Avert Cold Sore Cream
(Aciclovir)
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription to treat minor conditions. However, you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
What this medicine is for
This medicine contains Aciclovir which belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals, which act to treat infections caused by viruses.
It can be used to treat cold sores of the lips and face.
Before you use this medicine
This medicine can be used by adults and children. However, some people should not use this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.
Do not use:
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients
To treat herpes infections (which may appear as ulcers or blisters) on your eye or in the genital area
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:
- If you suffer from problems with your immune system which may make you more prone to infections (this problem may be caused by an illness, some medicines or radiotherapy)
- If your cold sore is severe
- If you are in any doubt whether the sore is a cold sore
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Other important information
Cold sores are infectious and you should try not to pass the infection on to other people.
Taking the following precautions may help to reduce the risk of passing on the infection:
- Do not touch the cold sore with your hands or towel, if possible
- Wash your hands immediately if you do touch the cold sore
- Do not share your towels with other people
- Do not share eating or drinking utensils with other people
- Try not to kiss other people, especially children, until your cold sore has healed
Information about some of the ingredients: Propylene glycol in this medicine may cause skin irritation.
Cetyl alcohol may cause skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
If you take other medicines
This medicine is not expected to affect any other medicines that you may be using.
If you are unsure about interactions with any medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.
How to use this medicine
Check the seal is not broken before first use. If it is, do not use the cream.
Wash your hands before and after using the cream.
Adults and children: Apply a thin layer on the affected area making sure the whole cold sore is covered, every 4 hours, 5 times a day, for 5 days.
If after 5 days the cold sore has not healed you can continue to apply the cream for a further 5 days if necessary.
For use on the skin only.
Apply only to the lips and face. Do not apply the cream to the inside of the mouth, the eyes or inside the vagina.
Do not use more than the amount recommended above.
If your cold sore has not healed after 10 days stop using the cream and talk to your doctor.
If your symptoms worsen at any time stop using the cream and talk to your doctor.
If anyone accidentally swallows some of the medicine: Talk to a pharmacist or doctor.
Possible side effects
Most people will not have problems, but some may get some of these:
- Redness, itching, tense skin
- Burning or painful sensation of the skin where the cream has been applied
If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
How to store this medicine
Do not store above 25°C.
Do not refrigerate or freeze the cream.
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Use by the date on the end flap of the carton. Throw away any medicine left 4 weeks after you first open the cream.
What is in this medicine
Each gram of cream contains Aciclovir 50 mg, which is the active ingredient.
As well as the active ingredient, the cream also contains propylene glycol, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, cetyl alcohol, dimeticone, arlatone 983S, purified water.
The pack contains 2 g of cream.
Who makes this medicine
Manufactured for
by
Marketing Authorisation held by
Leaflet prepared September 2007
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact
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