References and Legals

*Individual response may vary. Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible following onset of signs and symptoms of a cold sore and should be continued for 5 days. If healing has not occurred, treatment can be continued for up to 10 days 2.

References:

  1. Spruance, S. L., et al. Acyclovir Cream for Treatment of Herpes Simplex Labialis: Results of Clinical Trials. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 46, 2238–2243 (2002).
  2. For full prescribing information refer to the Professional Information approved by the medicines regulatory authority.
  3. IQVIA. IMS Data D6D Top Viral INF Products. February 2022.
  4. Pringle, C. R. Merck Manual. Merk Manual (Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., 2018). doi:10.1001/ archsurg.1972.04180110125043.
  5. James, C., et al. Herpes simplex virus: Global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016. Bull. World Health Organ. 98, 315–329 (2020).
  6. Usatine, R. P. & Tinitigan, R. Nongenital herpes simplex virus. Am. Fam. Physician 82, 1075–1082 (2010).
  7. Saleh D., Yarrarapu SNS., Sharma S., S. S. Herpes Simplex Type 1. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482197/ (2020) doi:10.5772/21902.
  8. Padgett, D. A., Sheridan, J. F., Dorne, J., Berntson, G. G., Candelora, J. & Glaser, R. Social stress and the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus type 1. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 95, 7231–7235 (1998).
  9. Schmidt, D. D., Zyzanski, S., Ellner, J., Kumar, M. L. & Arno, J. Stress as a precipitating factor in subjects with recurrent herpes labialis. J. Fam. Pract. 20, 359–366 (1985).
  10. InformedHealth.Org (Internet). How effective are creams and tablets for the treatment of cold sores?? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) 6 -8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525789/ (2006).
  11. Mayo Clinic. Cold sore [online] [cited 2018 November 28.]; Available from URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017.
  12. InformedHealth.Org (Internet). Can cold sores be prevented? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525765/ (2018).
  13. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 7 dermatologists tips for healing fry, chapped lips. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/dry-skin/dry-and-chapped-lips (2020).
  14. WebMD. Manage Dry Indoor Air This Winter. https://www.webmd.com/women/dry-indoor-air#2 (2020).
  15. WedMD. Exercise and depression. https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression#1 (2020).
  16. Cold Sores (Oral Herpes, Fever Blister). The Facts. https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/cold-sores. Accessed 29 March 2021
  17. NHS. Cold Sores. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-sores/. Accessed 29 March 2021
  18. IQVIA. IMS Data D6D Top Viral INF Products. Constructed Market. March 2021

Scheduling status: Scheduling status s1 trxt Proprietary Name (and dosage form): ACITOP cream. Pharmacological Classification: A 20.2.8. Antiviral agent. Composition: Each gram of cream contains 50 mg of Acyclovir. (5.0 % w/w Acyclovir). Preservative: Chlorocresol 0.12 % m/m. Reg. No. 32/20.2.8/0719. Marketed by: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Limited. Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07, 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. For full prescribing information, refer to the package insert as approved by the SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority). For more information speak to your healthcare professional. IN3992/21