Zovirax Intensive 2g

Zovirax Intensive cream for use on the skin contains the active ingredient acyclovir, which has antiviral properties and is highly active against the herpes simplex virus.

Symptoms

Zovirax Intensive cream is indicated for the topical treatment of recurrent cold sores on the lips and face caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Active substance: Aciclovirum

Composition

The active substance	1 g of cream contains 50 mg of aciclovir.
the other ingredients	propylene glycol, white petrolatum, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, Arlacel 165, poloxamer 407, sodium lauryl sulfate, dimethicone, purified water.

Dosage

Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.

Zovirax Intensive cream is intended for use on the skin.

Usually, unless otherwise prescribed by a physician, the drug is used as described below.

• The drug should be applied 5 times a day to the affected areas of the skin at intervals of about four hours, with a night break. It is most effective if treatment is started as soon as possible after the first signs of herpes appear, such as burning, itching or redness. Treatment can also be started later in the disease when clumps or vesicles develop.
• Treatment should be carried out for at least 4 days.
• If the skin lesions have not healed, treatment may be extended up to 10 days. If the lesions do not disappear after 10 days of using the drug, a doctor should be consulted.

To prevent worsening or passing on of an infection, wash your hands before and after applying the medicine and avoid rubbing or touching the lesions unnecessarily with a towel.

Contradictions

Hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any of the excipients.

Contents
The drug is a white cream placed in a tube or a plastic dispenser in the form of a pump. The package contains 2 g of cream.

Storage method
15°C-25°C

Manufacturer
GLAXOSMITHKLINE

Warnings

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking Zovirax Intensive if:

• the patient’s immune system is not working properly (e.g. if you have had a bone marrow transplant or if you suffer from AIDS), immunocompromised patients should consult their doctor for treatment of any infection
• herpes after 10 days did not disappear, did not heal completely, or got worse
• there was a particularly severe recurrent cold sores

The cream should not be used:

• for skin infections other than herpes
• for the treatment of genital herpes
• on mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, inside the mouth or nose)

Zovirax Intensive should only be used on cold sores on the lips and face.

Avoid contact of the drug with the eyes.

If you get the medicine into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with warm water. If in doubt, consult your doctor.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of the skin. During treatment, do not scratch the blisters and scabs or touch them with a towel.

In order to reduce the risk of transmission of infection to other people, do not allow them to touch herpetic lesions, share towels, etc.

Pregnancy and lactation
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suspect that you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.

Driving vehicles
Zovirax Intensive cream has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Overdosage

Toxic symptoms are not expected, even if you accidentally ingest the entire contents of the Zovirax Intensive tube. However, if a large amount of the cream has been swallowed, it is recommended to contact a doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions with other drugs

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you are taking or have recently taken, and about all the drugs you plan to use. There are no known interactions of Zovirax Intensive with other drugs.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• An allergic reaction with symptoms that also include facial swelling.

The following side effects may occur:

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• mild drying or peeling of the skin
• a temporary burning, pricking or tingling sensation may appear immediately after applying the cream
• itch.

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• erythema
• contact dermatitis after using Zovirax Intensive.

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• sudden hypersensitivity reactions, including severe ones such as angioedema and urticaria.

Reporting side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet.