U.S. flag An official website of the United States government
  1. Home
  2. Drug Databases
  3. Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes

Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

Get Email Alerts | Guide

ZOVIRAX (NDA-019909)

(ACYCLOVIR)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

Download Data

Expand all

11/12/2025 (SUPPL-28)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

4 Contraindications

Additions and/or revisions underlined:
ZOVIRAX is contraindicated in patients who have had a demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction [e.g., anaphylaxis, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)] to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).

5 Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS

Newly added information:

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens- Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and erythema multiforme (EM) have been reported with acyclovir (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS). Discontinue ZOVIRAX immediately if a painful rash with mucosal involvement or a progressive severe rash develops. Closely monitor clinical status and initiate appropriate therapy. ZOVIRAX is contraindicated in patients who have developed SCARs with the use of acyclovir or valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS).

PRECAUTIONS

Newly added information:

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Inform patients that severe skin reactions including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and erythema multiforme (EM) have been reported with acyclovir. Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider if they develop a rash. Instruct patients to immediately stop taking ZOVIRAX and seek medical attention if a painful rash with mucosal involvement develops (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS).

6 Adverse Reactions

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), erythema multiforme (EM), rashes including photosensitivity, alopecia, pruritus, urticaria (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS).