Acyclovir and Hydrocortisone

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about acyclovir and hydrocortisone, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about acyclovir and hydrocortisone. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using acyclovir and hydrocortisone.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Acyclovir: Acyclovir is converted to acyclovir monophosphate by virus-specific thymidine kinase then further converted to acyclovir triphosphate by other cellular enzymes. Acyclovir triphosphate inhibits DNA synthesis and viral replication by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate for viral DNA polymerase and being incorporated into viral DNA.

Hydrocortisone: Topical corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.

There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer’s US labeling.

Canadian labeling:Known or suspected history of hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, hydrocortisone or any component of the cream.

Herpes labialis (cold sores): Topical: Apply 5 times/day for 5 days

Herpes labialis (cold sores): Topical: Children ≥6 years and Adolescents: Refer to adult dosing.

For external use only; not for use in the eye, inside the mouth or nose, or on the genitals. Wash hands before and after application. Use sufficient amount to cover the affected area(s), including the outer margin of cold sore; do not rub affected area. Initiate therapy early (ie, during the prodrome or when lesions appear).