Abreva
® (
docosanol) is a non-prescription
cold sore medication. It is the only non-prescription cold sore treatment approved to shorten the healing time and the duration of
cold sore symptoms.
Abreva is made by Avanir Pharmaceuticals and is distributed by GlaxoSmithKline.
Cold sores are caused by viruses -- specifically, the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Abreva is not an antiviral medication in the traditional sense, since it does not attack the virus. Instead, the medication works by changing the cell membranes of healthy, uninfected cells. These changes help prevent the cold sore virus from getting into healthy cells, thereby helping to limit the cold sore infection.
It is important to understand that once a person has been infected with the cold sore virus, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again. Treatment with Abreva does not prevent future cold sore outbreaks.
When and How to Take Abreva
General considerations for when and how to take Abreva include the following:
- The medication is to be used directly on the cold sore; it is not to be taken internally or to be used inside the mouth or nose.
- Abreva works best if you start using it at the first signs of a cold sore (tingling, redness, or a bump). You should apply it five times a day.
- Wash your hands before and after each application. Apply the cream using a fingertip.
- You can apply cosmetics on top of Abreva. However, you should use a disposable applicator (such as a cotton swab) to avoid spreading the virus to the cosmetic.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed by the package instructions.
Dosing Information for Abreva
There is only one recommended Abreva dose, regardless of your age, weight, or other medications or medical conditions.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Abreva. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of Abreva include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Painful menstrual periods
- Stuffy or runny nose.
(Click Abreva Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Abreva
Abreva: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Abreva if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Abreva?
An Abreva overdose is unlikely, especially since each tube contains only a small amount of medication. It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose.
If you happen to overdose on Abreva, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Abreva Be Stored?
Abreva should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It is a good idea to keep a tube of Abreva with you so that you can use it at the first signs of a
cold sore.
Keep Abreva and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Abreva?
If you do not take your Abreva as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule.
Abreva comes in one strength -- Abreva 10% cream, which comes in a two-gram tube. It is now available in a tube with a convenient pump top.
Is There a Generic Version of Abreva?
Currently, no generic versions of Abreva are licensed for sale
(see Generic Abreva).
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