Zovirax 10g Cream

[Cecila Dammrich]

Thismedication is used to treat "cold sores/fever blisters" (herpes labialis). It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). Acyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. This medication does not cure herpes, and it does not prevent passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent a future occurrence.

Use this medication at the first sign of infection (such as tingling, burning, redness). Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medication. Clean and dry the affected areas before applying the medication. Apply to the affected area and rub in gently as directed by your doctor, usually 5 times a day (every 3 to 4 hours) for 4 days for cold sores. Apply enough cream to cover all affected areas (red/tingling/burning areas, sores).

Do not apply other skin products (such as drugs, cosmetics, sun screens, or lip balms) unless told to do so by your doctor. Do not cover the area with plastic or waterproof bandages unless told to do so by your doctor.

Cold sores (herpes) can spread easily. Acyclovir cream does not prevent the spread of herpes. Avoid close physical contact with others (such as kissing) during an outbreak until the cold sores have completely healed. Also, try not to touch the cold sore, and wash your hands if you do touch the cold sore.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after treatment is finished. Side Effects Dry/cracked lips, burning, stinging, or flaky skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions Before using acyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to valacyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Acyclovir may pass into breast milk in small amounts. However, the drug is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Avoid breastfeeding if you have herpes sores on or near your breast. Interactions Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Does Zovirax topical interact with other drugs you are taking? Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker Check Interaction Overdose This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.Notes Notes Do not share this medication with others. Doing so may spread the infection.

Cold sore outbreaks can be caused by many factors such as stress, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, menstrual period), injury/surgery on the mouth (such as dental work), tiredness, sunlight, cold weather, or fever/cold/flu.Missed Dose Missed Dose If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.Storage Storage Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Images Zovirax 5 % topical cream

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

Acyclovir cream is used to treat cold sores (fever blisters; blisters that are caused by a virus called herpes simplex) on the face or lips. Acyclovir ointment is used to treat first outbreaks of genital herpes (a herpes virus infection that causes sores to form around the genitals and rectum from time to time) and to treat certain types of sores caused by the herpes simplex virus in people with weak immune systems. Acyclovir is in a class of antiviral medications called synthetic nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Acyclovir does not cure cold sores or genital herpes, does not prevent outbreaks of these conditions, and does not stop the spread of these conditions to other people.

Topical acyclovir comes as a cream and an ointment to apply to the skin. Acyclovir cream is usually applied 5 times a day for 4 days. Acyclovir cream may be applied at any time during a cold sore outbreak, but it works best when it is applied at the very beginning of a cold sore outbreak, when there is tingling, redness, itching, or a bump but the cold sore has not yet formed. Acyclovir ointment is usually applied 6 times a day (usually 3 hours apart) for 7 days. It is best to begin using acyclovir ointment as soon as possible after you experience the first symptoms of infection. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use topical acyclovir exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not apply other skin medications or other types of skin products such as cosmetics, sun screen, or lip balm to the cold sore area while using acyclovir cream unless your doctor tells you that you should.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream or ointment to make up for a missed dose.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, with the cap on and tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Never leave this medication in your car in cold or hot weather.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( ) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Cold sores are bothersome. They can greatly affect your quality of life, particularly if you have them several times a year. Antiviral drugs can speed up the healing process somewhat and reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Creams, gels and ointments containing the drugs acyclovir or penciclovir are available in pharmacies without a prescription. Studies have shown that they can make cold sores go away about one day sooner. They can also reduce the severity of symptoms somewhat.

There is also a combination drug (trade name: Zovirax Duo) that contains both acyclovir and a mild steroid. One study looked into whether this combination drug can lower the risk of cold sore blisters and scabs forming. The drug was either compared with acyclovir used alone or with a non-medicated cream (placebo). The people in the study had an average of 5 to 6 cold sores per year, and their cold sores often crusted over and formed scabs. They started using the treatment as soon as they noticed the first signs of a cold sore developing.

The antiviral drugs acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir are also available in the form of tablets. Research has shown that treatment with these tablets can make cold sores go away about one day sooner in people who are otherwise healthy.

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.

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.

Zovirax is the brand name for the generic drug acyclovir. In the U.S., Zovirax is only available as a skin cream, but not as a topical preparation that is approved for use in the eye. Zovirax ophthalmic ointment is available in other countries including Canada, UK, and Australia. Often skin medications can be too harsh and irritating to the surface of the eye.

3a8082e126