It is advised to stop treatment after 6 or 12 months to reassess the frequency of outbreaks you are having. If you are having recurrent outbreaks of cold sores then you could try taking aciclovir 400mg twice a day for 6-12 months which may reduce or stop the number of outbreaks you are experiencing. Can I take aciclovir to reduce the number of outbreaks I have? If you are unsure then see your regular doctor. It could be something else eg Impetigo - spreading, golden, crusty sores, which require antibiotic (not antiviral) treatment. If the sore has not resolved at the end of the treatment, it may be that you started the treatment too late to alter the course of the cold sore. The course of Aciclovir tablets is a standard 5 days only. If you are using Aciclovir cream you can continue for up to 10 days in total. Dr Fox does not supply Aciclovir to women who are breastfeeding. If taken by mouth there is a significant amount in the breast milk, and whilst this is unlikely to cause harm to your baby, it is best avoided. I am breastfeeding - can I take/use Aciclovir? See BUMPS use of medicines in pregnancy factsheet - Aciclovir for further information. Dr Fox does not supply aciclovir to pregnant women. The manufacturers do not recommend taking Aciclovir if you are pregnant, however studies have shown that it is usually safe. I am pregnant - can I take/use Aciclovir? The manufacturer's Aciclovir 200mg patient information leaflet has a full list of possible side effects. If this happens stop taking tablets and seek immediate medical assistance. On very rare occasions, this could involve swelling of the lips, face, or eyelids, and shortness of breath with wheeze. Rarely, people can develop an allergy to Aciclovir. These are more likely if taking tablets, and at higher doses than used for cold sores. The most common side effects are dizziness, headache, rash, itching skin, tiredness, nausea and sickness, diarrhoea, stomach pain, fever and skin reaction after exposure to light (photosensitivity). What are the possible side effects of Aciclovir? There are checks in the online consultation questions and you may need to see your regular doctor. There is an increased risk of very rare neurological side effects in the elderly, so discuss with your own doctor if you are over 65 years. Aciclovir may not be suitable for people with a history of seizures or kidney disease, or if you are taking theophylline or aminophylline for asthma. There are a few theoretical drug interactions, but at the doses used to treat cold sores in either cream or tablets, these are mostly unlikely to be a problem. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the sore to prevent spreading the virus. You could also try soothing the area by using a cool wet compress and washing the area gently with salt water. It is available as tablets or as a cream - both are available from Dr Fox following an online cold sore consultation. What treatment can I use for my cold sore?Īciclovir is one of a group of drugs used to treat herpes infections. Cold sore infection can be spread by direct contact from the lips to the genital region, so do not have oral sex whilst you have a cold sore. Do not use a communal towel or share a flannel. How do I stop giving cold sores to my family and partner?Īs the virus is transmitted by contact, do not let the cold sore touch another person's skin. The virus is transmitted by direct contact, so it is passed from person to person, often by kissing. However, in recent years there is more overlap. In the past, cold sores were mostly caused by HSV1 and genital herpes by HSV2. They are both skin conditions caused by Herpes viruses. Is a cold sore the same as genital herpes? It usually lasts for 7-10 days before healing with no scar. Most people with cold sores recognise the pattern - there is usually a tingling feeling 1-2 days before the redness followed by blistering, and then a small ulcer develops. Reactivation can be triggered by a variety of things including other infections such as colds or 'flu', getting tired and run down, menstruation, stress, sunlight or strong wind on the affected area, and minor injuries. Why do I get repeat cold sores?Īfter your first infection the virus continues to live in the nerves around the mouth and it occasionally reactivates causing a new cold sore infection. Can taking daily Lysine help to prevent cold sores?Ĭold sores are small sores, usually around the mouth, caused by the herpes virus - usually HSV1.Can I use Zovirax/aciclovir cream for genital herpes on my penis/vulva?.Can I take aciclovir to reduce the number of outbreaks I have?.What if my cold sore doesn't get better?.I am breastfeeding - can I take/use aciclovir?.I am pregnant - can I take/use aciclovir?.What are the possible side effects of aciclovir?.Medications & prices Medications and prices Close.
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