TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR FAQ

WHAT IS TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR & HOW DOES IT WORK?

Topical Acyclovir formulations are compounded by Murray Avenue Apothecary and contain 5% Acyclovir, an FDA-approved antiviral agent. Acyclovir works by stopping the replication of the herpes virus.  Topical Acyclovir is effective for both genital herpes and cold sores.

WHEN SHOULD I USE TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR?

Topical Acyclovir should be liberally applied to the affected area every 3 hours, 6 times a day for 7 days. The topical formulation should be applied in sufficient quantities to adequately cover the lesion:  to the genital area lesion for genital herpes or to the lip for cold sores. You first wash your hands with soap and water before applying, and then apply enough formulation to adequately cover the lesion and rub it in until the cream disappears. After apply you need to wash your hands with soap and water. If you suffer from genital herpes or cold sores, then be prepared and always have a tube on hand so you can use it at the first tingling signs of the onset of genital herpes or cold sore outbreak. For this medication to be most effective, you need to start using it as soon as possible after the first tingling and signs of a genital herpes outbreak or a cold sore.  Topical Acyclovir will lessen the discomfort, pain, and severity of the genital herpes outbreak or cold sores and help the outbreak or cold sores to disappear quicker!

WHAT IS GENITAL HERPES?

If you notice a rash, chafing, pimples, or sores of any kind in the genital area, it could be herpes. In order to be sure if you have herpes, you must have a physical exam by your doctor. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once you are infected the virus remains in your body for the rest of your life and one often a recurrent outbreaks. Herpes is spread through direct body contact and once infected you can spread the virus to others even when there are no active sores present. Genital herpes presents itself with blister-like sore on the genitals or buttocks that recur from 4 to more than 12 times a year and each outbreak if left untreated can last about 7 to 10 days.

WHAT ARE COLD SORES?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are liquid-filled blisters that erupt around the lips and sometimes spread to the nose and chin. One out of every 4 adults will develop a cold sore at some point in their adult life, and 80% to 90% of adults carry the Herpes Simplex I virus responsible for cold sores. (This is NOT the same as herpes simplex II that causes genital herpes.) Once infected with the cold sore virus it stays dormant in the body and periodically erupts as cold sores often related to stress, sun exposure, the flu, etc. Cold sores are extremely contagious and the herpes simplex I virus spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact. A  person may shed virus in the saliva even when cold sores are not present.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLD SORES & CANKER SORES?

Canker sores are small painful ulcerations occurring inside the mouth or gums. They seem to be caused by stress, a physical nick, or diet. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are NOT contagious.  The main distinguishing feature is that cold sores erupt outside of the mouth on the lips, chin, and sometimes under the nose, canker sores occur inside the mouth. Since a canker sore inside the mouth is not associated with the herpes simplex virus, Topical Acyclovir is NOT indicated!

WHAT DOES A COLD SORE LOOK LIKE?

A cold sore frequently starts as an irregularly shaped blister on the lips and blisters can spread to the chin and under the nose area. It quickly loses its top and becomes a shallow ulcer which often crusts on top. Most often a fever, sunburn, or stress may provoke an outbreak of cold sores. Cold sores can be painful and severe cases can even leave scarring. Many people who suffer from recurring cold sores feel a tingling or burning sensation a day before the cold sore erupts. Cold sores can not be prevented there is an FDA approved treatment for recurrent cold sores, Topical Acyclovir.

 CAN I USE TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR WITH OTHER CREAMS OR MAKEUP?

No. Do not apply any other topical medications, skincare products, lip balms, makeup, or lipstick to the same area where the medication is being applied.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE NECESSARY WHEN APPLYING TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR?

Do not get Topical Acyclovir in your eyes. Do not apply inside your mouth or nose. Do not swallow this medication. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying. Topical Acyclovir is to be used topically only.

WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR?

Topical Acyclovir is indicated for the treatment of recurrent genital herpes outbreaks or cold sores in healthy adults.  Topical Acyclovir should only be used on cold sores on the lips and face or for genital herpes. It should not be used inside the mouth. Avoid contact with the eyes because it can cause irritation.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, apply Topical Acyclovir as soon as possible. But do NOT double dose. Also, do NOT exceed the recommended dose or frequency of application.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR?

Over 50 million adults (25% of women and 20% of men) carry genital Herpes Type 2 virus, and over 80% to 90% of adults carry the cold sore virus. At least 1 in 4 will suffer from cold sores during their life. If you suffer from recurrent cold sores, you should always have a tube of Topical Acyclovir on hand available when you feel the first onset of a cold sore. (Acyclovir needs to be stored between 59 – 86 degrees, therefore do not leave in the car in hot or cold weather.) You use the Topical Acyclovir for 7 consecutive days for each outbreak that you experience.

WHEN USING TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR CAN I STILL SPREAD THE VIRUS?

Yes! There is no cure for genital herpes or cold sores and once you have the herpes simplex I or II virus in your body you are always a carrier. You are extremely contagious during an outbreak of cold sores and Acyclovir DOES NOT alter the contagious nature of the active genital herpes outbreak or cold sore, but it does relieve the severity and discomfort of the herpes outbreak or cold sores! Once you have herpes simplex I or II, even if you don’t have active outbreaks of genital herpes or cold sores you are always potentially contagious and could be a shedding virus. When you have a genital herpes outbreak or cold sore lesions you are especially contagious.

WHAT ARE THE  SIDE EFFECTS OF TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR?

There are very minimal side effects associated with Topical Acyclovir application. A few people about 5 %, slightly more than those receiving a placebo non-active cream) experience local application site reactions: dry lips, cracked lips, burning skin, itching, stinging, or flakiness of skin. No life-threatening symptoms have ever been reported.  Topical Acyclovir is to be applied topically and used externally only. It is NOT intended for internal use. In case of accidental consumption of cream call 911 for emergency help or your local poison control center.

WHO SHOULD NOT USE TOPICAL ACYCLOVIR?

• You should not use compounded Topical Acyclovir cream if you have advanced HIV/AIDS, a suppressed immune system, a bone marrow or any organ transplant, or kidney disease.
• You should not use compounded Topical Acyclovir cream if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Under NO circumstance do we prescribe to any child under the age of 18
• Always inform your doctor before starting therapy.