ABREVA CREAM

Don’t let cold sores take away your confidence. Tackle the source of your cold sore right from the first tingle.

The product of years of rigorous scientific study, Abreva cream works by penetrating deep into the skin to the source of the spreading virus that causes cold sores. When used at the first sign, it blocks the cold sore virus from entering surrounding cells*** and reduces the duration of pain, burning, itching and/or tingling.

***Based on laboratory studies.

HOW DOES ABREVA CREAM WORK AS A TREATMENT FOR COLD SORES?

If used at the first sign, Abreva can help to shorten cold sore healing time. Abreva reduces the duration of pain, burning, itching or tingling associated with cold sores. In fact, treatment with Abreva reduces the median healing time of a cold sore to 4.1 days (when used at the first sign), whereas if left untreated, a cold sore can take up to 10 days to clear up¹.

Abreva cream comes in a tube or pump and uses the same formula regardless of packaging. Of course, to be sure Abreva is right for you, always read and follow the label or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

WHAT ABREVA COLD SORE CREAM WORKS FOR

Abreva cream is specifically designed to treat and heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth. They can be painful and unsightly, which is why some people turn to natural remedies for cold sores, such as taking lysine supplements, when they get one. The hope is that the cold sore will heal faster, but most natural remedies can only provide superficial symptom relief. For clinically proven healing power, turn to Abreva.

Some find it hard to tell the difference between a cold sore and a pimple. Pimples can appear anywhere on the face and typically have a white or black head, whereas cold sores usually form multiple liquid-filled blisters that later crust over. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist.

Abreva dose on the tip of a woman’s finger

HOW TO USE ABREVA CREAM

For best results, apply Abreva cream to clean skin at the first sign of a tingle, bump, or itch. Use either your finger or a cotton swab to apply the cream, completely covering the cold sore and the surrounding area. Always wash your hands before and after applying. Abreva cream should be applied five times a day until your cold sore is fully healed, up to a maximum of 10 days.

Other products can be applied over Abreva cold sore cream once it has dried. For example, you can apply lip balm if your lips have become chapped, or lipstick, which can help conceal a cold sore until it heals fully. Find more advice on how to help hide a cold sore, here.

Dealing with a cold sore isn't fun, but knowing what causes cold sores, how they spread and the best way to treat them will help you take charge and defend yourself against future outbreaks.

Medicinal ingredient: Docosanol 10% w/w

Non-medicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, light mineral oil, propylene glycol, sucrose distearate, sucrose stearate, water.

How to use Abreva

Wash your hands and then apply the required amount of ABREVA to the tip of your finger or cotton swab. ABREVA should then be rubbed in gently, but completely, into the area around your cold sore. Repeat this 5 times per day until the lesion is healed, up to a maximum of 10 days.

Begin treating at the first symptoms or signs of an episode (itching, burning, tingling or redness), because early treatment is important for best results.

ABREVA Tube: Wash your hands again and avoid contaminating the tip of the tube after applying the cream to the cold sore. Place cap back on tube.

ABREVA Pump: Remove cap and press pump firmly. When first used, expect to press pump completely about 6-8 times to obtain the first dose. Place cap back on pump after each use.

Wash hands after applying the cream.

Cosmetics may be applied after ABREVA is rubbed in, using a separate applicator to avoid spreading the infection.

ABREVA should only be used to treat cold sores on the lips and face. When using this product, apply only to affected areas. Avoid applying inside the mouth. It should not be taken orally. Care should be taken to avoid application in or near the eyes since it may cause irritation; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. If excessive skin irritation develops or increases, discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner. Stop use and ask a healthcare practitioner if your cold sore gets worse or the cold sore is not healed within 10 days. Stop using this medicine and contact your healthcare practitioner immediately if you experience an allergic reaction (e.g. rash, itchy skin, swelling). To avoid spreading infection, do not share this medicine. Keep out of the reach of children. Store between 15°C - 25°C. Do not freeze.

Use of ABREVA in pregnancy and breast-feeding ABREVA is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breast-feeding unless advised by a healthcare practitioner. Talk to your healthcare practitioner before you use ABREVA.