This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat certain infections caused by a virus. It is also used to treat shingles.

Proper Use

These shots are given by your doctor or nurse. Blood tests are required during treatment.

Please Note

Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant.

Possible Side Effects

Serious (report these to your doctor right away): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite.

Other: Headache, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Possible Drug Interactions

Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Lopurin), a medicine used for gout, may affect the way this medicine works. Talk to your doctor about this.

Be sure that you tell all doctors who treat you about all medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products.

This educational document includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Other Names For This Medication:

adenine arabinoside, injection; Ara-A (vidarabine, injection); vidarabine, injection; Vira-A (vidarabine, injection)