The scab may crack or bleed until it finally clears up. Once the skin is clear of the cold sore, it is no longer possible to transmit it to someone else. Keep your hands off to help it heal! Use Hydrogen Peroxide — Using hydrogen peroxide on a cold sore can dry it out and stop it from spreading or growing!
Apply Ice — Especially good for those with swelling, using a cold compress or ice will bring down the growth of a cold sore. People who already have HSV-1 infection are not at risk of getting it again, but they are still at risk of acquiring herpes simplex virus type 2 HSV-2 genital infection see below.
Skip to content Users questions. Click the "Get free coupon" button to receive your free Abreva discount. Print, email or text message your coupon. Present your coupon the next time you fill your prescription. Abreva docosanol is a topical antiviral cream used to treat cold sore outbreaks on the face and lips that result from the herpes simplex virus. It shortens the length of time needed to heal, and helps the outbreak end faster.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, or according to the instructions on the medication packaging. Do not ingest. For best results, apply this medication as soon as you experience the signs of a cold sore e. Always wash your hands before applying Abreva. Make sure your face is clean and dry, and you are not wearing any cosmetics. Apply just enough cream to cover the cold sore area and rub in gently 5 times per day every day for 5 days.
If the sore is not healed or gets worse in 10 days, see your doctor. If your medication is washed off for any reason, reapply immediately.
This medication will dry clear. Once it is dry, you can apply makeup over your cold sore, but be careful that none of the medication is removed.
While headaches have been reported as a potential side effect, there are no definitive side effects connected to Abreva. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue application and seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Symptoms of allergic reaction include: rash or hives with itchiness, swelling in the face and lips, swelling in the tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
You may apply the missed dose of Abreva medicine as soon as you remember it. Apply the next dose on time, but never apply a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Store at room temperature and away from excess light or heat e. Never allow this medication to freeze. Because this is a topical cream used to cover a small location, overdose is unlikely.
However, if you suspect a problem, or if Abreva has been ingested, call your local poison control center or seek medical assistance. Abreva medicine can only treat the symptoms of your infection, and is not a cure.
Acyclovir needs to be taken 5 times per day for five days. Valacyclovir only has to be taken twice a day for one day. As you can see both of these can lower the cost to treat your cold sores. However, if you have to pay for a doctors office copay it might wipe out the savings. BestRxforSavings tip: If you have had cold sores or fever blisters in the past your doctor may just call you in a script for future cases without an office visit.
Drug discount programs are available today in a variety of formats. These discount programs negotiate prices with one or all of the following to get discounts.
Most work with pharmacies who want to show up in the search function on the discount programs website or mobile application. Therefore, patients can see a discounted price the pharmacy negotiates with the discount program.
Keep in mind these can not be used with insurance, but instead when the negotiated price is better than the price with insurance. Most people would not think the discount price could be better than insurance, but many times it is. A few of the major discount programs available today include:. Again, checking to see if the therapeutic alternatives that have generics are cheaper without insurance is a good idea.
Many times your insurance copay might be more than what you can buy them for from the pharmacy paying cash. Even though Abreva is only over the counter, for a drug discount program to work it has to have a prescription. The requirement has to do with how these services offer their discounts.
Over the counter drugs are typically not searchable by these vendors. Abreva is an OTC medication. That means insurance will likely not cover it. That means you have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
The two therapeutic alternatives listed above to Abreva are normally covered. Given that they have generics most insurance plans will cover them. If you have a low copay for generic drugs this might be your best bet. Abreva is NOT covered by Medicare. Again, the reason is it is an OTC drug. To find out if therapeutic alternatives are covered go to Medicare. Follow the prompts and provide your basic information about prescriptions and pharmacy preference.
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