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. Based on internal analysis by iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd using data from the following source: IQVIA TPM MAT January 2025 ACT4 D6D1 Topical Antivirals. Brands measured in Units, reflecting estimates of real world activity. Copyright IQVIA. All rights reserved.
  2. Acitop Cream Professional Information, June 2023.
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Cold Sores [online] April 2024 [cited 17 March 2025]; Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/cold-sores
  4. Kaye KM. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections. MSD Manual Consumer version [online] December 2023 [cited 17 March 2025]; Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/herpesvirus-infections/herpes-simplex-virus-hsv-infections?query=herpes.
  5. World Health Organization. Herpes simplex virus [online] December 2024 [cited 31 March 2025]; Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus.
  6. Usatine RP, Tinitigan R. Nongenital Herpes Simplex Virus. Am Fam Physician 82(9), 1075-1082 (2010).
  7. Spruance, S. L., et al. Acyclovir Cream for Treatment of Herpes Simplex Labialis: Results of Clinical Trials. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 46, 2238–2243 (2002).
  8. InformedHealth.org. How effective are creams and tablets for the treatment of cold sores? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) 6 -8 [online] 2025 [cited 17 March 2025]; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525789/.
  9. Piperi E, et al. Management of oral herpes simplex virus infections: The problem of resistance. A narrative review. Oral Diseases 30, 877-894 (2024).
  10. Madigosky WS, et al. Does acyclovir help herpes simplex virus cold sores if treatment is delayed? [online] January 2019 [cited 17 March 2025]; Available from: https://community.the-hospitalist.org/content/does-acyclovir-help-herpes-simplex-virus-cold-sores-if-treatment-delayed
  11. Whitley RJ, et al. Infections Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus in the Immunocompromised Host: Natural History And Topical Acyclovir Therapy. J Infect Dis 150, 323-329 (1984)
  12. Leflore S, et al. A risk-benefit evaluation of aciclovir for the treatment and prophylaxis of herpes simplex virus infections. Drug Safety. 23(2), 131-142 (2000)

Scheduling status s1 trxt Reg. No. 32/20.2.8/0719. ACITOP cream. Each gram of cream contains 50 mg of Acyclovir (5,0 % w/w Acyclovir). Preservative: Chlorocresol 0.12 % m/m. 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 Professional Information as approved by the medicines regulatory authority. Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. Applicant: CIPLA MEDPRO (PTY) LTD. Co. Reg. No. 1995/004182/07. Building 9, Parc du Cap, Mispel Street, Bellville, 7530, RSA. Website: www.cipla.co.za Customer Care: 080 222 6662. IN5256/25