Acivir (Aciclovir 5%) Cream

Acivir general information

What is Acivir used for?

Acivir Cream 5% is used to treat cold sores of the lips and face (recurrent herpes labialis) which are caused by infection with Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).  A tingling sensation on the lips or face is the warning sign the virus has been activated, and if used at this early stage, within 24 hours of the first tingle, Acivir Cream may prevent the cold sore from developing.  Once the cold sore has developed, it forms blisters on the skin, which join up to form a weeping sore.  This is when the infection is contagious and can spread to form more cold sores or can infect others you are in direct physical contact with.  Eventually the immune system will kick in to kill the virus and the cold sore will form a scab as it heals.  however, once infected with HSV, the infection cannot be cured.  HSV persists even once symptoms have disappeared and blisters have healed, by travelling down a nerve fibre and lying dormant or inactive in a nerve cell, to be reactivated, by a trigger such as stress, sunlight or if the immune system is compromised.   Acivir Cream can be used at any stage of infection, to prevent spread of infection, reduce and relieve painful symptoms, and speed up the healing process to help heal blisters and sores caused by the infection.

How does Acivir work?

Acivir Cream contains aciclovir, an antiviral agent that is used to treat and prevent the formation and spread of cold sores caused by Herpes Simplex virus (HSV-I).  Aciclovir in Acivir Cream inhibits the action of a viral enzyme (DNA polymerase), blocking viral DNA synthesis without affecting normal cellular processes in infected skin cells.  This prevents the virus replicating stops the growth and spread of the virus, relieving symptoms of the infection and helping the body to fight off the infection.  Aciclovir in Acivir Cream only works on virus that is rapidly growing, such as during the formation of a cold sore in the skin, but once the virus is dormant and inactive in a nerve cell, it has no effect.  That is why it is important to use Acivir Cream at the first sign that a cold sore may be developing (the tingle sensation), as this is when aciclovir can prevent the virus replicating in the skin cells, which prevents the formation of cold sores. 

What does Acivir contain?

Acivir Cream contains the active ingredient aciclovir (5% w/w), an antiviral agent that is used to treat and prevent the formation and spread of cold sores caused by Herpes Simplex virus (HSV-I).  It also contains a cream base.

Treating cold sores with Acivir

Acivir Cream 5% contains aciclovir, an antiviral agent that is used to treat and prevent the formation and spread of cold sores of the lips and face (recurrent herpes labialis) which are caused by infection with Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).  The first sign that a cold sore is developing is a tingling sensation on the lips or face, indicating that the virus has been activated.  As the cold sore develops, it forms blisters on the skin, which join up to form a weeping sore and becomes highly contagious. Eventually the immune system will kick in to kill the virus and the cold sore will form a scab as it heals.  however, once infected with HSV, the infection cannot be cured.  Aciclovir in Acivir Cream works by inhibiting the viral enzyme DNA polymerase, which blocks viral DNA synthesis and viral cell growth without affecting normal cellular processes in infected skin cells.  This prevents the spread of HSV, relieving symptoms of the infection and helping the body to fight the infection.  If used at an early stage, within 24 hours of the first tingle, Acivir Cream may prevent the cold sore from developing, but can be used at any stage, to prevent spread of infection, reduce and relieve painful symptoms, and to help heal blisters and sores caused by the infection.  HSV persists even once symptoms have disappeared and blisters have healed, by travelling down a nerve fibre and lying dormant or inactive in a nerve cell, to be reactivated, by a trigger such as stress, sunlight or if the immune system is compromised.  

What are the side effects of Acivir?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Acivir Cream 5% include temporary burning, stinging, itching, redness, drying and flaking at the site of application. 

When should Acivir not be used?

You should not use Acivir Cream if you:

• are allergic to aciclovir or any ingredients in Acivir
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• are immunocompromised, for example, due to HIV infection, or bone marrow or organ transplant

How should Acivir be used?

You should apply Acivir Cream 5 times daily at approximately four hourly intervals, by gently rubbing a small amount onto the affected area.  You should avoid contact with the eyes and inside the mouth and Acivir Cream must not be used to treat genital herpes.  You should start to use Acivir Cream as soon as you feel the first tingling or burning sensation on your face or lips, but you can use it at any stage of infection and should continue to use your Acivir Cream for 4 days to achieve complete healing. 

How long should you use Acivir?

You should continue to use your Acivir Cream for 4 days to achieve complete healing. 

Missed dose of Acivir

If you miss a dose of Acivir Cream 5% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Acivir be stored?

You should store your Acivir Cream 5% below 25°C in a cool dry place.