Abreva Warnings and Precautions

Before taking Abreva, warnings and precautions for the drug should be reviewed. This includes reading the dosing directions carefully and talking with your healthcare provider before taking it in certain circumstances. For example, Abreva warnings and precautions state that the medication should not be used for more than 10 days at a time, and you should talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Abreva: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Abreva® (docosanol) if you:
 
  • Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Abreva Warnings and Precautions

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Abreva include the following:
 
  • Do not share Abreva with anyone, as this may spread the cold sore infection.
     
  • Do not use Abreva in or near the eyes. Also, do not apply the medication to the inside of your mouth (Abreva is not approved to treat canker sores).
     
  • Abreva is not approved for use in children under the age of 12 years old.
     
  • You should not use Abreva for more than 10 days at a time. After 10 days, you should contact your healthcare provider if your cold sore has not healed.
     
  • Abreva is unlikely to interact with other medications (see Abreva Drug Interactions).
     
  • The manufacturer of the drug recommends that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding consult their healthcare providers before using Abreva (see Abreva and Pregnancy and Abreva and Breastfeeding).
     
(Abreva Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;