Zovirax FAQ

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, Zovirax (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, Zovirax ( acyclovir).

WHAT IS ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir)  & HOW DOES IT WORK?

Zovirax (acyclovir cream 5 %) is a medical is an FDA-approved antiviral agent. Zovirax works by stopping the replication of the herpes virus.

WHEN SHOULD I USE ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir)?

Zovirax (acyclovir) cream should be liberally applied to the affected area 5 times a day for 4 days. You first wash your hands with soap and water before applying, and then apply enough cream 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 cold sores, be prepared and always have a tube on hand so you can use it at the first tingling signs of the onset of a cold sore. 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 cold sore. Zovirax (acyclovir) will lessen the discomfort, pain, and severity of the cold sores and help the cold sores to disappear quicker!

CAN I USE ZOVIRAX (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 ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir)?

Do not get Zovirax (acyclovir) in your eyes.  Do not apply inside your mouth, nose, or genital areas. Do not swallow this medication. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying. Zovirax (acyclovir) is to be used topically only.

WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir)?

Zovirax (acyclovir) is indicated for the treatment of recurrent cold sores in healthy adults. Zovirax should only be used on cold sores on the lips and face. It should not be used on mucous membranes, it should not be used inside the mouth, it should NEVER be used for genital herpes. Avoid contact with the eyes because it can cause irritation.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, apply Zovirax 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 ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir)?

Over 80% to 90% of adults carry the cold sore virus and 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 Zovirax on hand available when you feel the first onset of a cold sore. (Zovirax needs to be stored between 59 – 86 degrees, therefore do not leave in the car in hot or cold weather.) You use the Zovirax cream for 4 consecutive days for each outbreak that you experience.

WHEN TAKING ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir)  CAN I STILL SPREAD THE VIRUS?

Yes! There is no cure for cold sores and once you have the herpes simplex I virus in your body you are always a carrier. You are extremely contagious during an outbreak of cold sores and Zovirax (acyclovir) DOES NOT alter the contagious nature of the active cold sore, but it does relieve the severity and discomfort of cold sores! Once you have herpes simplex I, even if you don’t have active outbreaks of cold sores you are always potentially contagious and could be shedding the virus in your saliva. But when you have cold sore lesions you must avoid kissing and direct contact because at this time you are especially contagious.

WHAT ARE THE  SIDE EFFECTS OF ZOVIRAX (Acyclovir)?

There are very minimal side effects associated with Zovirax (acyclovir) cream topical 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.

Zovirax (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 ZOVIRAX (ACYCLOVIR)?

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you should not use Zovirax.   Also, if you have a compromised or suppressed immune system, AIDS, bone marrow or any organ transplant or kidney disease you must not use Zovirax.  Always, inform your doctor before starting therapy.