Zovirax Cold Sore Cream Aciclovir 5% Tube 2g

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Antiviral cream for the treatment of cold sores on the lips and face
• Contains aciclovir 5% w/w
• Start at the first tingle, or use once a blister has appeared
• Apply 5 times a day for 4 days
• Smooth white cream in a 2g tube
• Made by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare)

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream contains the antiviral medicine aciclovir (5% w/w). It is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face, caused by the herpes simplex virus, and can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. It doesn't remove the virus from the body or stop cold sores from coming back.

For best results, start using it as soon as you notice the first signs of a cold sore, such as tingling, burning or itching. You can also start once a blister has appeared. Apply a thin layer 5 times a day, about every 4 hours, for 4 days.

Compare our range: For a drug-free option made with New Zealand kānuka honey, see Honevo Cold Sore 10g. For a discreet cover while your cold sore heals, see Compeed Cold Sore Patch 15.

Ingredients

Also contains: propylene glycol, white soft paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, Arlacel 165, dimethicone 20, poloxamer, sodium lauryl sulfate and purified water. 2g tube. Store below 25°C.

Directions

Adults and children 12 years and over: Apply a thin layer to the cold sore and the skin around it, including the outer edges of any blisters, 5 times a day (about every 4 hours, skipping the night-time dose). Use for 4 days.

• Start at the first sign of a cold sore (tingling, burning or itching), or once a blister has appeared.
• Remove any make-up first, and wash your hands before and after each application.
• If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, then carry on as before. Don't apply extra to make up for it.
• Don't use for more than 4 days. If your cold sore hasn't improved after 4 days, see your doctor.
• Don't share your tube.

Warnings

• Always read the label and use only as directed.
• Do not use if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any other ingredient. Do not use on children under 12 years.
• Do not use if you are pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, use only on your doctor's advice.
• For cold sores on the lips and face only. Do not use inside the mouth or nose, in or near the eyes, or for genital herpes. If you think you have genital herpes, see your doctor.
• See your doctor or pharmacist before use if your cold sore is severe, if you're not sure it is a cold sore, or if you have a weakened immune system (for example HIV, or after a bone marrow or organ transplant).
• Don't apply other creams or ointments to the same area at the same time.
• Common side effects include temporary burning, stinging, itching, redness, dryness or flaking where it's applied. Stop using it and seek urgent medical help if you get a severe rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• If symptoms persist or you have side effects, see your healthcare professional. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start using it?
As soon as you notice the first signs, such as tingling, burning or itching. You can also start once a blister has appeared.

How long should I use it?
5 times a day for 4 days. If your cold sore hasn't improved after 4 days, see your doctor.

Will it stop me getting cold sores in future?
No. It treats a cold sore you have now, but doesn't remove the virus from the body. If you get cold sores often, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I wear lip make-up?
Remove make-up before applying the cream. Once it has dried, you can apply lipstick with a separate applicator.

Can I use it during pregnancy?
No. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream contains aciclovir 5% w/w. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Haleon, Auckland. Freecall 0800 540 144.