Do you also get painful blisters on your lips and the corners of your mouth? Or are you uncomfortable due to a herpes infection in the genital area? If so, today we are going to talk about the Acyclovir cream that your doctor prescribed for you. There are a few things to be careful about when using this. Let's understand everything simply.
What is this medicine called Acyclovir?
Simply put, Acyclovir is an antiviral medication . You can find it under brand names like Zovirax. This cream is specifically used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus. For example:
- Cold Sores (Blisters on the Lips and Mouth)
- Genital Herpes
But here's something you definitely need to understand . This cream only controls the activity of the virus. That is, it stops the virus from growing and spreading. But this medicine cannot completely kill the virus from the body. Therefore, even if you are taking the medicine, there is a chance that someone else will be infected with this virus.
Also, remember, this is an antiviral, so it has no effect on the common cold, flu, or wounds caused by bacteria.
Things to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to know the full details of your health condition. Therefore, be sure to inform your doctor about these facts.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to Acyclovir, but to any other medicine, food, or dye in cosmetics.
- Skin conditions: Do you have large areas of burns or wounds on your skin?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is important to know if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It is essential to seek medical advice before using any medication in these situations.
How exactly do you use this cream?
To get the most out of a medication, it's important to use it correctly. Follow these steps.
1. For external use only: This is an external use medicine only. Never eat or ingest it in any other way.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the cream. This will prevent the infection from spreading to other areas.
3. Apply safely: If possible, use a finger cot or clean gloves. This will completely prevent the spread of infection from your fingers to your eyes and nose.
4. Apply a thin layer: You don't need to apply a lot of the medication. Just apply a thin layer that completely covers the wound or blister area.
5. Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this cream get into your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
6. Take it at the right time: Take it exactly when and for the number of times your doctor tells you to (e.g., 5 times a day, every 4 hours).
7. Complete the course: Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms have subsided. To completely control the virus, you must take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed .
What if you give it to little children?
This medicine may require special care if used on young children. Therefore, be sure to talk to your doctor before using this on a child.
What if I forget to apply the medicine? What if I apply too much?
If you forget to take your medicine:
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within an hour), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Overdose:
Since this is a topical medication, severe poisoning is rare. However, if you think you have used more than you think, or if someone has accidentally ingested it, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. It has been prescribed for your condition. Never share your medicine with others.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Acyclovir cream can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, there are some things to be aware of.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic symptoms that require immediate medical attention | |
| Skin rash, hives, itching | These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction. Stop using the medicine immediately and go to the nearest hospital ETU. |
| Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat | |
| Symptoms that may occur normally, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Slight burning, itching, or numbness at the injection site | These usually go away after a while or within a day or two. But if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor. |
| Dryness, peeling, or crusting of the treated skin | |
Other things to be careful about
- Other cosmetics: Do not apply other cosmetics, makeup, lip balm, or sunscreens to the wound area without first consulting your doctor.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): If you are being treated for an infection like genital herpes, avoid having sex until you have finished your treatment. This can help prevent passing the infection to your partner. Your partner may also need treatment. Talk to your doctor about this as well.
- Storage: Store the cream tube in a dry, room temperature (between 15-25 Celsius) place out of the reach of small children and pets. Keep the cap tightly closed. Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Acyclovir cream only controls viral infections, it does not cure them completely. The infection can be passed on to others.
- As the doctor said, use the medicine for the full prescribed period. Do not stop taking it even if your symptoms subside.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine. It is best to use gloves or a finger cot to prevent the spread of infection.
- Do not get it in your eyes. If you are being treated for genital herpes, avoid having sex until you have finished treatment.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, seek medical advice immediately.
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