Introduction About HERPEX 5% CREAM

HERPEX 5% CREAM contains Acyclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used for the management of cold sores associated with the Herpes simplex virus in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. It can also be used to speed up the healing of sores and shorten the duration of pain. A cold sore is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus most often around the mouth. Symptoms include tiny, fluid-filled lesions called cold sores, sore lips, ulcers, blisters or rashes on the skin.

Before applying HERPEX 5% CREAM inform your doctor if you have low immunity, cold sores in mouth or frequent episodes of cold sores greater than 4 times a year. HERPEX 5% CREAM is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless it is considered clearly necessary. HERPEX 5% CREAM is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk.

The most common side effects after applying HERPEX 5% CREAM are rash, itchy skin, weal, mild drying or flaking of the skin and dry lips. Contact your doctor if your side effects gets worse or persists for a longer duration.

Uses Of HERPEX 5% CREAM

It is used to:

• manage cold sores associated with herpes simplex virus infections
• speeds up the healing process and shortens the duration of pain
• manage recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunodeficiency adults and adolescents 12 years of age and above

How HERPEX 5% CREAM Works

HERPEX 5% CREAM works by against or stopping the growth of viruses (herpes virus). It has a higher affinity for viral DNA cells than human DNA cells and incorporates into the viral DNA and causes DNA chain termination and inactivation, leading to the death of cells.

How to use HERPEX 5% CREAM

Apply HERPEX 5% CREAM as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands with soap and water before applying the medicine. Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected area. Do not rub the cold sore because this may cause the cold sore to spread to other areas or make your cold sore worse. Use this medicine for up to 5 days.

Side Effects Of HERPEX 5% CREAM

How To Manage Side Effects

Skin rash Or Itching

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant before applying HERPEX 5% CREAM. Consult your doctor before applying the medicine.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

HERPEX 5% CREAM is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor before applying HERPEX 5% CREAM.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not apply HERPEX 5% CREAM if you are allergic to Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or any of the other ingredients of the medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Use with Caution

HERPEX 5% CREAM should be used with caution in children and adolescents under 12 years of age. Consult your doctor before applying HERPEX 5% CREAM.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

HERPEX 5% CREAM should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 75 years). Consult your doctor before applying HERPEX 5% CREAM.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, vitamin supplements or herbal products.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of HERPEX 5% CREAM or if you or a child accidentally swallow the medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

FAQs About HERPEX 5% CREAM

References

1. KD Tripathi. Antiviral drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page-799.

2. CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2017] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9273.pdf

3. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ireland. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2014] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/1bd6b3c8-01dc-4e0f-94d3-f738dfeb3b6c.pdf

4. GlaxoSmithKline. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in June 2014] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021478s007lbl.pdf

5. Relonchem Limited. Acyclovir. [Revised in March 2017] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://mhraproductsprod.blob.core.windows.net/docs/5b7af5e67daa228ce8c33859af93fd2d67b178b1

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM

Author Details

Written By Dr. Janet.C - Pharm.D

Reviewed By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD(Pharmacology) View profile

Last updated on 08 Aug 2024 | 12:06 PM(IST)