ZORVIRAX FACTSHEET

Available only from a pharmacy.
This medicine contains aciclovir.
It is a white cream.

This medicine is an antiviral for use on the skin. It is used to treat cold sores, a viral infection occurring on the lips. When treatment is started at the first sign (tingle) of a cold sore, it prevents the cold sore from appearing. It can also limit the severity of cold sores and speed up the healing process.

Important: Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic or sensitive to anything, including this medicine.

Have you checked with your doctor or pharmacist ?
The following may affect your treatment:

• Conditions: No other conditions are reported to affect this treatment.
• Other medicines: No reported problems with other medicines.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:

• Food: No effect. Use this medicine as directed.
• Alcohol: No known problems with this medicine.
• Driving/Operating machinery: No problems expected.
• Pregnancy: Discuss use with your doctor.
• Breast feeding: This medicine does not pass into the breast milk so problems are highly unlikely.
• Older people: No special problems.
• Antacids: No known problems with this medicine.

Important: Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Safety: After each dose, return this medicine to a safe place out of reach and sight of children.
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY

• It is important to start treatment at the first sign of a cold sore (the tingling, itching, buming stage).
  1. Wash and dry hands thoroughly.
  2. Apply a small amount directly onto the cold sore. Rub in gently until all the cream disappears. Do not apply this medicine inside the mouth.
  3. Wash hands again.
• Unless otherwise directed, use this medicine five times a day for 5 days, even if the cold sore begins to heal. If the cold sore has not healed after 5 days, continue treatment for another 5 days.
• Contact your doctor if the cold sore has not healed in ten days.

• If you forget to use this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember then go back to using it as you would normally.
• Missed doses will mean this medicine is less effective.
• If you feel this medicine is not working or if your condition gets worse, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
• Store this medicine in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children. Replace cap firmly after use.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: If you have any concerns about this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Remember: Contact your doctor if the cold sore gets worse or spreads to other parts of the body (especially the eye), or if it does not heal after 10 days.

URGENT: Get emergency medical help immediately

• if you develop wheezing or difficulty breathing, an itchy skin rash or swelling of the face or neck (allergic reaction)

• Try to find out what causes your cold sores. Common triggers include sun, wind, stress, an unhealthy diet or being generally 'run down'.
• Keep a tube of this medicine with you so that you can use it at the first sign of a cold sore.
• Cold sores are infectious. To prevent the infection from spreading:
  1. Avoid touching the area. If you do, wash your hands thoroughly immediately afterwards.
• 2. Do not touch your eyes unless you have washed your hands thoroughly first. If you wear contact lenses or eye make up, be especially careful.
• 3. When washing or drying the affected area, take care not to rub the cold sores. Use a clean tissue to gently dab the area.
• 4. Do not share facecloths, towels, toothbrushes or eating/drinking utensils.
• 5. Avoid kissing.
• Try not to break the cold sore blisters or pick the scabs. You could infect the cold sore with harmful bacteria or fungi, or cause it to spread.