Please read right through this leaflet before you start using this medicine.
This
medicine is available without prescription, but you still need to use Zovirax Cold Sore
Cream carefully to get the best results from it.
• Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
• If you have any further questions, ask your pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What Zovirax does
2. Check before you use Zovirax
3. How to use Zovirax
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Zovirax
6. Further information
1. What Zovirax does
Zovirax is used for the treatment of cold sores. The active ingredient is aciclovir, an
antiviral agent. Apply at the first signs of a cold sore (such as tingling and itching).
It can also be used to speed up healing if one has already appeared.
2. Check before you use Zovirax
Do not use Zovirax:
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol
or any of the other ingredients (listed in Section 6).
• Inside your mouth (e.g. for mouth ulcers) or nose.
• For any skin infection other than a cold sore.
• In the eyes or genital area.
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 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 if 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 breast feeding
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Zovirax if you are pregnant, trying to
become pregnant or are breast feeding.
3. How to use Zovirax
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.
• If your cold sore hasn’t healed fully after 10 days, or if it gets worse at any
time, contact your doctor.
• Never give your Zovirax to others, even if their symptoms are the same as
yours.
• The amount of cream inside this pack is enough for one cold sore attack.
For any future attacks, start treatment at the first signs of a cold sore
developing (such as tingling or itching). It can also be started during the
blister stage.
• Do not use more than the recommended dose.
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4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Zovirax can have side effects, but not everybody gets them.
Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor if you experience:
• Allergy-like reactions, for example swelling of the lips, face and eyelids.
The following side effects could also occur:
• Mild burning or stinging after application. This will quickly go away.
• Redness, itching or a mild drying or flaking of the skin, skin rashes, hives or weals.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any
possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly
via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side
effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Zovirax
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after ‘EXP’ date shown on the pack.
Do not store above 25°C but do not keep it in a refrigerator.
6. Further information
Active ingredient 5% w/w Aciclovir.
Other ingredients Dimeticone, propylene glycol, poloxamer 407, cetostearyl alcohol,
sodium laurilsulfate, white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, arlacel 165 (glycerol
monostearate, macrogol stearate 100) and purified water.
Contains 200 mg propylene glycol in each daily dose which is equivalent to
400 mg/g. Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation.
Contains 3.75 mg sodium laurilsulfate in each daily dose which is equivalent to
7.5 mg/g. Sodium laurilsulfate may cause local skin reactions (such as stinging or
burning sensation) or increase skin reactions caused by other products when applied
on the same area.
Cetostearyl alcohol can cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
Zovirax is available in a 2g tube or pump.
More about cold sores
A cold sore is an infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which
lies dormant in nerve cells supplying your lips and the surrounding skin.
When does the first infection occur?
The first infection usually occurs in early childhood, probably after being kissed by a
person with the infection. The virus passes through the skin, travels up a nerve and
stays in a nerve junction indefinitely.
What can trigger the virus?
Various things, including colds, ‘flu, menstruation, fatigue, emotional upset, stress,
physical injury, bright sunlight and simply when you are feeling ‘run down’. Once
triggered, the virus travels back down the nerve to the skin on and around the lips
where it causes the cold sore to develop.
Remember – cold sores are infectious
The virus is capable of infecting other parts of the body. To reduce the risk of passing
the infection on, do not allow others to touch your cold sore, or to share your towel,
etc. You should avoid kissing and oral sex if you or your partner has an active cold
sore. Always wash your hands before and after touching cold sores.
• Avoid touching your eyes. HSV infection of the eye can lead to ulcers on the
window of the eye (cornea).
• Avoid kissing – especially children – when you have a cold sore.
• Don’t break the blisters or pick the scabs. Not only could you infect your cold sore
with other germs, you may infect your fingers with the virus.
• Don’t share your eating and drinking utensils.
The marketing authorisation holder is Haleon UK Trading Limited, Weybridge,
KT13 0NY, U.K. and all enquiries should be sent to this address.
The manufacturer is Haleon UK Trading Services Limited, Building 5, First Floor,
The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, United Kingdom
This leaflet was last revised November 2023.
Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon group of companies.
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