Zovirax: Product Information for the consumer

Available only from a pharmacy this medicine contains aciclovir.

How your medicine helps you

This medicine is an antiviral for use on the skin. It is used to treat cold sores, a viral infection occurring on the lips. When treatment is started at the first sign (tingle) of a cold sore, it prevents the cold sore from appearing. It can also limit the severity of cold sores and speed up the healing process.

Special Precautions

Food

No effect. Use this medicine as directed.

Alcohol

No known problems with this medicine.

Driving/Operating machinery

No problems expected.

Pregnancy

Discuss use with your doctor.

Breast feeding

This medicine does not pass into the breast milk so problems are highly unlikely.

Older people

No special problems.

Antacids

No known problems with this medicine.

How to use your medicine

Important: Follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Safety: After each dose, return this medicine to a safe place out of reach and sight of children.

For external use only.

It is important to start treatment at the first sign of a cold sore (the tingling, itching, buming stage).

1. Wash and dry hands thoroughly.
2. Apply a small amount directly onto the cold sore. Rub in gently until all the cream disappears. Do not apply this medicine inside the mouth.
3. Wash hands again.

Unless otherwise directed, use this medicine five times a day for 5 days, even if the cold sore begins to heal. If the cold sore has not healed after 5 days, continue treatment for another 5 days.

Contact your doctor if the cold sore has not healed in ten days.

While using your medicine

If you forget to use this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember then go back to using it as you would normally. Missed doses will mean this medicine is less effective.

If you feel this medicine is not working or if your condition gets worse, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Store this medicine in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children. Replace cap firmly after use.

Possible Side Effects

If you have any concerns about this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effect Contact doctor/pharmacist

dry skin; flaky skin; itching if severe or worrying

Remember: Contact your doctor if the cold sore gets worse or spreads to other parts of the body (especially the eye), or if it does not heal after 10 days.

URGENT: Get emergency medical help immediately

if you develop wheezing or difficulty breathing, an itchy skin rash or swelling of the face or neck (allergic reaction)

General information

Try to find out what causes your cold sores. Common triggers include sun, wind, stress, an unhealthy diet or being generally 'run down'.

Keep a tube of this medicine with you so that you can use it at the first sign of a cold sore.

Cold sores are infectious. To prevent the infection from spreading:

1. Avoid touching the area. If you do, wash your hands thoroughly immediately afterwards.

2. Do not touch your eyes unless you have washed your hands thoroughly first. If you wear contact lenses or eye make up, be especially careful.

3. When washing or drying the affected area, take care not to rub the cold sores. Use a clean tissue to gently dab the area.

4. Do not share facecloths, towels, toothbrushes or eating/drinking utensils.

5. Avoid kissing.

Try not to break the cold sore blisters or pick the scabs. You could infect the cold sore with harmful bacteria or fungi, or cause it to spread.