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Abreva

side effects drug center abreva (docosanol cream) drug

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  • Drug Description

    What is Abreva and how is it used?

    Abreva is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Cold Sores/Fever Blister. Abreva may be used alone or with other medications.

    Abreva belongs to a class of drugs called Antivirals, Topical.

    It is not known if Abreva is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age.

    What are the possible side effects of Abreva?

    Abreva may cause serious side effects including:

    • cold sore gets worse or is not healed within 10 days,
    • rash,
    • itching,
    • swelling of the face, tongue or throat,
    • severe dizziness, and
    • trouble breathing

    Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

    The most common side effects of Abreva include:

    • skin itching,
    • rash, and
    • itching where the medicine is applied

    Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

    These are not all the possible side effects of Abreva. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Indications & Dosage

    INDICATIONS

    Cold sore/fever blister treatment

    Uses

    • treats cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips
    • shortens healing time and duration of symptoms:
      • tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching

    DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    Directions

    adults and children 12 years or over:

    • wash hands before and after applying cream
    • apply to affected area on face or lips at the first sign of cold sore/fever blister (tingle).
    • early treatment ensures the best results
    • rub in gently but completely
    • use 5 times a day until healed

    children under 12 years :

    • ask a doctor

    HOW SUPPLIED

    Dosage Forms And Strengths

    Product: 50090-3476

    NDC: 50090-3476-0 2 g in a TUBE

    Storage

    • store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
    • do not freeze

    Distributed for Avanir Pharmaceuticals by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, L.P. Moon Twp, PA 15108. Revised: Jun 2018

    Side Effects & Drug Interactions

    SIDE EFFECTS

    No information provided.

    DRUG INTERACTIONS

    No information provided.

    Warnings & Precautions

    WARNINGS

    For external use only

    Do not use

    • if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product

    When using this product

    • apply only to affected areas
    • do not use in or near the eyes
    • avoid applying directly inside your mouth
    • do not share this product with anyone. This may spread infection

    Stop use and ask a doctor if

    • your cold sore gets worse or the cold sore is not healed within 10 days

    Keep out of reach of children.

    If swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.

    PRECAUTIONS

    See WARNINGS above.

    Overdosage & Contraindications

    OVERDOSE

    No information provided.

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    No information provided.

    Clinical Pharmacology

    CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    No information provided.

    Medication Guide

    PATIENT INFORMATION

    Thank you for puchas ing ABREVA . We hope that since ABREVA shortens the healing time of cold sores, it helps you look and feel better faster. Please follow insert directions for proper use and
    refer to the information below.

    You are not alone

    An estimated one-in-five Americans is affected by cold sores each year. Most people who experience them get two to three cold sore outbreaks each year. Just before and during an outbreak, the cold sore
    infection can be easily passed on to others. It is especially important to be aware of early warning sign that a cold sore is coming, and to be sure to avoid close physical contact when you have one.

    Getting to the Root of the Problem

    A blister, or cluster of blisters around your mouth, is caused by the cold sore virus. After the cold sore has healed, the virus stays dormant in your body but can be reactivated by everyday triggers like stress,
    sunlight, extreme hot or cold weather, colds and flu, lack of sleep, or menstruation.

    The Sooner, the Better

    A typical cold sore outbreak can last as long as seven to ten days. The sooner you begin using ABREVA, the more effective the medicine will be. So for best results, use ABREVA at the very start
    of the cold sore - when you feel the first sign of the tingle, redness, bump or itch.

    ABREVA is different from other over-the-counter cold sore products. Only ABREVA contains 10% docosanol, which helps to shorten the healing time of cold sores and the duration of symptoms
    including tingling, pain, itching and burning.

    Frequently Asked Questions :

    How is ABREVA different from the over-the-counter cold sore remedies I have already been using?

    Abreva is the only FDA approved non-prescription cold sore medicine that can actually shorten healing time and the duration of symptoms. The sooner you start using ABREVA, the sooner you can begin
    healing your cold sore.

    Who can use ABREVA?

    Adults and children 12 years and over can use ABREVA.

    How often can I apply ABREVA?

    ABREVA should be used five times a day until the cold sore is healed. Apply it directly to the cold sore at the first sign of a tingle, redness, bump or itch for best results.

    Can I apply cosmetics on top of ABREVA?

    Yes, cosmetics such as lipstick may be applied over ABREVA. However, use a separate applicator, like a cotton swab, to apply cosmetics over an unhealed cold sore to avoid spreading the infection. For best results, remove any cosmetics prior to applying ABREVA.