Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using aciclovir - Brand names: Zovirax, Cymex Ultra, Virasorb

Aciclovir and pregnancy

Aciclovir cream, eye ointment, tablets or liquid are not known to be harmful in pregnancy. Aciclovir can help reduce the severity of herpes and chickenpox.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They will help you decide on the best treatment for you and your baby.

Aciclovir and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it's OK to take aciclovir tablets or liquid while breastfeeding.

Aciclovir from the tablets or liquid passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

You can also use aciclovir cream or eye ointment while breastfeeding. It is likely that only tiny amounts will get into your breast milk which would not be expected to cause any problems in your baby.

Make sure that your baby does not come into contact with areas where you've used the medicine.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or is being sick or has diarrhoea, or you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

Aciclovir and fertility

There's no evidence that aciclovir reduces fertility in either men or women.

For more information about how aciclovir can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.