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Abreva

side effects drug center abreva (docosanol cream) drug - patient side effects and images

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    • Abreva Patient Information Including Side Effects

    Brand Names: Abreva, Abreva Pump

    Generic Name: docosanol topical

    What is docosanol topical (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Docosanol topical (for the skin) is used to treat cold sores on the face and lips.

    Docosanol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

    What are the possible side effects of docosanol topical (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; feeling light-headed; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

    Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

    This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    What is the most important information I should know about docosanol topical (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

    Abreva Patient Information including How Should I Take

    What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using docosanol topical (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    You should not use docosanol topical if you are allergic to it.

    Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Do not use this medicine on a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

    How should I use docosanol topical (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

    Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

    Apply this medicine at the first sign of a cold sore, such as tingling, redness, itching, or a blister.

    Wash your hands before and after applying docosanol topical.

    Remove any cosmetics before applying docosanol topical. Apply enough medicine to completely cover the cold sore. Rub in gently and completely.

    Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 10 days, or if they get worse.

    Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

    Abreva Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

    What happens if I miss a dose (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

    What happens if I overdose (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    An overdose of docosanol is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

    What should I avoid while using docosanol topical (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Sharing this medicine may spread the infection.

    Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or mouth.

    What other drugs will affect docosanol topical (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

    Where can I get more information (Abreva, Abreva Pump)?

    Your pharmacist can provide more information about docosanol topical.

    Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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