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"What is it used for?  Cold sores (herpes simplex virus).  How does it work? Zovirax cold sore cream contains the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral medicine used to treat infections with the herpes virus. This cream is used to treat cold sores, which are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus.  Aciclovir works by stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing and infecting more cells. Aciclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes simplex. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.  The herpes virus needs the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the virus to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes virus from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it. This aciclovir cream is designed for the treatment of herpes simplex infections of the lips (cold sores). The cream should be applied thinly to the cold sore five times a day, at approximately four-hourly intervals, for five to ten days.  The cream is most effective if treatment is started as soon as the first signs of a cold sore (a tingling sensation), begin to appear, though treatment can also be started after the cold sore blister has appeared. Warning!  This cream is for external use only. The cream is not suitable for application to mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth or eyes, on the genitals, as it may be irritant to these areas. Wash your hands before and after applying the cream. Avoid getting the cream in contact with your eyes. Rinse with cold water if you accidentally get it in your eyes. Avoid touching the cold sore unnecessarily, with either your hands or towels, to avoid spreading the infection. If your cold sore has not cleared up after 10 days treatment with this cream you should consult your doctor.  Not to be used in  Genital herpes simplex infection. Herpes simplex virus infections of the eye. This medicine is not recommended for the treatment of cold sores in people whose immune systems have a decreased ability to fight infections (immunocompromised people), for example due to a genetic defect, HIV infection, or treatment with medicines that suppress the immune system, such as chemotherapy, high doses of corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants, eg used following transplants. These people should consult their doctor concerning the treatment of any infection, so that the most effective treatment can be prescribed.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy. It is absorbed into the bloodstream only in very low amounts after being applied to the lips. However, the manufacturer states that it should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. If you are pregnant you should ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. This medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream only in very low amounts after being applied to the lips. As a result, the quantities that pass into breast milk are expected to be insignificant and unlikely to have a harmful effect on a nursing infant. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.  Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)  Mild drying or flaking of the skin where the cream is applied.  Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)  Temporary stinging or burning sensation after applying the cream. Itching at the area of application.  Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)  Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema). Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. How can this medicine affect other medicines? This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. Other medicines containing the same active ingredient    Cymex ultra Lypsyl cold sore cream Soothelip   Virasorb cold sore cream Zovirax cream Zovirax eye ointment   Zovirax tablets/suspension      Aciclovir cold sore cream, cream, tablets and dispersible tablets are also available as the generic medicine, ie without a brand name. Last updated 08.09.2009 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/mouth-and-teeth/a7971/zovirax-cold-sore-cream-aciclovir/>