Aciclovir is an antiviral cream used to treat herpes simplex. Herpes simplex virus or HSV for short is a highly contagious virus that once contracted, usually before the age of 10, lies inactive within the body. HSV can then become active from time to time, usually if you are run down. HSV is very common it is believed that 7 in 10 people carry the virus but for some people it might remain inactive.

Aciclovir works by preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading so helping the immune system to fight it off. This means it will help the healing process of current sores and prevent new ones from developing. Aciclovir will not eliminate the herpes simplex virus or prevent future outbreaks of cold sores occurring. It also won’t stop you spreading the virus to others.

Key features

• Effective prescription strength cream specifically targeted at the virus that causes cold sores
• This medicine has the same active ingredient, 5% Aciclovir, as Zovirax and Virasorb
• Aciclovir cream is efficiently absorbed into the skin to fight the virus that causes cold sores and rapidly help you get back your healthy lips and skin around the lips.
• Best used at the time of the first tingling sensation but will also reduce the healing time after the blister has formed.
• As this is a generic medicine brand, packaging may vary.

It is important that you read and fully understand the Patient Information Leaflet before purchasing this item.

Before using Aciclovir cream:

Some medical conditions may interact with Aciclovir cream. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any other ingredients of the preparation

Do NOT use Aciclovir Cream

• Inside your mouth (e.g. for mouth ulcers) or nose.
• For any skin infection other than cold sores.
• In the eyes or genital area.

Using Aciclovir cream:

• Suitable for all ages
• Apply at the first signs of cold sores (such as tingling and itching).
• Apply liberally to the affected area 5 times a day.
• Continue treatment for 4 days. If your cold sores haven’t healed after this time, you can use the cream for up to 10 days in total.
• Treat your cold sores for 4 full days to ensure rapid healing.
• If you forget a dose, apply when you remember and continue as before.
• If your cold sores haven’t healed fully after 10 days, or if it gets worse at any time, contact your doctor.
• Never give your Aciclovir cream to others, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• The amount of cream inside this pack is enough for one attack of cold sores. For any future attacks, start treatment at the first signs of cold sores developing (such as tingling or itching). It can also be started during the blister stage.

Do not use more than the recommended dose

Ingredients

The active ingredient is Aciclovir. Each gram of the cream contains 50mg of Aciclovir. The other ingredients are stearoyl macrogolglycerides, dimeticone, cetyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, propylene glycol and purified water

Precautions

Take special care with Aciclovir cream

• Always wash your hands before and after applying cream.
• Do not touch your eyes until you have washed your hands after application.
• If you accidentally get cream in your eye, wash out thoroughly with warm water. Consult your doctor if you are concerned.
• Do not swallow the cream. If you accidentally swallow any cream, it is unlikely to cause any ill effects but consult your doctor if you are concerned.
• Avoid touching a cold sore to prevent transferring the infection or making it worse.
• If you have been told by your doctor that you have a weakened immune system, contact your doctor before treating any type of infection.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

 Side effects when using

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Stop using

the medicine and tell your doctor if you experience:

• Allergy-like reactions, for example swelling of the lips, face and eyelids.

The following side effects could also occur:

• Mild burning or stinging after application. This will quickly go away.
• Redness, itching or a mild drying or flaking of the skin, skin rashes, hives or weals.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side

effects not listed here You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:

www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this product.

 Other Information

If you need more advice consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.