Chapter 1: Clinical Overview
Famciclovir
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There are a number of brands. Pharmacist-Only Medicine.
Note: These are best started as soon as the tingling or burning sensation commences, so before the cold sore appears. They should be started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
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Antiviral medicine used to treat recurrent outbreaks of cold sores in adults over 18 years of age.
Your pharmacist will advise the patient on the usual dosage and side effects.
Reduces the severity and duration of the outbreak.
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Patients who recognise the early warning signs of a cold sore developing.
Patients who prefer the convenience of a tablet rather than creams and ointments.
Patients who get quite frequent cold sores, so that they have a supply at home ready to use at the first sign of a cold sore starting.
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Aciclovir 5% cream
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Zovirax
Zovirax Duo (Pharmacist-Only)
Note: These are best started as soon as the tingling or burning sensation commences, so before the cold sore appears. They should be started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.
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Aciclovir is an antiviral that works to reduce the multiplication of the virus.
Apply at the first sign of a cold sore, when there is a tingling or burning sensation or the bump develops. Apply regularly, five times a day approximately every four hours.
Zovirax Duo also contains a steroid ingredient that helps reduce the pain, itch and inflammation.Tip: Use a cotton bud or your finger to rub in gently and completely. Wash your hands before and after application.
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Patients who recognise the early warning signs of a cold sore developing.
Patients who get quite frequent cold sores, so that they have a supply at home ready to use at the first sign of a cold sore starting.
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Coldsore Patches
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Virasolve
Betadine
Nyal Cold Sore Cream
Note: These products are available in the front of shop.
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Virasolve has a triple action containing an antiviral to reduce virus multiplication, a local anaesthetic to reduce the pain and an antibacterial to reduce the chance of a secondary bacterial infection.
Betadine contains iodine which is an antibacterial to reduce the risk of a secondary bacterial infection.
Nyal contains camphor and menthol which reduces the discomfort of a cold sore.
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Other creams and Ointments
Associated Pharmacy Medicines
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Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol + Ibuprofen combinationNote: Ensure that the patient is not already taking any medicine with paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory, as this may lead to taking too much which may be harmful.
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Take only as directed following the dose recommendation on the pack.
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Patients suffering with severe pain and discomfort because of their cold sore.
Medicines to relieve the pain
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Vitamin C
Zinc
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Provides immune system support
Immunity Boosters
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Compeed
Note: This does not contain antiviral, anaesthetic or antibacterial ingredients. The patches have a hydrocolloidal gel which helps the healing process and reduces scabbing.
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The patch helps to:
retain the skin’s integrity
reduce the spread of the virus.
Tip: Patches can be used with tablets, but will not stick well if creams are used.
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Patients who want to cover or ‘hide’ their cold sore.
Patients who tend to touch their face, so the protection of a patch helps to reduce spread to other areas and to other people.
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There are a number of different brands
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Check the dosage recommendation on the brand your pharmacy stocks. The usual dose when a cold sore is present is 3g per day. The usual preventative dose is 1 to 3g a day in divided doses.
May cause mild gastro-intestinal upset.
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Patients who regularly suffer from cold sores.
