Hascovir (Aciclovir)

Hascovir (aciclovir) is prescribed for several viral infections where herpes viruses are involved.

• Treatment of oral, genital, or facial herpes simplex virus infections.
• Management of varicella‑zoster virus (shingles) in adults.
• Prophylaxis of herpes zoster in immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation.
• Reduction of viral shedding in recurrent herpes infections to lessen transmission risk.
• Use in neonatal herpes infection under specialist supervision.

Side effects reported with Hascovir vary in frequency and severity, ranging from mild gastrointestinal complaints to rare but serious systemic reactions.

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach, typically transient.
• Diarrhea or loose stools, occasionally mild.
• Headache, often mild to moderate in intensity.
• Dizziness, light‑headedness, or fatigue, usually temporary.

Serious

• Severe skin reactions such as rash, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may require hospitalization.
• Acute kidney injury indicated by reduced urine output or rising serum creatinine, potentially leading to renal failure.
• Neurological effects including confusion, hallucinations, or seizures, especially in patients with renal impairment.
• Blood dyscrasias such as neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, which can increase infection risk.

When prescribing Hascovir, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures to ensure safe use.

• Check renal function and adjust dose if kidney impairment is present.
• Watch for hypersensitivity reactions, especially rash or fever.
• Use caution in immunocompromised patients due to higher infection risk.
• Consider pregnancy and breastfeeding status; safety data are limited.
• Review other drugs that affect aciclovir elimination, such as probenecid.
• Avoid if the patient has known allergy to aciclovir.

Hascovir may interact with other medicines, influencing its effectiveness or safety.

Avoid

• Co‑administration with other nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycosides, which can increase kidney risk.
• Use with other antiviral drugs that share similar metabolic pathways, potentially altering plasma levels.

Use with caution

• Probenecid, which reduces aciclovir renal clearance and may require dose adjustment.
• Cimetidine, which can increase aciclovir concentrations.
• NSAIDs, especially high‑dose ibuprofen, may enhance renal toxicity.
• Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine, where infection risk may be heightened.
• Live vaccines, as antiviral therapy could affect vaccine efficacy.