Zovirax Duo cream, 2g, Gsk

Indications:
Zovirax Duo contains two active substances: acyclovir and hydrocortisone. Acyclovir is an antiviral active substance that helps fight the virus that causes herpes. Hydrocortisone is a low-potency corticosteroid that reduces the inflammation associated with herpes.
Zovirax Duo cream is used to treat the early signs and symptoms of herpes (for example, tingling, itching or redness) on the lips and the skin around the lips, to reduce the likelihood of herpes developing into blisters in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older).
Even if herpes progresses to the formation of blisters, Zovirax Duo will shorten the healing process by approximately 12-24 hours, compared to a cream that does not contain these two active substances.
Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex. The virus causes blisters and sores to appear, mostly on the lips, but they can sometimes appear on other areas of the face. Cold sores can occur when your body's immune system is weakened, such as when you have a cold or other infection. Stress, exposure to strong sunlight, cold temperatures, or menstruation can also cause cold sores.
You should see a doctor if your symptoms persist 5 days after stopping treatment.

Composition:
-The active substances are acyclovir and hydrocortisone. One gram of cream contains 50 mg acyclovir and 10 mg hydrocortisone.
-The other ingredients are: liquid paraffin, semi-solid white paraffin, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, cetostearyl alcohol, poloxamer 188, propylene glycol, citric acid monohydrate, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and purified water.

Method of administration:
Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
This medicine is for external use only.
Do not exceed recommended doses.
Adults and children aged 12 years and over
Apply the cream five times a day for 5 days (i.e. approximately every 3-4 hours during the day). It is recommended to start treatment as soon as possible, preferably at the first signs or symptoms of the disease (e.g. tingling, redness or itching).
Do not use for longer than 5 days. You should consult a doctor if your symptoms persist 5 days after stopping treatment.

Contraindications:
Do not use Zovirax Duo
- if you are allergic to acyclovir, valaciclovir, hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine,
- for skin infections other than herpes.

Precautions:
Use Zovirax Duo only for the treatment of cold sores on the lips and the skin around the lips.
If you repeatedly experience severe herpes outbreaks, see your doctor to check for other health problems that you are not aware of.
Do not use Zovirax Duo:
- for administration to the eyes, inside the mouth or nose or to the genitals,
- to treat genital herpes,
- if your immune system is not working properly (for example, if you have had a bone marrow transplant or if you have HIV infection) or if you have been diagnosed with a weakened immune system,
- with any kind of plaster-type dressings or anti-herpetic patches.
Do not give this medicine to children under 12 years of age because it is not known if it is effective in them or if it can be used safely in them.

Pregnancy, lactation and fertility:
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding unless your doctor considers that the potential benefits outweigh the possibility of unknown risks.

Driving and using machines:
Using Zovirax Duo does not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Presentation:
2 grams

Warning:
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you. Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.