine:
Ointment

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This ointment is for use on your skin or genitals (vagina or penis) only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Use a rubber glove when you apply the medicine. If someone else is putting this medicine on you, he or she should wear a rubber glove.
• Use this ointment as soon as possible after you notice the beginning of a herpes sore (pain, burning, blisters, or itching).
• Acyclovir ointment may be put on the herpes sores every 3 hours, 6 times daily for 7 days, unless your doctor tells you differently. Apply enough ointment to cover all the sores.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use any other medicine on your herpes sores unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Acyclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
• Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Itching, redness, swelling, burning, or stinging of your skin where the ointment is applied.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088