Description

A topical antiviral cream containing 5% aciclovir, used to treat herpes simplex virus infections—most commonly cold sores on the face or lips, and occasionally genital herpes or other cutaneous herpes outbreaks .

Prescription

Prescription-only medication—a doctor’s prescription is required to purchase .

Therapeutic Category

• Antiviral agent (nucleoside analogue)
• Indicated for herpes simplex virus skin and mucous membrane infections: particularly cold sores and genital herpes .

 Active Ingredients / Composition

• Aciclovir 5% w/w (50 mg per gram of cream).
  

Vitamins

• None.

 Minerals

• None.

 Variant

• Standard 5 g tube of 5% aciclovir cream; OTC topical dosage form.

Consume Type

• Topical cream applied externally on affected skin areas.

 Directions / Usage

• Apply a thin layer to affected skin 5 times daily for 4 days at the early sign of cold sores—tingling, redness, or bump formation.
• Use at the first symptom onset for best effect.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nose, or healthy skin—wash hands before and after use.

Common Side Effects

Generally well tolerated; possible mild and uncommon side effects include:

• Skin irritation (redness, itching, burning)
• Dryness or flaking at the application site
• Rare allergic reactions (rash, swelling).

Package Type

• Tube, typically 5 g of cream in blister-sealed packaging.

Storage Advice

• Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.
• Keep tube tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice

• For external use only; avoid application on healthy skin or mucosa .
• Avoid rubbing cream into open wounds near mucosal tissue to prevent contamination.
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding: consult a healthcare provider—though minimal absorption is expected with topical use.
• Drug interactions are unlikely given low systemic absorption, but always report use with other antivirals.
• Stop if you experience persistent redness, irritation, or signs of allergic reaction.
  

 Product Substitutes

• Generic aciclovir 5% cream from providers like Cipla (“Acivir Cream”) and Alembic Pharma.
• Other brands available in Ghana: branded aciclovir topical preparations.
  

Manufacturer / Marketer

Pharmanova Limited.

 Country of Origin

• Ghana