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Zovirax: Product
Information for the consumer
Available only from a
pharmacy.
This medicine contains
aciclovir.
It is a white cream.
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.
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