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What is Zovirax® Cream?

Zovirax® Cold Sore Cream is an effective treatment for cold sores. It contains the antiviral agent aciclovir, which works to stop the virus replicating and therefore works to treat the virus. Only Zovirax® cream has the unique MAC-P® formula which helps to carry aciclovir to the site of the cold sore. MAC-P® helps penetrate the cold sore 5 x faster (24hr aciclovir penetration compared to other aciclovir creams) to quickly reach the site of infection.

Zovirax® cream can be applied at the tingle or blister and can cut healing time by half (compared to no treatment). If applied at the tingle, Zovirax® cream can help prevent the development of the cold sore. If you dont get any warning of the cold sore coming and a blister appears, then still apply Zovirax® antiviral cream immediately. The antiviral and moisturising properties will help heal the cold sore faster (compared to no treatment).

 

What are Zovirax® invisiSeal™ patches?

Newly available Zovirax® invisiSeal™ patches are useful for containing the cold sore and protecting the blister. Zovirax® invisiSeal™ are ultra thin film patches that discretely cover the cold sore to reduce the risk of transferring the virus, which is especially important for people with young children or who work in the childcare or hospitality industries. Although no cold sore patches are medicated with an antiviral, they can promote healing by creating a germ-free environment.

 

What are cold sores?

A cold sore is an infection which is caused by an organism called the herpes simplex virus (HSV).  This virus is different from the one that causes colds.  Although most of the population carry the virus, not everyone gets attacks or cold sores.

The first infection usually occurs during childhood.  The virus passes through the skin, travels up the nerve and then hides in a nerve junction until reactivated.

The virus can be reactivated by a number of things, such as cold & flu, menstruation, emotional upset and stress, bright sunlight, stomach upset, fatigue, physical injury, feeling run down.

When the virus is reactivated, it travels down the nerve to the face where it starts to replicate – causing the tingling sensation.  The tingle is your warning that a cold sore is about to appear.  The tingle is your signal to start using Zovirax® Cold Sore Cream.

 

How does Zovirax® work?

Zovirax® Cold Sore Cream contains the antiviral agent aciclovir, in a special MAC-P® Penetrating Formula.  The aciclovir (with the help of MAC-P®) enters the cells that are infected with the cold sore virus and stops the virus multiplication to speed healing and get rid of cold sores fast.

There are 4 stages of a cold sore. You can use scientifically proven Zovirax® Cold Sore Cream at any stage to lessen its impact on your life.

1) Tingle Stage
Your skin tingles and itches and you know a cold sore is on its way. Treat this symptom with Zovirax® Cold Sore Cream and you could stop the cold sore appearing. Remember, if you are prone to cold sores and you sense the tingle, the cold sore is at the early stages. This stage may only last 24 hours so it's important to use Zovirax® Cold Sore Cream right away.

2) Blister Stage
A small, raised blotch swells and forms a painful single blister or cluster of blisters. When the blister first breaks through the skin, healing can take several days. Apply Zovirax® Cold Sore Cream at this stage and it helps to speed up the healing by days. Carry on using it if your cold sore does develop.

3) Weeping Stage
Now the blisters collapse and join up to form a large, weeping sore. The virus can spread very easily at this stage. Most people find this the most embarrassing stage.

4) Scab Stage
The blisters begin to dry out and heal. A scab begins to form. If picked at, the scab may crack painfully and bleed.

 

How to use Zovirax®

Ideally, you should start using Zovirax® as soon as you feel the tingle of a cold sore.  However, if you miss this, you can still use Zovirax® at any stage during the cold sore to speed healing.  Apply according to the directions on the leaflet:

• Wash your hands before and after treating the cold sore so as to avoid making it worse or giving the infection to someone else.
• Apply the cream to the affected areas 5 times daily about every 4 hours.  If you forget a treatment, apply some as soon as you remember, then continue as before.
• Continue treatment for 4 days.  If your cold sore has not healed after this time, or your cold sore becomes very severe, consult your doctor.

 

Safety / Precautions

Always read the label carefully and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or side effects develop, see your healthcare professional.

Do not use Zovirax®:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are breastfeeding

Cold sores are very infectious.  Some tips for dealing with cold sores:

• Always wash your hands before and after touching cold sores.
• Avoid touching your eyes and be careful when applying makeup.
• Don't use saliva to wet contact lenses.
• Avoid kissing.
• Don't break the blisters and pick scabs, you could infect your cold sore with other germs.
• Don't share your eating or drinking utensils.
• Don't share the same towel with other people.

 

Where can I purchase Zovirax®?

Zovirax® cream and Zovirax® invisiSeal™ patches are available at selected Pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide.

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Consumer Medicine Information: Zovirax® cream contains aciclovir 5% w/w. For external use only. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the label and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist or side effects develop consult your health professional. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Auckland.

Zovirax® is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

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