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Why do chemo patients take acyclovir?
The presence of antibodies to HSV identifies patients at risk for recurrent HSV infection. The treatment of choice is acyclovir, which may also be used to prevent infection in high-risk patients.
What does acyclovir do for cancer patients?
Antiviral agents such as acyclovir and ribavirin have been reported to have a suppressive effect on the proliferation and ability to increase an apoptosis in various cancers [7, 8]. Acyclovir was discovered 40 years ago and remains one of the main existing therapies for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections.
How long do you take acyclovir after chemotherapy?
Alemtuzumab should be accompanied by prophylactic acyclovir or valacyclovir, which should be given for at least 2 months after completing treatment.
What are the indications for the use of acyclovir?
Acyclovir is a medication used in the management and treatment of infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is FDA approved to treat genital herpes and HSV encephalitis. Some off-label uses include cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. It is in the antiviral class of medications.
Can you take acyclovir with chemo?
SAN FRANCISCO-Low-dose intravenous acyclovir (Zovirax) provides effective prophylaxis against Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection or reactivation in leukemic patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy, Carole Miller, MD, said at the 35th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC).
Is acyclovir used for multiple myeloma?
We conclude that daily acyclovir (or a suitable alternative) is virtually universally effective at preventing herpes zoster in patients with myeloma who are on bortezomib or bortezomib-containing regimens.
Researchers have discovered that a human antiviral enzyme causes DNA mutations that lead to several forms of cancer. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered that a human antiviral enzyme causes DNA mutations that lead to several forms of cancer.
What is the mechanism of action of acyclovir?
Mechanism of Action:
Acyclovir is converted to its triphosphate form, acyclovir triphosphate (ACV-TP), which competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase, incorporates into and terminates the growing viral DNA chain, and inactivates the viral DNA polymerase.
Does acyclovir weaken immune system?
We studied the immune response to CMV in patients who were taking acyclovir to assess if therapy could be used to suppress the CMV-specific immune response. The T cell reactivity against the immunodominant late viral protein pp65 was reduced by 53% in people who were taking acyclovir.
What should you not take with acyclovir?
Common medications that may interact with acyclovir include:
- amphotericin.
- clozapine.
- hepatitis B medications, such as entecavir.
- HIV medications, such as tenofovir and zidovudine.
- gentamicin.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen.
- other antivirals, such as valacyclovir.
- probenecid.
Can you take acyclovir everyday?
The tablets, capsules, and suspension are usually taken with or without food two to five times a day for 5 to 10 days, starting as soon as possible after your symptoms begin. When acyclovir is used to prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, it is usually taken two to five times a day for up to 12 months.