How does Brivudin work?

Brivudine is a so-called nucleoside analogue. Nucleosides belong to the building blocks of the DNA of our cells. If brivudine is used instead of a normal nucleoside in the DNA structure, the further re-synthesis of the genetic information stops.

The effect of brivudine is therefore that it interferes with the reproduction cycle of viruses. In technical terms, this form of action is called virostatic, as the viruses are not killed directly, but their further reproduction is inhibited. In this way, the extent of the disease and the resulting symptoms are contained. In this way, the body’s defence system is supported in fighting the disease.

Side effects

Side effects rarely occur with the proper use of Brivudine. Most often, the drug causes nausea. There are many other complaints that may be caused, or at least suspected of being caused, by taking Brivudine in rare or very rare cases: If, after the start of treatment, you experience symptoms that could be due to taking Brivudine, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. It is not advisable to discontinue the medication without consultation. – disorders of the digestive tract such as abdominal pain, flatulence or constipation occur

Insomnia, headache, dizziness or anxiety
In addition, the blood pressure can be influenced, whereby both an increase and a decrease are possible
In rare cases, serious consequences such as blood count changes, inflammation of the liver or delusions related to the use of Brivudine have occurred.

Brivudine and alcohol – is that compatible?

The consumption of alcohol can reduce or influence the effectiveness of various drugs. Although a direct influence of alcohol on Brivudine is not known, alcohol should not be consumed during the period of use. In addition to a possible influence on drug therapy, the consumption of alcohol weakens the body’s own defence system and can thus have a negative effect on the course of shingles.

This increases the risk of particularly severe courses of the disease and permanent damage. For this reason too, alcohol should only be consumed again when the disease has completely healed and one feels healthy again. However, even then, alcohol should only be consumed in moderation, as excessive consumption increases the risk of another outbreak of shingles or other diseases.

Interaction with other drugs

Brivudine can cause serious interactions when taken concomitantly with certain medications, so it is essential to tell the doctor about all medications taken regularly or recently. These include, in the first instance, medicines containing the active ingredient 5-fluorouracil (also called 5-FU). In addition to tablets, this also includes creams, ointments or eye drops containing this active substance.

Even active ingredients that are converted to 5-fluorouracil in the body, such as capecitabine, floxuridine and tegafur, can have life-threatening interactions with Brivudine. In addition, all other forms of anticancer drugs or drugs that inhibit the immune system can trigger interactions. Care should also be taken if a fungal disease is present and is treated with a drug containing the active ingredient flucytosine.