Aciclovir Cold Sore Cream - 2g (Brand May Vary)
What is Aciclovir Cream?
Aciclovir Cream is a treatment cream for cold sores. It works against the cold sore virus, helping to ease your symptoms and helping your skin to heal. If you suffer with cold sores and need a reliable treatment, aciclovir could be the perfect solution.
How will Aciclovir Cream treat my cold sores?
Acviclovir is the active ingredient in this cold sore cream, and it’s a type of medication called an antiviral. This means it works against the virus that causes mouth ulcers, slowing their growth and helping your skin to heal more quickly.
What are cold sores?
Cold sores are small, fluid filled blisters which form on and around your lips and mouth. They happen if you catch a contagious virus called simplex, which you can catch from someone else who has a cold sore. When you’re getting a cold sore, you’ll usually feel a tingling or itching sensation before the blisters will appear. A cold sore will usually heal by itself within 10 days, but you can use treatment creams like aciclovir to reduce your irritation until it’s passed.
Will my cold sores ever go away for good?
Once you have cold sores, you’ll have the virus in your skin for the rest of your life, with cold sores popping up every so often. At the moment, there is no cure for the virus which causes cold sores, but you can treat the blisters with creams like aciclovir.
Other members of my family get cold sores, can we share this treatment?
You should not share this cold sore cream with anyone else, even if they have cold sores. Sharing cold sore treatments can increase your chances of cross infection and should always be avoided. You should also take care to avoid touching your cold sore with anything else, such as a towel or cloth, as this can also increase your chance of spreading the infection.
Can I use this cream if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product during pregnancy or if you’re breastfeeding. Aciclovir may not be the best possible treatment for you at these times, as the active ingredient has been known to pass into breast milk. If you’re suffering with cold sores during pregnancy or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable treatment for you.
Can I use this product if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication, including those you obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. Some medications can interact when used together, making your medication less effective or causing unwanted side effects, but a medical professional can help you to avoid this.
How to use this cream
Before using this product, wash your hands thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area and the skin surrounding it, you don’t have to rub the cream in. Do this up to 5 times a day, leaving around 4 hours between each application. Wash your hands again after use. Use this product for up to 5 days, if your cold sore hasn’t improved after this time, you can use it for another 5 days. If there still is not any improvement after 10 days total, or your cold sore is getting worse, speak to your doctor.
When should this product not be used?
Do not use Aciclovir Cream if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol, or any of the other listed ingredients. For external use only. If your immune system is compromised, for example by HIV, a bone marrow transplant, or cancer treatment, speak to your doctor before using this product. Do not use this product:
- On mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth and nose, the eyes, or inside the vagina
- To treat mouth ulcers, herpes infections near your eyes, or in the genital area
- If your cold sore is severe
- To treat blisters anywhere other than on your lips and face
Does Aciclovir Cream have any side effects?
Like all medications, Aciclovir Cream can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may be having a severe allergic reaction and should stop use and seek immediate medical attention:
- Rash
- Itchy skin
- Weal
- Swelling of the lips, face, eyelids, or throat
Other side effects you may experience include:
- A burning or stinging sensation, which will usually go away
- Itching
- Mild drying or flaking of the skin
- Skin redness
- Skin rash
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
Why does the product I received look different from the picture on your website?
When we source our medicines, we sometimes get the same product from different brands. Although the packaging on the outside may be different, the cream you receive when you order this product will use the same active ingredient as the product pictured and will work in the same way. This helps us to keep our prices as low as possible and pass the savings on to our customers!
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
Active Ingredients
- Aciclovir
Ingredients
The active substance is aciclovir and the cream contains 50 mg in every 1 g (5%)
The other ingredients are stearoyl macrogolglycerides, dimeticone, cetyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, propylene glycol and purified water
Can this be used for genital herpes? If not, could you please recommend another.
No, this treatment is not suitable for genital herpes. Genital herpes requires prescription only treatment which you can get from your local sexual health clinic or online from a trusted online GP https://www.doctor-4-u.co.uk/aciclovir
Can I use this cream for the children under two year?
I wouldn't recommend on using this on children, as a cold sore (herpes simplex) is rare in children and would require medical consultation with a GP
Hi can this be used to treat angular cheitis please Im not sure if it’s infected but it’s not a cold sore it just hurts when I open my mouth and I think it from having dry lips
You would be better using a topical anti-fungal cream such as nystatin, clotrimazole or econazole. These can all be prescribed by your G.P. Other than that, you could try Daktarin oral gel applied to the corners of your mouth. If you wish to purchase this here is the link; https://www.chemist-4-u.com/daktarin-oral-gel-15g. Hope this helps.
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Shipping Times
| Method | Handling Time | Transit Time | Timescale | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Shipping (3-5 Working Days) | 1 | 2 | 3 | £2.95 |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | 0 | 1 | 1 | £4.95 |
Times are given in working days and are approximate. Costs may change based on order total, day of the week or location within the UK. Ability to hit timescales will depend on whether the products are ordered before a cut off time, as well as additional administration time incurred in reviewing your order.
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Shipping Costs
Free UK Delivery on all orders over £30* - Delivery within 3-5 working days.
Standard UK Delivery - £2.95* - Delivery within 3-5 working days.
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Temperature Controlled Delivery - £8.85 - Delivery within 1-3 working days.
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