Aciclovir
Quick read
Aciclovir can be used in pregnancy and is the first-choice treatment for cold sores, genital herpes and, occasionally, chickenpox.
What is it?
Aciclovir cream (Zovirax®) is used to treat cold sores and can be bought over the counter. Aciclovir in tablet form is used to treat and prevent genital herpes and chickenpox.
Benefits
What are the benefits of using aciclovir in pregnancy?
Aciclovir cream can help to speed up healing of cold sores and reduces symptoms such as burning and pain.
Aciclovir tablets can prevent genital herpes from flaring during later pregnancy and being passed on to the baby during delivery.
Aciclovir tablets can also reduce the severity of a chickenpox infection. Treatment with aciclovir can also reduce the risk of a pregnant woman who has not had chickenpox from developing the illness following contact with an infected person.
Risks
What are the risks of using aciclovir in pregnancy?
There are no known risks of using aciclovir in pregnancy. Aciclovir cream does not enter the bloodstream in levels that are high enough to affect the baby.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to using aciclovir in pregnancy?
Possibly. Other antiviral medicines are available but aciclovir is usually the first-choice in pregnancy as it is considered to be the safest option.
Some women may choose not to treat uncomplicated facial cold sores in pregnancy and these usually get better within a few days.
Paracetamol can be used to safely treat symptoms that may be linked to a cold sore, including achy joints, a temperature, and pain.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take medicines during pregnancy?
Use of aciclovir in pregnancy for genital herpes can reduce the chance of preterm delivery and prevent the baby catching herpes during delivery, which can lead to serious complications.
Use of aciclovir to treat or prevent chickenpox is important because chickenpox can cause complications in adults and, especially in early pregnancy, can harm the unborn baby.
A doctor or midwife will be happy to discuss any concerns about using aciclovir in pregnancy.
Will my baby need extra monitoring?
As part of routine antenatal care in the UK, women are invited for a very detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s development. Using aciclovir in pregnancy is not expected to cause problems that would require any extra monitoring.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has taken aciclovir?
We would not expect any increased risk to the baby if the father used aciclovir before or around the time of conception.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions about the information in this leaflet please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.