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Overview: Hovilpri is used to treat sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in certain people. It is an antiviral medicine that prevents the viruses from multiplying. The most common side effect of Hovilpri is headache. Hovilpri may interact with some medicines, so tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take before starting Hovilpri and during treatment. Hovilpri is a tablet that is swallowed. It is important to not to skip or miss doses of this medicine.

Uses

What is Hovilpri used for?

Hovilpri (pritelivir) is commonly used to treat sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in certain people with a weakened immune system. It is not a cure for HSV infection.

Hovilpri for Hard-to-Treat Herpes Sores

Hovilpri may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Hovilpri work (mechanism of action)?

Hovilpri is an antiviral medicine. It works against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which most often causes cold sores, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which most often causes genital sores. Hovilpri works by blocking the ability of these viruses to copy their DNA and multiply. 

How is Hovilpri supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Hovilpri

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg oral tablets

How should I store Hovilpri?

Hovilpri should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Hovilpri?

The most common side effect of Hovilpri is headache. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Hovilpri that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Hovilpri?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Hovilpri are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hovilpri may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Hovilpri and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Hovilpri?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Hovilpri.

  • Hovilpri 
  • Pritelivir
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Hovilpri.

What should I know about Hovilpri before using it?

Do not take Hovilpri unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Hovilpri with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Hovilpri out of the reach of children.

Taking Hovilpri with stomach acid-reducing medicines, such as antacids, can make it not work as well. If you need to take an acid reducer while you are taking Hovilpri, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider first.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Hovilpri?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Hovilpri is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Hovilpri may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Hovilpri, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Hovilpri could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Hovilpri passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Hovilpri while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Hovilpri?

For more information about Hovilpri, you can call the drugmaker at 844-835-6947.

Interactions

Does Hovilpri interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Hovilpri and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Hovilpri.

Does Hovilpri interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Hovilpri.

  • A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex)
  • An H2 blocker, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid, Zantac), or nizatidine (Axid)
  • An antacid containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium (Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums, and others)

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Hovilpri, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Hovilpri. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Hovilpri?

If you or someone else has used too much Hovilpri, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Hovilpri?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until your next scheduled dose on the next day, take two tablets at that time.

Take Hovilpri for as long as your health care provider tells you to. Treatment usually continues until your sores have healed. Do not skip doses.