Ekovir (400mg, 5 pills)

What is Ekovir (400mg, 5 pills) by John Lee?

Of the three Ekovir strengths that John Lee supplies to our shop, this is the middle one. Ekovir (400mg, 5 pills) contains acyclovir, also known by the brand name Zovirax, at 400 mg per tablet, and the pack is a small one with 5 tablets. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug of the nucleoside analogue type, used to treat infections with herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses.

Herpes viruses stay in the body for life, hidden in nerve cells, and periodically reactivate to cause blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. Acyclovir is converted into its active form inside infected cells by a viral enzyme and then stops the virus from multiplying. It treats the active outbreak; it does not clear the dormant virus.

Why athletes may need it

Herpes is not only about cold sores. In wrestling, jiu-jitsu, MMA and rugby, herpes simplex spreads through skin-to-skin contact and can cause clusters of blisters on the face, neck, shoulders or arms. This is known as herpes gladiatorum, and it can sideline a whole team. Physical stress, lack of sleep, illness and strong sunlight are well-known triggers for new outbreaks. In athletes and everyone else, acyclovir is used for:

• skin outbreaks of herpes simplex, including herpes gladiatorum;
• cold sores around the lips;
• first and recurring episodes of genital herpes;
• long-term prevention in people with frequent outbreaks.

An athlete with active sores should not train on the mat until they have crusted over, whatever medicine is used.

How is it taken?

The 400 mg tablet is mainly used in two ways. For an active outbreak, a common schedule is 400 mg three times a day for about five days, or longer for a first episode. For prevention in people with frequent recurrences, 400 mg twice a day is a standard suppressive regimen, reviewed after some months. Starting at the first itch or tingle gives the best result. Note that one pack of 5 tablets lasts less than two days on the treatment schedule, so a full course needs several packs. Doses must be reduced when the kidneys work poorly, and the regimen must be agreed with a qualified medical professional.

Possible side effects

Most people tolerate acyclovir well. Stomach upset, nausea, loose stools and headache are the usual complaints. Less often, rash, itching or tiredness appear. When acyclovir accumulates, mainly in elderly patients, people with kidney disease or those who are dehydrated, it can cause confusion, tremor or kidney strain, so plenty of fluids are advisable during a course. It should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to acyclovir or valacyclovir, and during pregnancy only on a doctor's advice.

Package

Ekovir (400mg, 5 pills) from John Lee contains 5 tablets of acyclovir 400 mg. It can be ordered on MaxLabs.co, together with other products in the skin category.