Aciclovir 5% Cream

Use Aciclovir 5% Cream exactly as directed by your pharmacist, prescriber or the patient information leaflet supplied with the product.

The treatment schedule for cold sores is: Five times daily. Do not change the dose, frequency or duration unless advised by a clinician.

Apply a thin layer to the affected area as directed. Wash your hands after application unless the hands are the area being treated, and avoid the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes unless the product is specifically intended for them.

Start as early as possible, ideally during tingling or burning or when the first lesion appears. Do not apply inside the mouth or nose or in or near the eyes. It is not recommended for immunocompromised patients without medical advice.

If symptoms of cold sores worsen, do not respond as expected or you develop a serious reaction, stop and seek appropriate clinical advice.

Aciclovir 5% Cream contains Aciclovir 5% as the main active ingredient or treatment component.

The exact formulation, excipients, device components or inactive ingredients can vary by manufacturer and pack supplied.

Always check the patient information leaflet or product instructions supplied with your specific pack, particularly if you have known allergies or intolerances.

Common effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Dose review and good hydration are particularly important when kidney function is reduced.

Start as early as possible, ideally during tingling or burning or when the first lesion appears. Do not apply inside the mouth or nose or in or near the eyes. It is not recommended for immunocompromised patients without medical advice.

Eye pain, a red eye, light sensitivity, blurred vision, lesions very close to the eye, severe widespread infection or significant immune suppression require prompt medical assessment rather than routine online treatment.

Stop treatment and seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, collapse or another severe allergic reaction.

Use only as directed on the pack or by the pharmacist, and seek clinical review if symptoms are severe, recurrent, atypical or not improving as expected.