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ZOVIRAX CREAM (acyclovir cream) is
a potent antiviral medication that is used to treat Herpes Simplex
Virus infections. It is dispensed as a 5% ointment in 15-gram tubes.
ABOUT HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS:
Over 80 known viruses exist within the
Herpes family. Of these, 8 are known to cause disease in humans, the
most common being Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1) and type-2
(HSV-2). HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and
either type can infect the mouth or genitals. Usually, however, HSV-1
occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist:
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1)
- commonly causes herpes labialis (also called oral herpes, cold sores or
fever blisters), which is a highly infectious open sore that crust over
before healing. Although less probable, HSV-1 can also cause genital
herpes.
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2)
- a contagious viral infection primarily causing genital herpes in
men and women. The telltale signs and symptoms of genital herpes
include recurrent clusters of blisters, bumps and rashes in the genital
areas. HSV-2 can also be responsible for herpes labialis (cold sores),
although less often than HSV-1.
TRANSMISSION OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS:
Unlike viruses such as influenza, which
can be transmitted through the air, Herpes Simplex Viruses require
physical contact. They are frequently transmitted through mouth-to-mouth
contact (in the case of HSV-1) or genital-to-genital contact (in the case
of HSV-2), although other means of transmission, including hand-to-genital
and mouth-to-genital contact, are possible.
HOW DOES ZOVIRAX CREAM WORK?
ZOVIRAX CREAM is selectively
absorbed into cells infected with Herpes Simplex Virus. Within the
cell Herpes Simplex Virus coded enzymes convert ZOVIRAX CREAM
into its active form. This active form of the drug inhibits the growth and
replication of Herpes Simplex Virus by interfering with viral DNA
replication.
ZOVIRAX CREAM is preferentially
taken up and converted into its active form only by Herpes Simplex
Virus infected cells. Thus, ZOVIRAX CREAM is much less toxic
for normal uninfected cells.
CLINICAL BENEFITS OF ZOVIRAX CREAM:
When ZOVIRAX CREAM is applied to
the infected area it produces a decrease in the time to healing, a
decrease in the duration of time that the infection causes pain and
decrease in the duration of time that the infection sheds Herpes
Simplex Virus. Viral shedding is the mechanism by which Herpes
Simplex Virus is transmitted from person to person.
HOW TO USE ZOVIRAX CREAM:
Therapy with ZOVIRAX CREAM should
be instituted as early as possible following the initial onset of signs
and symptoms of infection. Infection most commonly manifests itself as a
cold sore, or as clusters of blisters, bumps and rashes in the genital
area. Symptoms of infection include tingling, itching, burning or redness
of the skin at the infection site. Symptoms oftentimes begin before any
cold sores or genital blisters, bumps and rashes are noted.
- Apply a small amount directly to the
infected area 5 times per day.
- Massage it into the skin very gently.
- It is best to wear a latex glove when
applying ZOVIRAX CREAM to the infected area. Herpes Simplex
Virus can adhere to your finger during the application process and be
inoculated to other body sites or to other persons. We will supply a
free box of latex gloves with each order of ZOVIRAX CREAM.
- After removing the glove it still is
necessary to wash your hands immediately after contact with the infected
area.
- Use the ZOVIRAX CREAM until the
infection is completed crusted or shows clear-cut signs of healing.
- Do not use ZOVIRAX CREAM for the
eyes.
- Do not apply continuously to try to
prevent infection from reoccurring.
IF I AM ON THERAPY, CAN I STILL SPREAD
HERPES TO OTHERS?
YES, no drug has been proven to prevent
the spread of herpes infection to other people. You or your partner should
always use condoms and avoid sexual contact during an outbreak.
SIDE EFFECTS:
- Recurrent or long-term swelling or pain
at application site.
- Recurrent or long-term itching at
application site.
- Recurrent or long-term redness at
application site.
If any of the above problems occur stop
the ZOVIRAX CREAM.
CAUTION:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding this
medication is best reserved for only the most severe outbreaks. Be sure to
let us know in your medical history/personal profile consult of this fact
so we can appropriately advise you about the use of ZOVIRAX CREAM.
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