Zovirax Cream

ZOVIRAX contains the active ingredient acyclovir. Acyclovir belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals, used for treating infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.

ZOVIRAX CREAM is used to treat cold sores, genital herpes and other skin infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is not for use in your eyes, or inside your mouth or vagina.

Do not use ZOVIRAX CREAM:

• if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to acyclovir, valacyclovir, propylene glycol, or any of the ingredients of ZOVIRAX CREAM
• for herpes infections of the eyes or genital area.

Take special care with ZOVIRAX CREAM:

• if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
• if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
• if you are under the care of a doctor because of a weak immune system (i.e. your ability to fight infection is reduced) e.g. HIV infection, a bone marrow transplant or cancer treatment. If so, a skin infection could be more serious for you than with other people.

Tell your doctor each time you get a cold sore or herpes blister. Do not treat it yourself with ZOVIRAX CREAM, unless your doctor tells you to. Only use the ZOVIRAX CREAM on cold sores on your face and anywhere on the skin. Avoid contact with your eyes. Do not use cream inside your mouth, or vagina. If you are in any doubt whether your sore is a cold sore, consult your doctor. If your cold sore is, or becomes, very severe you should consult your doctor.

Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always wash your hands before and after you use the cream. ZOVIRAX CREAM works best if you start using it as early as possible. If it is your first herpes infection, start using the cream straight away. If you get herpes blisters regularly start using the cream as soon as you feel one starting to come up. You may feel a tingling or itching sensation as this happens.

Please follow these instructions carefully:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after treating the sores so as to avoid making it worse, or giving the infection to someone else.
2. Apply a thin layer of cream to the whole of the affected area.
3. Apply to affected area 5 times daily about every four hours. If you forget a treatment apply some as soon as you remember, then continue as before.
4. Continue treatment for four days. If your sore has not healed after this time, treatment may be continued for a further 5 days. If full healing has not occurred after 10 days, or if your cold sore becomes very severe, stop the cream and consult your doctor.
5. Do not mix ZOVIRAX CREAM with any other skin cream or lotion.

Remember:

1. Do not use the cream inside your eyes. If you get any of the cream inside your eyes, wash it out with plenty of cool water. If your eyes get sore afterwards, tell your doctor.
2. Do not use the cream inside your mouth or vagina. It may irritate the skin in these areas.

If you use more ZOVIRAX CREAM than you should:

If you use more ZOVIRAX CREAM than you should have, tell your doctor or pharmacist, taking the packaging with you to show them. However, if you think that someone has accidentally swallowed the cream, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison control centre.

If you forget to use ZOVIRAX CREAM:

If you forget to apply your cream, do not worry. Make an application as soon as you remember, then carry on as before. Do not apply twice as much cream to make up for forgotten individual doses.

ZOVIRAX CREAM can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for ZOVIRAX CREAM are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice.

Some people may get the following:

• A mild burning or stinging may sometimes occur when you first put it on.
• Occasionally redness, itching or a mild drying or flaking of the skin may occur.
• Inflammation of sensitivity reactions may develop, usually due to the inactive ingredients of the cream.
• Rarely an allergic reaction may develop. Symptoms include swelling, especially of the lips, face and/or eyelids, skin rashes and weals. If you experience an allergic reaction with ZOVIRAX CREAM, stop using the cream and contact your doctor immediately.

If in doubt, or if these side effects become troublesome, stop the treatment and consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Store all medicines out of reach of children. Store below 25 °C. Do not refrigerate. Do not use if the expiry date on the packaging has passed.