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GSK / Zovirax

Denavir ® cream 1% and Zovirax ® cream 5% are the only prescription medications that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cold sores. Denavir ® (penciclovir) received its FDA approval in 1996, Zovirax ® (acyclovir) received its approval in the treatment of cold sores in late 2002

ZOVIRAX® (acyclovir) Cream 5% is a topical form of the drug acyclovir, which is a treatment for the herpes virus. Each gram of ZOVIRAX® Cream 5% contains 50 mg of acyclovir in a propylene glycol base.

This product is indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older).

ZOVIRAX® Cream 5% is available in 2g and 5g tubes.

ZOVIRAX® Cream 5% was well tolerated in studies in patients with cold sores. There is less than a 1% incidence of the most common skin-related side effects of ZOVIRAX® Cream 5%: dry or cracked lips or a burning or stinging feeling. Some cases of angioedema, contact dermatitis, and inflammation at the application site have been reported. ZOVIRAX® Cream 5% does not prevent transmission of HSV infections.

How does it work?
Zovirax cream contains the active ingredient aciclovir, which is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat skin infections with the herpes simplex virus, for example cold sores and genital herpes (caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2). (NB. Aciclovir cream is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
Aciclovir works by stopping the herpes simplex virus from reproducing and infecting more cells.

Aciclovir is converted to a more active form inside cells of the body that are infected with herpes simplex. The activated aciclovir then works by blocking the action of a viral enzyme called DNA polymerase.

The herpes virus needs the DNA polymerase enzyme to copy its genetic material from RNA to DNA. This process is necessary for the virus to multiply and continue to survive. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase, aciclovir prevents the herpes virus from multiplying. This controls the infection and helps the immune system to deal with it.

For recurrent infections aciclovir cream is most effective if treatment is started as soon as the first signs of the infection begin to reappear.

What is it used for?

• Genital herpes (herpes simplex infection)
• Cold sores (herpes simplex infection)

Zovirax Tablets are indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections of the skin and mucous membranes including initial and recurrent genital herpes.

Zovirax Tablets are indicated for the suppression of recurrent herpes simplex infections in immunocompetent patients.

Zovirax Tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis of herpes simplex infections in immunocompromised patients.

Zovirax Tablets are indicated for the treatment of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) infections.