Docosanol, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiviral

Generic and brand names: docosanol, topical; Abreva

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat cold sores or fever blisters on the face or lips. It shortens healing time and relieves symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, or itching.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is available without a prescription. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not give this medicine to children without your health care provider's approval.

This medicine works best if you use it at the first sign of a cold sore or fever blister. Use this medicine on the skin only. Keep the cream away from your eyes, the inside of your mouth, and your genitals. If some of the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them with plenty of cool water.

Before you use this medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel. Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it and rub it in gently, and completely. Wash your hands after applying the medicine.

If you accidentally wipe off the medicine while blowing the nose or wiping the mouth, reapply the dose as soon as possible.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

If your sores do not get better in 10 days, or if they get worse, check with your healthcare provider.

You may put cosmetics, such as lipstick, over this medicine. To keep from spreading the infection, carefully use a cotton swab to apply cosmetics over the cold sore. For best results, remove any cosmetics before you reapply this medicine.

To keep from spreading the infection, do not share this medicine with others.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Common: Irritation, burning, redness, scabbing, headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. Do not use other cold sore medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.