Zovirax Cold Sore Cream Pump - 2g

Product Summary

Zovirax is used for the treatment of cold sores. The active ingredient is aciclovir, an antiviral agent.

Apply Zovirax at the first signs of a cold sore (such as tingling and itching). It can also be used to speed up healing if a cold sore has already appeared.

Directions

• Suitable for all ages.
• Apply at the first signs of a cold sore (such as tingling and itching).
• Apply liberally to the affected area 5 times a day.
• Continue treatment for 4 days.
• If your cold sore hasn’t healed after this time, you can use the cream for up to 10 days in total.
• Treat your cold sore for 4 full days to ensure rapid healing.
• If you forget a dose, apply when you remember and continue as before.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: 5% w/w Aciclovir
• Other ingredients: Dimeticone, Propylene Glycol, Poloxamer 407, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Sodium Laurilsulfate, White Soft Paraffin, Liquid Paraffin, Arlacel 165 (Glycol Monostearate, Macrogol Stearate 100), Purified Water.

Warnings and Restrictions

Take special care with Zovirax.

• Always wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax.
• 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 in order 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.
• If you are in any doubt that you have a cold sore, contact your doctor.
• If your cold sore gets very severe, contact your doctor.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any regular medication on prescription or over-the-counter products.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zovirax if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Do not use Zovirax if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any of the other ingredients.

Other cautions

• Do not use in your mouth (e.g. for mouth ulcers) or nose.
• Do not use for any skin infection other than a cold sore.
• Do not use in the eyes or on the genital area.

Taking other medicines

This product is unlikely to interact with other medication. However, please speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you are using any other medication for the skin.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

How does Zovirax work to heal cold sores?

Zovirax Cold Sore Cream contains aciclovir, an antiviral medication. When applied early, at the initial tingle or itch, it stops the virus from multiplying. This prevents the cold sore from getting worse and shortens the healing time. Even after the cold sore has erupted, Zovirax still speeds up healing by slowing down the virus's activity.

What should I do if I get cold sores very often?

If you get cold sores more than five or six times a year, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Cold sores that recur frequently may indicate stress on your immune system or an underlying health issue. Doctors can sometimes prescribe daily antiviral tablets to prevent cold sores from recurring frequently.

Is it okay to apply makeup over a cold sore after using Zovirax?

Avoid using makeup, lipstick, or lip balm on the cold sore while it's healing. They can interfere with the medicine and might even spread the infection to other parts of your skin. If you need to cover it up, talk to your pharmacist about using a medicated cold sore patch instead, which protects the skin and allows it to heal.

Can cold sores be passed when using Zovirax cream?

Yes. Even with the use of Zovirax, cold sores are still contagious. The cream speeds healing of the sore but doesn't prevent others from becoming infected with the virus. Avoid kissing, eating with shared utensils, or touching the sore. Hand washing after applying the cream is essential. Using clean cotton swabs to apply the cream may also reduce the risk of transmission.

Can I use Zovirax Cold Sore Cream to prevent cold sores?

Zovirax is not to be used daily as a preventative cream. If you know the cause of your cold sore—like stress, sun, or illness—you can apply it at the beginning of a cold sore, like burning or tingling. This earlier use might keep the sore from forming at all. To prevent in the long term, discuss other options with your doctor.

How do I know it's a cold sore and not another condition?

Cold sores typically begin with soreness, burning, or tingling on the lip or in the mouth. Then come small, fluid-filled blisters. If the sore is in your mouth, lasts longer than 10 days, or is very painful, it might be something different, like a canker sore or other infection. If you are unsure, it's safest to examine it by your pharmacist or physician before treating it with Zovirax.

Can I reduce my risk of developing cold sores again in the future?

Preventing cold sores is as easy as avoiding your known causes. These can be any of the following: excessive sun exposure, stress, fatigue, or illness. Apply a lip balm that has an SPF when outdoors in the sun. Keep yourself healthy through regular sleep and balanced meals. Frequent hand washing and not sharing personal care items such as towels or beverages also helps to hinder the virus from spreading.

May I still attend school or work despite having a cold sore?

Yes, you can go to work or school with a cold sore. They're benign and affect lots of folks. However, you should try your best not to spread infection—don't touch the sore, wash your hands a lot, and don't pass anything you touch your mouth with to anyone else. If the sore is hurting miserably or you're not feeling well, you may just have to stay home and get some rest.

Why does the pump version of Zovirax matter?

Zovirax's pump formula is cleaner than using a tube because it prevents the bacteria or virus from spreading or coming into contact with the cream. You don't need to touch the nozzle to dispense just the right amount of it. This maintains the medicine's cleanliness and is safer, particularly if you tend to get cold sores frequently or if you share with someone else (though ideally, each person should use their own).

What should I do if the cold sore becomes worse or infected?

If your cold sore is becoming red, puffy, or pus-filled, or if it starts to spread over other parts of your face, it may be infected with virus and bacteria. This is known as a secondary infection. You may need further treatment, such as in the form of antibiotic cream or tablets. Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if your cold sore is getting worse instead of getting better.